Inhibition of monoamine oxidase by 8-[(phenylethyl)sulfanyl]caffeine analogues.

In a previous study we have investigated the monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitory properties of a series of 8-sulfanylcaffeine analogues. Among the compounds studied, 8-[(phenylethyl)sulfanyl]caffeine (IC(50) = 0.223 μM) was found to be a particularly potent inhibitor of the type B MAO isoform.

Ion composition of airway surface liquid of patients with cystic fibrosis as compared with normal and disease-control subjects.

To test whether a major contribution of airways epithelial ion transport to lung defense reflects the regulation of airway surface liquid (ASL) ionic composition, we measured ASL composition using the filter paper technique. On nasal surfaces, the Cl- concentration (approximately 125 meq/liter) was similar to plasma, but the Na+ concentration (approximately 110 meq/liter) was below plasma, and K+ concentration (approximately 30 meq/liter) above plasma. The resting ASL osmolarity [2(Na+ + K+); 277 meq/liter] approximated isotonicity.

Deposition, clearance, and effects of aerosolized amiloride in sheep airways.

Persistent Na+ absorption across a relatively Cl- impermeable epithelial barrier may contribute to the smaller water content of airway surface liquid (ASL) in cystic fibrosis. In this study, the feasibility and effectiveness of delivering an inhibitor of Na+ absorption, amiloride, by aerosol to the ASL of awake sheep was evaluated. Aerosolization of 6 X 10(-3) M amiloride, with [14C]amiloride, resulted in an estimated concentration of 7 X 10(-4) M in ASL.

Measurement of cardiopulmonary function in ventilated neonates with respiratory distress syndrome using rebreathing methodology.

The feasibility of using a multiple gas rebreathing technique to evaluate cardiopulmonary function in the ventilated neonate was assessed by measuring functional residual capacity, diffusing capacity of lung for carbon monoxide, and effective pulmonary capillary blood flow in 10 neonates with respiratory distress syndrome. Measurements were first made on the level of positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) selected by the clinicians caring for the infants ("clinical" PEEP, mean of 4.4 +/- 0.

Measurement of cardiopulmonary function by rebreathing methodology in piglets.

The use of a multiple gas rebreathing method for the measurement of cardiopulmonary function in mechanically ventilated neonates was evaluated. The following indices of cardiopulmonary function were assessed in 20 piglets (mean weight, 2.3 kg): 1) pulmonary capillary blood flow (Qc), 2) diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), 3) lung gas volume (FRC), 4) oxygen consumption (VO2), and 5) volume of the pulmonary tissues and capillaries (VTPC), the latter an estimate of total lung water.