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Effects of a thromboxane-receptor antagonist, BAY u 3405, on prostaglandin D2- and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

In the pathogenesis of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) may play a role as a newly generated, mast cell-derived mediator. As the bronchoconstrictor effects of PGD2 are predominantly mediated via stimulation of thromboxane receptors in the lung, we studied a novel, orally effective, thromboxane-receptor antagonist, BAY u 3405, on EIB in 12 male subjects with mild asthma. On 4 study days, we determined, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover fashion, the effects of 20 mg of BAY u 3405 administered orally 1 hour before PGD2 and exercise challenges, respectively. Increasing dosages of PGD2 were inhaled to establish dose-response curves that allowed determination of the provocative concentration necessary to decrease FEV1 by at least 20% (PC20) and to increase specific airway resistance (SR(aw)) by 100% (PC100). EIB was measured as a maximal fall/increase in postexertional FEV1/SR(aw) after bicycle exercise and cold-air breathing. Prechallenge lung-function values were similar on all four occasions. BAY u 3405 did not elicit any effect on resting bronchial tone. After placebo, the geometric means (SD) of PC20 and PC100 were 0.0380 (2.6) and 0.0266 (2.4) mg/ml, increasing to 0.554 (5.9) and 0.143 (8.1) mg/ml after BAY u 3405 (p = 0.0002). Mean (SD) maximal postexertional decrease in FEV1 and increase in SR(aw) after placebo was 29.4% (16.4%) and 280% (135%), and after BAY u 3405, 31.4% (18.1%) and 379% (281%) (not significant). No clinically relevant BAY u 3405-related side effects were observed. From these results we conclude that BAY u 3405 is highly effective in attenuating PGD2-induced bronchoconstriction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Air↗

Effect of cysteinyl-leukotriene receptor antagonist ICI 204.219 on allergen-induced bronchoconstriction and airway hyperreactivity in atopic subjects.

The effects of a highly selective leukotriene D4 receptor antagonist, ICI 204.219, on allergen-induced bronchoconstriction and changes in airway reactivity were evaluated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Ten atopic subjects were selected for the study on the basis of an immediate fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) of at least 15% and a least a doubling dose fall in their PC20-histamine (the concentration of histamine needed to reduce FEV1 by 20%) after antigen challenge. Baseline PC20-histamine was determined before the ingestion of a single oral 40 mg dose of ICI 204.219 or matched placebo. 2 h later subjects were challenged with aerosolised allergen; FEV1 was measured for the next 6 h then PC20-histamine was remeasured. Two subjects did not complete the study for reasons not related to the trial medication. ICI 204.219 significantly attenuated the early and late phase bronchoconstriction to inhaled allergen (mean treatment difference in area under the FEV1-time curves 2529 [95% Cl 1085-3972] delta %FEV1.min; p less than 0.005: and 3537 [528-6545] delta %FEV1.min; p less than 0.03) and suppressed the allergen-induced increase in non-specific bronchial reactivity (mean treatment difference 1.03 [0.34-1.71] doubling dilutions of histamine; p less than 0.01). These findings suggest that ICI 204.219 may be a disease-modifying agent in asthma. Further studies are under way to evaluate its clinical efficacy.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Peptidase inhibitors potentiate lysylbradykinin-induced bronchoconstriction in the rat.

