Biomedical subjects

S I Wasserman

Publications and source records attributed to S I Wasserman.

111 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

PubMedDate not supplied

Secondary immune response in the middle ear: immunological, morphological, and physiological observations.

A model of secondary immune response in the middle ear (ME) was developed in the guinea pig. Animals were immunized intradermally with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and challenged with KLH in the ME 8 weeks later. The ME displayed effusion, mucosal hyperplasia, mucosal edema, and leukocytic infiltration. These responses were maximal at 3 days postchallenge, and persisted for 2 to 3 weeks. High levels of antibody were observed in the ME effusions, and serum titers increased significantly. Immunohistochemical localization of antibody indicated that substantial free IgG was present in the submucosa, with much less in the mucosal epithelium. IgA plasma cells were observed in the submucosa at 1 week postchallenge, but no IgM was detected. In contrast to the response observed in sensitized animals, antigen presented to the ME of unimmunized control animals resulted in no effusion, minimal mucosal inflammation, and little or no antibody in either the ME or serum. However, substantial neutrophilic infiltration of the ME cavity was observed. The effusion and inflammation produced by secondary ME immune responses were not affected by tympanostomy tubes. Eustachian tube function as measured by a forced response test was not affected by ME immune response. This suggests that the immunologically induced effusion was not the result of eustachian tube obstruction. We postulate that increased vascular permeability in the ME mucosa, induced by chemical mediators, resulted in the transudation of serum.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Immunopharmacologic profile of nedocromil sodium.

Nedocromil sodium, a pyranoquinolone, was specifically designed as an agent to suppress allergic inflammation. Nedocromil sodium significantly affects not only the early-phase of allergen-induced responses, but also expression of late-phase inflammation, even when administered after the onset of early-phase responses. Nedocromil sodium also limits bronchoconstriction induced by nonallergic factors, including cold air and sulfur dioxide at dosages lower than required with cromolyn sodium. Nedocromil sodium is more potent than cromolyn sodium in preventing mast cell degranulation in selective animal models. In addition, nedocromil sodium limits leukotriene C4 production by calcium ionophore-stimulated eosinophils and also limits the activity of platelet activating factor to induce neutrophil generation of superoxides. Diurnal variation of peak flow rates in asthmatics and requirement for both beta 2-agonists and inhaled beclomethasone have been noted to be reduced in several trials employing nedocromil sodium, suggesting that its in vivo activity parallels its in vitro activity as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Cetirizine therapy for seasonal allergic rhinitis: alternative dosage schedules.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was undertaken for two weeks to evaluate three dosing schedules for administration of cetirizine in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Average severity scores from the patients' ratings for sneezing and nasal itching were significantly reduced in all three cetirizine groups (10 mg QAM or QHS and 5 mg BID), compared with placebo. The effectiveness of cetirizine in once-daily dosing schedules indicates that significant antihistaminic activity is delivered over a full 24 hours. The possibility for flexibility in dosing combined with its relatively short half-life and low incidence of adverse effects make cetirizine an important second-generation H1-antihistamine for the management of seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Adolescent↗