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In vitro allergic bronchoconstriction in the brown Norway rat.

The ovalbumin (OA)-sensitized Brown Norway rat (BN) demonstrates early-response (ER) and late-response (LR) allergic bronchoconstriction. To determine whether these responses could be replicated in vitro, we studied lung explants from 8-wk-old male BN rats (wt: 239 +/- 28 g), of which 19 were sensitized to OA (test) and 16 served as controls. Two weeks after sensitization, the animals' lungs were removed, filled with a 1% (wt/vol) agarose-containing solution at 37 degrees C, and cooled to 4 degrees C. Transverse slices (0.5 to 1.0 mm thick) were cut and cultured overnight. Airways were visualized with an inverted microscope and baseline images were obtained with a video camera. To study the ER, 40 airways from 15 test rats and 29 airways from 10 control rats were challenged with 2 micrograms OA and imaged each minute for 10 min. To study the LR, 40 airways from 12 test rats and 44 airways from 12 control rats were challenged with 2 micrograms OA and imaged each hour for 8 h. The maximal response (MR) for each airway was defined as the percent of airway closure. The ER and LR were both defined as an MR > or = mean + 2 SD of the controls. An ER occurred in 38 of 40 test and 2 of 29 control airways (mean MR: 42 +/- 24% versus 4 +/- 3%, p < 0.001), and was completely blocked by methysergide pretreatment in 13 airways.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Airway Resistance↗

Exhaled nitric oxide (NO) is reduced shortly after bronchoconstriction to direct and indirect stimuli in asthma.

Exhaled NO is increased in patients with asthma and may reflect disease severity. We examined whether the level of exhaled NO is related to the degree of airway obstruction induced by direct and indirect stimuli in asthma. Therefore, we measured exhaled NO levels before and during recovery from histamine and hypertonic saline (HS) challenge (Protocol 1) or histamine, adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP), and isotonic saline (IS) challenge (Protocol 2) in 11 and in nine patients with mild to moderate asthma, respectively. The challenges were randomized with a 2-d interval. Exhaled NO and FEV1 were measured before and at 4, 10, 20, and 30 min after each challenge. NO was measured during a slow VC maneuver with a constant expiratory flow of (0.05 x FVC)/s against a resistance of 1 to 2 cm H2O. Baseline exhaled NO levels were not significantly different between study days in Protocol 1 (mean +/- SD: 4.8 +/- 1.8 ppb [histamine] versus 5.4 +/- 2.1 ppb [HS], p = 0.4) or in Protocol 2 (7.9 +/- 4.7 ppb [histamine], 8.3 +/- 5.2 ppb [AMP], and 7.2 +/- 3.7 ppb [IS], p = 0.7). A significant reduction in exhaled NO was observed directly after HS (mean +/- SEM: 39.2 +/- 3.9 %fall) and AMP challenge (32.3 +/- 7.3 %fall) (MANOVA, p < 0.001), respectively, whereas exhaled NO levels tended to decrease after histamine challenge. Isotonic saline challenge did not induce changes in exhaled NO (p = 0.7). There was a positive correlation between %fall in FEV1 and the %fall in exhaled NO after histamine, HS, and AMP challenge as indicated by the mean slope of the within-subject regression lines (p <= 0.04). We conclude that acute bronchoconstriction, as induced by direct and indirect stimuli, is associated with a reduction in exhaled NO levels in asthmatic subjects. This suggests that airway caliber should be taken into account when monitoring exhaled NO in asthma.

Adult↗

Exhaled nitric oxide decreases during exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in children with asthma.

Nitric oxide (NO) produced in the airways can be either detrimental or protective to the host. To investigate the role of NO in the pathogenesis of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), we measured exhaled NO (ENO) after exercise challenge in 39 asthmatic and six normal children. FEV(1) and ENO were measured before and at 0, 5, 10, and 15 min after exercise performed on a treadmill for 6 min. EIB was defined as a decrease in FEV(1) of more than 15% after the exercise. Normal children (control group) did not have EIB. Twenty-one patients with asthma had EIB (EIB group) whereas the remaining 18 patients did not (non-EIB group). The baseline ENO value was significantly higher in the asthmatic children than in the normal children, and there was a positive correlation between the maximal percent decrease in FEV(1) and the baseline ENO value (r = 0.501, p = 0.012). At the end of the exercise, ENO had decreased in all the subjects. In the non-EIB and control groups, ENO rebounded to above the baseline at 5 min after the exercise and thereafter. In contrast, ENO remained at a decreased level in the EIB group. The change in ENO did not correlate with the change in minute ventilation, and beta-agonist inhalation at the peak of EIB that accelerated the recovery of FEV(1) did not affect the depressed level of ENO, demonstrating that the reduction of ENO is not a simple consequence of increased ventilation nor airway obstruction. Among the EIB group, steroid-treated patients showed sooner recovery in ENO after the exercise than steroid-naive patients. Our study suggests that NO production in response to exercise may be impaired in patients with EIB, and that ENO represents not only airway inflammation but also a protective function of NO in EIB.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Involvement of peripheral airways during methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction after lung transplantation.

