Dystrophin abnormalities in polymyositis and dermatomyositis.

The expression of dystrophin in muscle biopsies from nine cases of polymyositis, ten cases of juvenile dermatomyositis and three adults with dermatomyositis was studied by Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry. Five antibodies corresponding to different N- and C-terminal regions of the dystrophin gene were used. Sixteen of the 22 cases (73%) showed an abnormality in the expression of dystrophin on Western blot analysis, either with a reduced molecular weight protein or a reduced amount.

Attenuation of nocturnal asthma by cromakalim.

In a randomised, double-blind, crossover study, single oral doses of cromakalim, a potassium-channel activator, or placebo were given to 23 patients with nocturnal asthma. There was a significant reduction (p less than 0.005) in the early morning fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) after 0.

Controlled release salbutamol tablets versus sustained release theophylline tablets in the control of reversible obstructive airways disease.

A crossover pilot study was undertaken to compare the acceptability of controlled release salbutamol tablets (8 mg twice daily) with a sustained release theophylline preparation (400-800 mg given once each night) in patients with reversible obstructive airways disease. A 2-week run-in period was used to titrate the theophylline dosage. Patients were then allocated at random to one of the treatments before being immediately crossed over to the other for a further 4 weeks.