Organ system studies pulmonary

Knowing some potential target organs and systems affected by various tin compounds, it may be possible to develop biomarkers specific to effects. Examples include immunological and neurobehavioral tests as compound-specific pulmonary, liver, and kidney function studies. The primary objective of such biomarkers would be to predict adverse health effects in exposed individuals and populations. 

In the same study, the researchers did not detect AmB in serum or other organs, indicating that the liposomes achieved pulmonary targeting for the drug. However, it has also been observed in other studies that aerosolized liposomal AmB can be effective against systemic Cryptococcus and Candida infections, indicating that the aerosolized drug can be absorbed sufficiently to reach therapeutic systemic concentrations [91, 94],... 

The possibility that talc can cause respiratory failure was explored further in 1997 (24). ARDS occurred in four of 338 patients treated with talc poudrage (2 g) via thoracoscopy. All four had mahgnant effusions and aU developed bilateral pulmonary infiltrates, hjrpoxia, and hypotension within 24—48 hours of talc insufflation. All four required mechanical ventilation and three died. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed in all four and talc crystals were recovered from lavage fluid in each case. Furthermore, at autopsy in one patient, talc crystals were found in almost every organ, showing that systemic distribution of talc did occur after pleurodesis. However, as the authors acknowledged, it was not possible to definitely attribute the symptoms in these patients to the talc pleurodesis. Studies in animals have shown systemic distribution of talc after pleurodesis (25). However, systemic dissemination may occur in all patients treated with pleurodesis and does not confirm that this is the cause of respiratory failure documented in a small number of patients. 

Seventy artificial radioactive isotopes of indium also exist. Radioactive isotopes are produced when very small particles are fired at atoms. These particles stick in the atoms and make them radioactive. Two of these isotopes are used in medicine. Indium-113 is used to examine the liver, spleen, brain, pulmonary ( breathing ) system, and heart and blood system. Indium-111 is used to search for tumors, internal bleeding, abscesses, and infections and to study the gastric (stomach) and blood systems. In both cases, the radioactive isotope is injected into the bloodstream. Inside the body, the isotope gives off radiation. That radiation can be detected by means of a camera or other device. The radiation pattern observed provides information about the organ or system being studied. 

Fibrosis is often a normal response to tissue injury where the damaged cells of an organ are unable to regenerate. An example of this is seen in the heart following myocardial infarction, where the infiircted tissue is replaced by a strong fibrous scar. However there are many pathological conditions where the development of fibrosis is detrimental. The fibrotic tissue response of chronic inflammation is often associated with increased numbers of mast cells, and has been most extensively studied in pulmonary fibrosis and systemic sclerosis. 

Other Organs or Tissues of Potential Metabolic Importance The situation becomes much more complicated when tissues at the body s portals of entry are the focus of drug metabolism studies. Portals of entry include epithelial and other cells in various parts of the gut, cell layers of the skin, and cell linings in different parts of the bronchio-alveolar (pulmonary) system. Problems with these tissues and organs are multifaceted there are usually multiple... 

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