Previous studies have shown that the presence of nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity (NSBHR) in transplanted subjects is associated with the development of bronchiolitis obliterans, which suggests that NSBHR in these subjects may involve the peripheral airways. We investigated this question by studying the effects of methacholine on the distribution of ventilation using single-breath washouts in 15 heart-lung transplant recipients; 17 nontransplanted subjects with NSBHR were studied for comparison. All subjects had normal baseline lung function, and seven transplanted subjects displayed NSBHR. Methacholine induced a similar decline in FEV1 and specific airway conductance in the two groups. In contrast, whereas methacholine produced similar increases in the slope of the alveolar plateau for SF6 (SSF6) and He (SHe) in the nontransplanted subjects, it always produced greater increases in SHe than SSF6 in the transplanted subjects. This suggests that in the latter, methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction made the distribution of ventilation more heterogeneous in peripheral airways. This involvement of small airways may help in understanding why assessing bronchial reactivity in transplanted subjects provides information on the presence of a pathologic process affecting the bronchioles, and hence on the risk of progression to bronchiolitis obliterans.

Adolescent↗

Substance P-induced bronchoconstriction in the guinea pig. Enhancement by inhibitors of neutral metalloendopeptidase and angiotensin-converting enzyme.

We tested the effects of the neutral metalloendopeptidase (NEP) inhibitor, thiorphan (0.17, 0.5, and 1.7 mg i.v), and the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, captopril (0.5, 1.7, and 5.0 mg i.v.), on the bronchoconstrictor response to rapid intravenous infusions of substance P (0.1 to 30 nmol/kg) in anesthetized, mechanically ventilated guinea pigs. The decreases in pulmonary conductance and dynamic compliance caused by substance P were greater in animals treated with either thiorphan or captopril than in control animals. Thiorphan (0.5 mg) had no effect on airway responsiveness to intravenously administered methacholine, whereas captopril (1.7 mg) caused a small increase in methacholine responsiveness. Both drugs significantly increased the recovery of immunoreactive substance P in arterial plasma after exogenous administration of the peptide. We conclude that degradation of substance P by both NEP and ACE is important for determining the magnitude of the bronchoconstriction caused by intravenous administration of this neuropeptide. These data suggest that conditions associated with diminished peptidase activity could result in enhanced responses to stimuli which cause the release of endogenous substance P.

Amino Acids, Sulfur↗

Early and late-phase bronchoconstriction after allergen challenge of nonanesthetized guinea pigs. I. The association of disordered airway physiology to leukocyte infiltration.

We describe a guinea pig model of asthma in which animals were sensitized and challenged by inhalation of aerosolized ovalbumin. Challenge was performed under cover of mepyramine (10 mg/kg) to allow a high enough concentration of ovalbumin to elicit consistent late responses. Airway resistance and thoracic gas volume of conscious guinea pigs was assessed by whole body plethysmography before and at regular intervals for as long as 72 h after challenge. At the same time points, cellular changes in the lung were assessed by both examination of cells recovered by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lung histology. There were no significant changes in specific airway conductance (SGaw), BAL cell content or lung histology in animals challenged with saline control. Challenge with 2% ovalbumin caused an early fall in SGaw, which peaked at 2 h and amounted to a 43.7 +/- 4.1% fall from baseline. This was followed by 2 late responses, the first reaching maximum at 17 h with a 46.9 +/- 4.5% decrease in SGaw from baseline and the second at 72 h with a 39.0 +/- 3.5% fall in SGaw. Examination of BAL fluid revealed a 7-fold increase in neutrophils at 6 h and a 17-fold increase at 17 h, after which numbers decreased to baseline. Eosinophilia developed more slowly, being insignificant at 6 h and 6-fold at 17 h; by 72 h, eosinophils constituted 48.9 +/- 6.9% of the total cells recovered. No changes in mononuclear cells or lymphocytes were observed. Histologic examination of the lung revealed a progressive eosinophil infiltration of the airways, but not alveoli or vascular bed. Electron microscopy showed degranulation of eosinophils recovered by BAL and discharge of mucus from goblet cells in the trachea. Because these changes are similar to those that occur after allergen challenge in human asthma, we suggest that this represents a useful animal model in which to study the mechanism of early and late bronchoconstriction responses.