To determine whether lysylbradykinin (LBK, kallidin) causes bronchoconstriction in animals and if peptidase inhibitors modulate the response, we studied the effects of LBK administered by aerosol in rats and assessed whether pretreatment with aerosolized solutions of enalaprilat, an inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), or phosphoramidon, an inhibitor of endopeptidase 24.11 (EP 24.11, neutral endopeptidase), altered the response. Accordingly, LBK-induced bronchoconstriction was measured in anesthetized, mechanically ventilated, specific pathogen-free, Sprague-Dawley rats by body plethysmography and followed by continuous determination of lung resistance (RL) and maximal expiratory flow (MEF). Incremental doses of aerosolized LBK were administered by nebulization to obtain a concentration that caused a 5-15% increase in RL, which was designated the BC10 dose. We found that pretreatment with aerosolized enalaprilat (1 mM) 3 min prior to a BC10 dose of LBK significantly increased RL as compared to the BC10 dose alone (129 +/- 4.1% vs. 105 +/- 2.4%, P < 0.002, n = 4) and significantly decreased MEF (83 +/- 1.5% vs. 97 +/- 1.4%, P < 0.008, n = 4). Following pretreatment with aerosolized phosphoramidon (1 mM), significant increases in RL (113 +/- 1.4% vs. 106 +/- 1.6%, P < 0.019, n = 7) and decreases in MEF (92 +/- 0.9% vs. 95 +/- 0.9%, P < 0.035, n = 7) were observed (paired Student's t-test). The above findings demonstrate the effects of LBK on airway caliber for the first time in an animal model, and suggest that ACE and EP 24.11 contribute to degradation of the peptide in the airway.

Administration, Inhalation↗

The effect of oxitropium bromide on neurokinin A-induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatic subjects.

In some animal species substance P and neurokinin A (NKA) cause bronchoconstriction by the release of acetylcholine from postganglionic cholinergic nerve endings. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of an anticholinergic drug, oxitropium bromide, on bronchoprovocation with NKA in asthmatics. Eleven mild asthmatics (mean % predicted FEV1 85.5) received on 2 separate days, double blind, in a randomised order, 400 mcg oxitropium bromide or placebo, 90 min before challenge with NKA. NKA was inhaled at 3 concentrations (10(-4), 3.10(-4) and 10(-3) M). Specific airways conductance (sGaw) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) were used as parameters of airway calibre. Compared to the placebo-aerosol, oxitropium bromide caused a significant increase in sGaw and FEV1. On the placebo-treatment day, NKA caused a concentration-dependent decrease in sGaw and FEV1. The percentage changes in sGaw and FEV1 on the oxitropium day were not statistically different from those occurring on the placebo day. We conclude that oxitropium bromide caused a significant bronchodilation but offered no significant protection against NKA-induced bronchoconstriction in mild asthmatic subjects.

Adult↗

A comparison of the speeds of action of salmeterol and salbutamol in reversing methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction.

We compared the speed of action of the long acting beta-agonist salmeterol with that of salbutamol in order to assess whether reported in vitro differences are likely to have clinical significance. We used methacholine tests to produce a standardized level of bronchoconstriction and then observed the rate of recovery of FEV1 towards baseline after the administration by metered dose inhaler of salmeterol 50 micrograms or salbutamol 200 micrograms--doses which are considered to have similar bronchodilator potency. Twenty asthmatic subjects participated, and a double-blind, randomized, cross-over study design was followed. Salmeterol showed a significantly slower speed of action with median recovery to 90% and 95% of the baseline FEV1 (pre-methacholine) occurring after 9.6 and 19.4 min, respectively, compared with 4.8 and 8.3 min, respectively, for salbutamol (P less than 0.01). These observations are consistent with in vitro findings and suggest that salmeterol is likely to be less satisfactory than salbutamol as a 'rescue medication' for the treatment of acute episodes of bronchoconstriction.

Adult↗

Relationship of airway responsiveness to agents causing bronchoconstriction and cough in sensitized guinea-pigs.

