Differential effects of salbutamol and montelukast on eosinophil adhesion and superoxide anion generation.

Background: Beta2-agonists, a representative class of bronchodilators used for asthma, have been shown to modulate some functions of eosinophils, including cell adhesion. Similarly, a leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) may be beneficial in controlling inflammation in asthma, as cysteinyl leukotrienes (cysLTs) can cause accumulation or activation of eosinophils. Recent evidence suggests that the addition of an LTRA, but not a long-acting beta2-agonist, to inhaled corticosteroid additionally reduces the number of eosinophils in sputum and blood from patients with asthma.

[Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis of the upper lobe: a case report].

A 26-year-old man was admitted to our hospital complaining of exertional dyspnea. Chest x-ray films disclosed reticulonodular shadows predominantly in the upper fields of both lungs, but no apical cap. Lung biopsy specimens obtained from the upper lobe by video-assisted thoracoscopy revealed subpleural elasto-fibrosis.