Airway Resistance↗

Isotonic nebulized disodium cromoglycate provides better protection against methacholine- and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

In 21 asthmatic subjects we determined whether inhalation of an isotonic solution of disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) would result in better protection against bronchial provocation with methacholine or exercise than the standard hypotonic solution of DSCG. Pretreatment with isotonic DSCG resulted in significantly greater reduction in exercise-induced bronchospasm (10 patients) than with hypotonic DSCG. In addition, the dose of methacholine required to induce a decrease greater than 20% in FEV1 was significantly higher following pretreatment with isotonic DSCG compared with placebo or hypotonic solution of the drug (11 patients). We conclude that nebulized isotonic DSCG provides better protection against exercise- and methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction than does the standard solution. Our findings suggest that the use of an isotonic solution of DSCG would be beneficial in the management of asthmatic patients.

Adolescent↗

Acidity potentiates bronchoconstriction induced by hypoosmolar aerosols.

Naturally occurring fogs are usually hypoosmolar with respect to body fluids and can be quite acidic. Because both hypoosmolarity and acidity can cause bronchoconstriction, we studied whether there was a positive interaction between these stimuli in 12 subjects with asthma. We administered the following aerosols: hypoosmolar saline (30 mOsm) at pH 5.5, 3 hypoosmolar acids (0.005 M H2SO4, 0.01 M HNO3 and a 1:1 mixture of 0.005 M H2SO4 and 0.01 M HNO3, all 30 mOsm) at pH 2, and isoosmolar 0.005 M H2SO4 (300 mOsm) at pH 2. Each aerosol was administered on a separate day and was inhaled through a mouthpiece during tidal breathing. Specific airway resistance (SRaw) was measured before and after the subjects inhaled aerosols delivered at as much as 5 doubling nebulizer outputs. For each aerosol challenge, an output-response curve was generated, and the nebulizer output required to increase SRaw by 100% above baseline (PO100) was calculated. Mean values of PO100 were significantly lower for each of the hypoosmolar acids than for hypoosmolar saline (1.65 + 0.43 g/min [mean + SEM] for saline compared with 0.95 + 0.11, 1.05 + 0.20, and 0.90 + 0.14 for H2SO4, HNO3, and a 1:1 mixture of the two; all p values less than 0.025). Mean values of PO100 did not differ among the 3 acids studied. For 7 of 12 subjects, all 3 acids caused a leftward shift in the output-response curve from the curve generated for hypoosmolar saline aerosol. Isoosmolar H2SO4 did not increase SRaw by 100% in any subjects, even at the maximal nebulizer output that delivered a concentration of H2SO4 in excess of 40 mg/m3.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Comparison of maximal bronchoconstriction in vivo and airway smooth muscle responses in vitro in nonasthmatic humans.

We tested the hypothesis that maximal bronchoconstriction in humans in vivo is limited by the maximal contractility of airway smooth muscle by comparison of complete in vivo and in vitro dose-response curves to methacholine in 10 nonasthmatic subjects who were scheduled for thoracotomy because of malignancies. The provocative dose of methacholine that produced a 10 and 20% decrease of baseline FEV1 (PD10,20 FEV1) and the maximal fall in FEV1 (MFEV1) at the response plateau to inhaled methacholine were determined prior to surgery. Small airway smooth muscle preparations, obtained from the 10 resected lung tissue specimens, were examined in vitro to determine the sensitivity (-log EC50) and maximal isotonic shortening (Smax) to methacholine. In addition, the relaxation responses to the beta-agonist I-isoproterenol were measured. The degree of small airways disease (SAD) was examined histologically. Nine subjects showed a maximal response plateau to inhaled methacholine in vivo. The maximal fall in FEV1 at the plateau was 26 +/- 3%. All airway smooth muscle preparations (n = 30) contracted to methacholine (-log EC50, 5.94 +/- 0.09; Smax, 1320 +/- 219 micron) and relaxed to I-isoproterenol (-log EC50, 7.60 +/- 0.11; maximal relaxation [Rmax], 87 +/- 3%). No significant correlations were found between Smax or Rmax of the airway smooth muscle in vitro and the MFEV1 in vivo, and between -log EC50 for methacholine or I-isoproterenol in vitro and PD10 or PD20 FEV1 for methacholine in vivo. The severity of SAD was significantly correlated with the degree of baseline airflow limitation (p less than 0.05), but not with in vivo or in vitro responses to methacholine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Antigen-induced edema formation, bronchoconstriction, and pulmonary vasospasm in the isolated perfused guinea pig lung. Evidence for a secondary edemagenic response.