The relationship between airway responsiveness to bronchoconstrictor- and cough-inducing stimuli has been examined in Ascaris suum-sensitized conscious guinea-pigs. Guinea-pigs were sensitized to Ascaris suum [4000 PNU and 100 mg Al(OH)3 i.p. on days 1 and 7] and then challenged with aerosolized antigen on days 21, 28 and 35. At day 35, antigen-exposure produced an early bronchoconstrictor response (EBR) and in about 50% of the animals also a late bronchoconstrictor response (LBR) commencing 4-8 h later. The bronchial responsiveness to inhaled histamine was increased in sensitized guinea-pigs and increased further 20-24 h after acute antigen challenge. Guinea-pigs developing only EBR were equally sensitive to histamine as those having both EBR and LBR. In contrast, the cough and reflex bronchoconstriction produced by inhaled citric acid (0.40 M, acting on capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons) and cigarette smoke (3 min exposure; exciting both capsaicin-sensitive neurons and rapidly adapting stretch receptors) were not altered by sensitization. Furthermore, acute antigen challenge did not alter the effect of citric acid as measured 24 h later. The antigen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness to histamine was not accompanied by an altered sensitivity of airway sensory nerves mediating cough (and reflex bronchoconstriction), demonstrating that bronchial- (airway obstruction) and sensory- (cough) hyperresponsiveness involve separate and independent mechanisms.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Dose-dependent mediation of leukotriene D4-induced airway microvascular leakage and bronchoconstriction in the guinea pig.

The i.v. administration of leukotriene (LT)D4 to anesthetized guinea pigs produced dose-dependent increases in pulmonary microvascular permeability, as measured by extravasation of Evans blue dye into the trachea, main bronchi, and small airways, with an ED50 of approximately 0.05 microgram/kg. When LTD4 was administered at 0.3 microgram/kg, the resulting plasma extravasation into all three airway sections was markedly reduced by pretreatment with a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, meclofenamic acid (2.5 mg/kg, i.v.), a thromboxane (TX) receptor antagonist, SQ 29,548 (0.1 or 1 mg/kg, i.v.), or a peptidoleukotriene receptor antagonist, pranlukast (SB 205312) (0.1 or 1 mg/kg, i.v.), but not by the H1 histamine receptor antagonist, pyrilamine. When LTD4 was administered at 1.0 microgram/kg, meclofenamate (2.5 or 5 mg/kg, i.v.) or SQ 29,548 slightly attenuated plasma extravasation only in the small airway, whereas pranlukast was effective in all three airway segments. Administration of the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, zileuton (10 mg/kg, i.v.), or the PAF antagonist, L-659,989 (5 mg/kg, i.v.), did not affect the microvascular leakage response to 1.0 microgram/kg LTD4. In addition, i.v.-administered LTD4 (0.3 or 1.0 microgram/kg) or the prostaglandin (PG)/TXA2 receptor agonist, U-46619 (3.0 micrograms/kg), produced significant bronchoconstriction as measured by increases in pulmonary insufflation pressure. The bronchoconstrictor responses to LTD4 were markedly attenuated by the same inhibitors, namely meclofenamic acid, SQ 29,548, and pranlukast, that reduced the 0.3 microgram/kg LTD4-induced plasma extravasation throughout the airways and the 1.0 microgram/kg LTD4-induced extravasation into the small airways. U-46619-induced bronchoconstriction was blocked only by SQ 29,548.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5↗

Bronchoconstriction and endogenous nitric oxide in isolated lungs of spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Bronchoconstrictor responses were measured in lungs isolated from spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive rats, perfused via the airways. Lungs from SHRs were more responsive than lungs from normotensive rats to methacholine, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), arachidonic acid or prostaglandin H(2). The responses of SHR airways to methacholine or 5-HT were unaffected by pretreatment in vivo with an inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthase, N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME, 30 mg kg(-1)), although responses in normotensive airways to methacholine, but not to 5-HT, were enhanced. Antigen challenge of isolated lungs from actively sensitized rats elicited bronchoconstriction, not different between strains. Pretreatment with L-NAME increased the response to antigen challenge only in normotensive lungs. Compound 48/80 induced bronchoconstriction in lungs from either strain, equally. These responses to compound 48/80 were unaffected by L-NAME pretreatment. Thus, SHR airways lack relaxing factors and degranulation of mast cells in SHR lungs was not affected by endogenous NO.

Animals↗

A rho kinase inhibitor, Y-27632 inhibits pulmonary eosinophilia, bronchoconstriction and airways hyperresponsiveness in allergic mice.

