[New algorithm of aqueous humor dynamics assessment in glaucoma].

The purpose of the study was to develop a new algorithm of aqueous humor dynamics assessment in glaucomatous eyes, which would take into account the shape of the tonographic curve and individual elastic properties of the corneoscleral capsule. Basic ophthalmic examination supplemented with tonography and differentiated tonometry was performed on 33 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), 8 POAG suspects, and 9 healthy controls. Obtained data were processed in accordance with the developed algorithm.

[Estimation of the forced expiration tracheal sounds intensity].

The investigation of tracheal sounds of forced expiration is realized on the basis of the mathematical model of forced expiration. It is demonstrated that a separation flow in the region of a dynamical contraction trachea during forced expiration may to cause tracheal sounds generation.

[Effect of cytochrome P-450 inhibitors on oxidative modification of low-density lipoproproteins by macrophages].

Unlike other cytochrome P450-dependent oxygenase inhibitors, ketoconazole has been shown to suppress the murine macrophage-mediated oxidative modification of human low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in a dose-dependent manner. The benzo[alpha]pyrene-induced microsomal monooxygenase activity was accomplished by a 1,5-fold increase in LDL oxidation by macrophages, ketokonazole (20 mu), methoxalene (20 mu), and alpha-naphthaflavone (50 mu). Ketoconazole was also effective in inhibiting macrophageal NADPH oxidase and LDL autooxidation induced by Fe2+ rather than Cu+, which is likely to be associated with its ability to act as a chelator of free and heme-bound iron ions.

[Change in the oxidative metabolism of macrophages during transformation into foam cells].

Oxidative metabolism of murine peritoneal macrophages was studied after cultivation in a mixture containing acetylated low density lipoproteins within 24 and 48 hr using luminol- and lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence. Chemiluminescence of foamy cells, induced by opsonized zymosan, was not distinctly altered as compared with native macrophages; at the same time, the rate of both lucigenin- and luminol-dependent spontaneous chemiluminescence was distinctly decreased. The imbalance of the oxidative reactions observed enables the authors to propose the antioxidative mechanism of atherosclerotic lesion.

[Cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenase activity and the functions of immunologically competent cells].

The authors summarize the data on the interrelationship between cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase system activity in immunocompetent cells and their functional properties, provide the results of experimental research showing an important role this enzyme system plays in macrophages and lymphocytes and the influence of immunoactive substances on their activity. The data amassed support the immunomodulating effects of cytochrome P450 inducing substances. In a majority of cases their action manifests itself in the suppression of different functions of immunocompetent cells.

[Effect of the monooxygenase activity inhibitor ketoconazole on cholesterol esterification in mouse peritoneal macrophages].

In order to determine the feasible role of monooxygenases in regulation of the macrophage acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) activity, the effects of ketoconazole on the activities of benz(a)pyrene hydroxylase and ACAT as well as on the [14C]oleate incorporation into cholesterol esters in cultured mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM) were studied. Ketoconazole (0.5-50 M) inhibited the benz(a)pyrene hydroxylase activity but increased the free cholesterol (FC) level in MPM cultured with an acetylated low density lipoprotein (acetyl-LDL).

[Evaluation of airway resistance determined by whole-body plethysmography].

Methods of estimation of the airway resistance by flow-pressure curve obtained in whole-body plethysmography are investigated. The analysis of the physical processes controlling the flow-limitation during expiration shows that these methods are useful only for healthy subjects for the estimation of the airway resistance. The way for estimation of the airway resistance by flow-pressure curve is proposed.