The effect of antigen (ovalbumin) challenge on pulmonary hemodynamics, bronchoconstriction, and fluid filtration was investigated in Ringer's-perfused (non-recirculating) lungs that had been passively sensitized in vitro. Bolus ovalbumin injection (30 micrograms) produced immediate increases in pulmonary arterial pressure, peak intratracheal pressure, and lung weight within 1 min and secondary marked increases in intratracheal pressure and lung weight from 120 to 200 min. Electron microscopy of antigen-challenged isolated lungs showed evidence of both septal and intraalveolar edema. Ionophore A23187 (100 micrograms) challenge of nonsensitized lungs produced immediate pulmonary responses similar to antigen, whereas secondary increases in lung weight were smaller. Arachidonic acid pretreatment (1 microM) potentiated immediate antigen-induced increases in intratracheal pressure but did not affect pulmonary responses to ionophore challenge. Putative mediators of anaphylaxis including histamine, leukotrienes B4, C4, D4, and E4, platelet-activating factor, and substance P produced immediate changes in pulmonary arterial and/or intratracheal pressure similar to antigen challenge. Only platelet-activating factor and substance P partially mimicked the secondary edema formation noted following antigen challenge. Thus, antigen challenge in in vitro sensitized guinea pig lungs produced both immediate and secondary responses characterized by increases in vascular pressure, airway pressure, and edema formation. This occurred in the absence of circulating blood-formed elements and without a massive influx of cells. Synergism between mediators such as histamine, the leukotrienes, platelet-activating factor, and substance P released following antigen challenge may be necessary to produce the complete pathophysiological sequelae associated with antigen challenge in the perfused guinea pig lung.

Anaphylaxis↗

Spectrum of prostanoid release after bronchoalveolar allergen challenge in atopic asthmatics and in control groups. An alteration in the ratio of bronchoconstrictive to bronchoprotective mediators.

Prostanoids have been implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma because of their potential role in the modulation of airway tone. In the present study, the bronchoconstrictors prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) and thromboxane (TX), and those prostanoids able to protect against bronchoconstriction, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and the stable metabolite of prostacyclin, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha), were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) before and 5 min after endobronchial allergen challenge in four subject groups: nonatopic nonasthmatics (n = 6), nonatopic asthmatics (n = 3), atopic nonasthmatics (n = 9), and atopic asthmatics (n = 8). There were no significant differences in prechallenge prostanoid levels between the four groups, with the potentially bronchoprotective mediators present in highest concentration. Allergen challenge in atopic asthmatics resulted in significant increases (p less than 0.05) in PGD2 (97.4 +/- 19.4 to 1,053.2 +/- 338.6 pg/ml, mean +/- SEM) and TX (45.5 +/- 7.5 to 150.7 +/- 37.8 pg/ml) over prechallenge levels and control groups. Similarly, histamine increased in the atopic asthmatics after challenge (0.36 +/- 0.22 to 6.84 +/- 1.86 ng/ml; p less than 0.05). Atopic nonasthmatics had slight increases in PGD2 (96.9 +/- 25.4 to 219.7 +/- 47.5 pg/ml; p greater than 0.1) after challenge, whereas PGD2 and TX did not change in nonatopic subjects. A significant positive correlation was found between histamine, PGD2, and TX levels after challenge among all groups (p less than 0.001). There were no significant changes among the four groups after allergen challenge in 6-keto-PGF1 alpha or PGE2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Dry air-induced bronchoconstriction--a role for voltage-sensitive calcium channels?

We examined the role played by voltage-sensitive calcium channels (VSCC) in airflow-induced bronchoconstriction (AIB). Collateral resistance (Rcs) in anesthetized male mongrel dogs was measured before and after periods of elevated airflow, or before and after hypocapnic challenge, using a wedged bronchoscope technique. A dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist (nifedipine) was ineffective in preventing or even attenuating AIB in the canine lung periphery. Treatment with nifedipine did not affect the response of peripheral airways to aerosolized acetylcholine, indicating that receptor-operated calcium channels (ROCC) and/or release of calcium from intracellular stores were unaffected by this drug. Despite the ability of a calcium agonist (BAY K8644) to enhance responses to a hypocapnic challenge, it did not alter peripheral airway responses to dry air. Neither nifedipine nor BAY K8644 affected airway wall temperature at any time during the dry air experiments. We conclude that dihydropyridine receptors do not play a significant role in initiating AIB in the canine lung periphery.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗

Relationship of nocturnal bronchoconstriction to sleep stages.

The possible role of sleep stages in the pathogenesis of nocturnal asthmatic attacks is still under debate because previous studies suffered methodologic limitations that prevented the possibility of providing a clear-cut answer to the question. To evaluate the relationship of nocturnal asthma to sleep, eight asthmatics with unstable asthma (seven with history of nocturnal wheeze) and four reference subjects were submitted to all-night polysomnography, including the continuous evaluation of esophageal and supraglottic pressure (with two catheters) as well as of airflow (with a face mask), so as to derive total lung resistance, supraglottic resistance, and, by subtraction lower respiratory resistance (Rlr). Stage 3-4 was characterized by the highest peaks in Rlr and by longer episodes of bronchoconstriction; conversely, neither the onset nor the remission of the latter were specifically related to any sleep stage. Considering episodes remitted with an awakening. Stage 3-4 was marked by higher Rlr peaks than during REM sleep. We conclude that sleep plays a contributory role in the multifactorial pathogenesis of nocturnal asthma, with a higher susceptibility during slow-wave sleep, probably related to a decreased responsivity to resistive loads.

Adult↗

Inhibition of hypertonic saline-induced bronchoconstriction by terfenadine and flurbiprofen. Evidence for the predominant role of histamine.

We investigated the possible inhibitory effects of terfenadine, a histamine H1-receptor antagonist, and flurbiprofen, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, on the bronchoconstrictor effect of inhaled 3.6% hypertonic saline in a randomized, double-blind study. Nine mildly asthmatic subjects with a history of exercise-induced asthma took part. This was conducted, first as a dose-response study and, second, as a time-course study. In the dose-response study, the provocative dose of saline-laden air causing a 25% fall in FEV1 was calculated (PD25). Terfenadine (180 mg) and the combination of terfenadine (180 mg) plus flurbiprofen (100 mg) both protected significantly against hypertonic saline challenge, achieving increases in PD25 values by factors of 7.24 and 6.30, respectively. Flurbiprofen (100 mg) also displaced the dose-response to the right, increasing the PD25 by a factor of 1.92, but this protection was significantly less than that afforded by terfenadine. In the time-course studies, a single inhalation of hypertonic saline previously shown to cause at least a 25% fall in FEV1 was administered, and FEV1, was followed for 30 min. Preadministration of terfenadine reduced the mean area under the curve of percentage fall in FEV1-time response by 68.5%, with similar results obtained with the combination of terfenadine and flurbiprofen. We conclude that the bronchoconstriction in asthma provoked by inhaled hypertonic saline is mediated predominantly through the hyperosmolar release of histamine from airway mast cells, with a minor contribution being made by prostanoids.

Adult↗

Effects of inhaled PAF in humans on circulating and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid neutrophils. Relationship to bronchoconstriction and changes in airway responsiveness.

We have compared the effect of inhaled platelet activating factor (PAF) on circulating neutrophils with its ability to induce bronchoconstriction and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in humans. Human volunteers inhaled PAF, given as six successive inhalations 15 min apart, followed by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) 4 h later. The mean density and volume of circulating neutrophils were measured by metrizamide gradients and flow cytometry, respectively. PAF caused a decrease in Vp20 of 38.2 +/- 4.5% at 5 min after the first inhalation (p less than 0.001). This was associated with a fall in the peripheral blood neutrophil count from 3.15 +/- 0.3 to 1.1 +/- 0.3 x 10(6) per ml (p less than 0.001), followed by a rebound neutrophilia (p less than 0.01). The mean density of peripheral blood neutrophils fell significantly at 15 min (p less than 0.02), with a return to baseline values despite further PAF inhalations; this was associated with an increase in neutrophil volume (n = 4; p less than 0.05). The numbers of neutrophils (x 10(5] in BAL fluid after PAF were significantly greater than after inhalation of lyso-PAF: 7.1 +/- 1.4 (n = 7) versus 1.3 +/- 0.3 (n = 5, p less than 0.01); eosinophil counts did not change significantly. The PC40 (the concentration of methacholine needed to cause a fall in Vp30) decreased from 17.1 (GSEM 1.40) to 8.7 (1.44) mg/ml (n = 12, p less than 0.02) 3 days after PAF. Inhaled lyso-PAF was inactive in all these respects.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Administration, Inhalation↗

Inhibition of leukotriene D4-induced bronchoconstriction in normal subjects by the oral LTD4 receptor antagonist ICI 204,219.

The sulfidopeptide leukotrienes may play a role in the pathogenesis of asthma. Previous clinical trials with leukotriene antagonists have shown only minimal protection from subsequent challenge with inhaled LTD4. Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, we tested the hypothesis that the LTD4 receptor antagonist, ICI 204,219, could inhibit LTD4-induced bronchoconstriction in normal subjects. On separate days, 3 to 7 days apart, a single oral 40-mg dose of ICI 204,219 or placebo was ingested. At 2 h (Group I), 12 h (Group II), or 24 h (Group III) after the dose, six subjects in each group underwent bronchoprovocation testing with aerosolized LTD4. The airway response was assessed by measuring specific airway conductance (SGaw) and the FEV1. ICI 204,219 had no effect on baseline pulmonary function. When given 2 h before the LTD4 challenge, ICI 204,219 increased by 117-fold the concentration of LTD4 required to reduce SGaw 35%: 34 +/- 10 versus 3,965 +/- 894 micrograms/ml (placebo versus ICI 204,219; p less than 0.05). When given 12 h before the LTD4 challenge, ICI 204,219 increased by ninefold the concentration of LTD4 required to reduce SGaw 35%: 33 +/- 11 versus 304 +/- 125 micrograms/ml (p less than 0.05). When given 24 h before the LTD4 challenge, a smaller effect was found: 12 +/- 3 versus 60 +/- 24 micrograms/ml (p less than 0.05). Plasma levels of ICI 204,219 correlated with efficacy across groups (r = 0.83, p less than 0.001), but imperfectly within groups. No adverse effects (symptoms or abnormal laboratory test results) were noted after ingesting the drug.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Airway inflammation and occurrence of delayed bronchoconstriction in exercise-induced asthma.

We studied nine asthmatic patients with a history of exercise-induced asthma (EIA) in order to investigate whether inflammatory changes in the airways occur after exercise and are eventually associated with the development of a late-phase asthmatic response. On two separate study days, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), bronchial lavage (BL), and bronchial biopsy (BB) were performed 3 h after an exercise or a methacholine (MCh) challenge. On two other separate occasions, FEV1 was monitored for 12 h after identical exercise and MCh challenges not followed by BAL, BL, and BB. We found a greater percentage of eosinophils in BAL after exercise versus MCh challenge (p < 0.05). In five patients, BAL eosinophils after exercise were > or = 2% of total inflammatory and immunoeffector cells. In three of these patients an FEV1 fall > 20% of control was recorded 5 to 12 h after exercise. However, two of these patients had 2% or more eosinophils in BAL and similar late falls of FEV1 after MCh challenge. The percentage of degranulating mast cells in BB was higher (p < 0.05) after EIA than after MCh, but no significant differences were found in BL histamine and leukotrienes. We conclude that (1) exercise may enhance mast cell degranulation and eosinophilic inflammation of the airways, and (2) a delayed bronchoconstriction after exercise is not specific to EIA but is more likely the result of fluctuations in lung function associated with airway inflammation.

Adult↗

Relief of hypoxia-related bronchoconstriction by breathing 30 per cent oxygen.

Airway resistance decreases when hypoxemic subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) breathe 30% O2. To verify this finding and to localize the site of action of O2, flow-volume curves on air and helium-O2 mixtures were obtained before and after subjects breathed 30% O2. Patients with COPD and hypoxemia showed an increase in flow rates and a decrease in the density dependence of flow while breathing 30% O2. Atropine produced a similar change in flow rates and density dependence, but then no further change occurred with 30% O2. Five control subjects with COPD, who performed the same sequence of tests without breathing 30% O2, showed no change in flow rates or density dependence. Normal control subjects also showed no change in flow rates or density dependence while breathing 30% O2. Breathing 30% O2, relieves hypoxia-induced bronchoconstriction and appears to act on large airways.

Aged↗