Asthma is a complex inflammatory disorder involving obstruction, constriction, oedema, remodelling and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. These effects are induced by a raft of mediators, many of which exert their actions by stimulating specific G-protein-coupled receptors linked to a signal transduction pathway involving the monomeric GTPase; rho, and a downstream effector; rho kinase. The aim of this study was to determine whether administration of a selective inhibitor of rho kinase, Y-27632, attenuates airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction and hyperresponsiveness in a murine model of acute allergic inflammation. Intranasal administration of Y-27632 caused a dose-dependent inhibition in the number of eosinophils recovered from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of ovalbumin-sensitised and challenged (allergic) mice. These inhibitory effects of intranasal Y-27632 on pulmonary eosinophilia were accompanied by a significant inhibition of the development of airways hyperresponsiveness in allergic mice. In additional studies, intranasal Y-27632 inhibited methacholine-induced increases in airways resistance in a time-dependent manner. In conclusion, these findings indicate that activation of rho kinase contributes to bronchoconstriction and eosinophil trafficking in murine models of acute allergic airway inflammation and to the development of airway hyperresponsiveness.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Relief of dyspnoea by beta2-agonists after methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction.

Virtually all asthma patients use brorichodilators. Formoterol and salbutamol have a rapid onset of bronchodilating effect, whereas salmeterol acts slower. We studied the onset of improvement of dyspnoea sensation after inhalation with these bronchodilators and placebo to reverse a methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction as a model for an acute asthma attack. Seventeen patients with asthma completed this randomised, double-blind, crossover, double-dummy study. On 4 test days, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and Borg score were recorded and patients were challenged with methacholine until FEV1 fell with > or = 30% of baseline value. Thereafter, formoterol 12 microg via Turbuhaler, salbutamol 50 microg via Turbuhaler, salmeterol 50 microg via Diskhaler, or placebo was inhaled. FEV1 and Borg scores were assessed during the following 60 min. The first sensed improvement of Borg score was significantly (P<0.05) faster achieved with formoterol (geometric mean (Gmean) (range) 1.5 (1-40) min) and salbutamol 1.8 (1-10) min than with salmeterol 4.5 (1-30) min and placebo 3.4 (1-40) min. The Borg score returned significantly faster to the baseline value with formoterol, salbutamol, and salmeterol (Gmean time 13.8 (1-75), 13.4 (1-60), and 18.0 (1-75) min, respectively) than with placebo (33.6 (1-75 min). Formoterol and salbutamol act significantly faster than salmeterol in relieving dyspnoea induced by methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction, in patients with asthma.

Adolescent↗

ET-1 induced bronchoconstriction in the early phase but not late phase of anesthetized dogs is inhibited by indomethacin and ICI 198615.

Intratracheally injected or aerosolized ET-1 induced quick and long-lasting bronchoconstriction of anesthetized mongrel dogs, thus increasing respiratory resistance(Rrs) with concomitantly decreasing dynamic compliance(Cdyn). As collateral resistance(Rcs) was measured postexposure to aerosolized ET-1 using wedged bronchoscope technique, ET-1 increased Rcs in a dose and time dependent manner. The increase attained maximal in 2 min and then, gradually declined. When the dogs were pretreated with the intravenous injection of 0.1 micrograms/kg ICI 198615, an inhibitor of lipoxygenase, the constrictive response was slowed down. Essentially similar results were also observed with the intravenous injection of 5 mg/kg indomethacin. Our observations suggest that the early phase of the ET-1 induced bronchoconstriction is mediated by eicosanoid metabolites.

Anesthesia, Intravenous↗

Comparison of inhibition of ovalbumin-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs and in vitro inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha formation with phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) selective inhibitors.

Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors elevate cyclic adenosine 5'-monophosphate (cAMP), and this elevation has been shown to inhibit inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Using TNF-alpha as a biomarker, we have developed transcription-based assays to examine inhibition of PDE4 activity in human and guinea pig whole blood. In vitro inhibition by PDE4 inhibitors was measured using quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis of TNF-alpha mRNA levels in whole blood stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The kinetics of human TNF-alpha mRNA production were analyzed and shown to be highest 4 hr following LPS stimulation. The guinea pig displayed kinetics of TNF-alpha transcription similar to those of the human. Analysis of inhibition of human TNF-alpha protein production was performed by immunoassay and shown to correlate with inhibition of transcription for three of the four compounds tested. Roflumilast was found to be 9-fold more potent for TNF-alpha inhibition in the qPCR assay than in the protein assay. The potencies of L-826,141 and roflumilast were determined in human and guinea pig whole blood by qPCR, with IC(50) values of 270 and 20 nM, respectively, in humans and 100 and 10 nM, respectively, in guinea pigs. These results show that the potency of PDE4 inhibitors can be monitored in whole blood using a transcription-based assay, and that this type of assay can be adapted to various species provided the TNF-alpha nucleotide sequence is known. The in vitro whole blood IC(50) for TNF-alpha inhibition was compared to inhibition in the ovalbumin-challenged guinea pig model of bronchoconstriction. Obtaining plasma levels at the IC(50) determined in vitro for L-826,141 and roflumilast provides significant inhibition of bronchoconstriction. This suggests that TNF-alpha can be used as a whole blood biomarker in the guinea pig for PDE4 inhibition in this inflammatory model.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

Protective effect of silymarin in antigen challenge- and histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in in vivo guinea-pigs.

The effects of silymarin on bronchoconstriction induced by antigen challenge and on post-antigen challenge hyperresponsiveness to substance P were evaluated in sensitized guinea-pigs. Silymarin significantly decreased the bronchoconstriction due to antigen administration in the early phase of the response. In contrast, the dose-response curve for substance P recorded 1 h after antigen challenge was not modified by pretreatment with silymarin. The influence of the flavonoid on hyperresponsiveness to histamine in propranolol- and PAF (platelet-activating factor)-treated animals was also assessed. Silymarin did not affect hyperresponsiveness to histamine induced by either propranolol or PAF although it had inhibitory activity on the bronchial contractile response to the autacoid. These results suggest that silymarin has a protective effect in the early phase of allergic asthma, an effect, which may be related to a negative influence of the flavonoid on bronchial responsiveness to histamine.

Animals↗

Alpha(1L)-, but not alpha(1H)-, adrenoceptor antagonist prevents allergic bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs in vivo.

alpha-Adrenoceptors have been classified into alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-adrenoceptors. Recently, the alpha(1)-adrenoceptors were divided into two subtypes: alpha(1L) with low affinity and alpha(1H) with high affinity for prazosin. Little is known concerning the role of each subtype of alpha(1)-adrenoceptor in asthma. We investigated the effects of specific antagonists of alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-, alpha(1H)-, alpha(1L)-, and alpha(2)-adrenoceptors, namely moxisylyte, prazosin, 3-[N-[2-(4-hydroxy-2-isopropyl-5-methylphenoxy) ethyl]-N-methylaminomethyl]-4-methoxy-2, 5, 6-trimethylphenol hemifumarate (JTH-601), and yohimbine, respectively, on antigen-induced airway reactions in guinea pigs. Fifteen minutes after intravenous administration of moxisylyte (0.01, 0.1 or 1 mg/kg), prazosin (0.01, 0.1, 1 or 10 mg/kg), JTH-601 (1, 3, 6 or 10 mg/kg) or yohimbine (0.1 or 1 mg/kg), passively sensitized and artificially ventilated animals received an aerosolized antigen challenge. Bronchial responsiveness to inhaled methacholine was assessed as the dose of methacholine required to produce a 200% increase in the pressure at the airway opening (PC(200)) in non-sensitized animals. JTH-601 and moxisylyte, but not prazosin or yohimbine, dose dependently inhibited antigen-induced bronchoconstriction. None of the tested drugs altered PC(200). JTH-601 significantly reduced leukotriene C(4) levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid obtained 5 min after antigen challenge, but prazosin did not. These results indicate that prevention of antigen-induced bronchoconstriction by blockade of alpha-adrenoceptors is due to the inhibition of mediator release via alpha(1L)-adrenoceptor antagonism.

Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists↗

The leukotriene D4-receptor antagonist zafirlukast attenuates exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in children.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of zafirlukast on exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in children. STUDY DESIGN: Exercise challenges were done 4 hours after single oral doses of zafirlukast or placebo were administered in asthmatic children (6 to 14 years) treated with beta 2-agonists alone. Subjects randomized to treatment had a >/=20% decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1 ) after a screening challenge. In a randomized, double-blind, 3-way, crossover design, group 1 (n = 20) received placebo and 5 and 20 mg zafirlukast, and group 2 (n = 19) received placebo and 10 and 40 mg zafirlukast. Maximal percentage fall in FEV1, area under the curve, and time to recovery of FEV1 to within 5% of baseline after the challenge were compared with analysis of variance. RESULTS: Mean values for maximal fall in FEV1 ranged from -8.7% +/- 1.7% to -11.1% +/- 1.9% after zafirlukast compared with -17.1% +/- 1.8% and -16.3% +/- 1.9% after placebo. Differences from placebo for fall in FEV1 and area under the curve were significant (P </=.05) after 5, 20, and 40 mg zafirlukast and approached significance (P </=.08) after 10 mg zafirlukast. After all zafirlukast doses, recovery times (means of 5 to 7 minutes) decreased significantly (P </=.05) and by approximately half compared with placebo (11 and 14 minutes). Safety assessments did not differ among treatments. CONCLUSION: Four hours after dosing, zafirlukast attenuated exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in children.

Administration, Oral↗

Effects of uroguanylin and guanylin against antigen-induced bronchoconstriction and airway microvascular leakage in sensitized guinea-pigs.

Uroguanylin and guanylin are isolated mainly from the gastrointestinal tract and are activators of guanylyl cyclase C receptor (GC-C), which mediates the production of intracellular cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic GMP). The bronchodilator effects of agents that raise cyclic GMP levels, such as atrial natriuretic peptide, have been reported, and uroguanylin mRNA has recently been detected in extra-gastrointestinal tissues, including the lung, suggesting their role in pulmonary activity. In the first step of this study, we examined the relaxant effects of uroguanylin and guanylin on isolated tracheal smooth muscle of guinea-pigs, and measured tissue cyclic GMP levels by means of enzymeimmunoassay. Uroguanylin produced concentration-dependent relaxant effects on resting tone and significant elevated cyclic GMP levels. Guanylin produced the same, but less potent, effects. In this study, we first investigated the effects of uroguanylin and guanylin on antigen-induced bronchoconstriction and airway microvascular leakage in actively sensitized guinea-pigs. Anesthetized male guinea-pigs, ventilated via a tracheal cannula, were placed in a plethysmograph to measure pulmonary mechanics for 10 min after challenging with 1 mg/kg of ovalbumin. Evans blue dye was then extravasated into their airway tissues to measure microvascular leakage. Intravenous pretreatment with uroguanylin significantly inhibited ovalbumin-induced bronchoconstriction and microvascular leakage in a dose-dependent manner. These inhibitory effects were mimicked by 8-bromoguanosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate. This study is the first to show that uroguanylin not only had a potent bronchodilatory effect but also inhibited microvascular leakage. These results encouraged us to continue the above experimental and clinical studies in bronchial asthma.

Airway Resistance↗

Effects of deep inspiration on bronchoconstriction in the rat.

It is important to understand the mechanisms by which a deep inspiration (DI) affects bronchoconstriction in rodents so that their relevance as animal models of asthma can be assessed. We investigated the effect of DI on respiratory input impedance after methacholine inhalation in four groups of rats: a control group, a group receiving DI prior to challenge, and two groups receiving different degrees of DI after challenge. We measured respiratory input impedance for 15 min following a challenge. This provided time-courses approximating the resistance of the conducting airways and the impedance of the respiratory tissues. We found no significant difference in the peak changes in airway resistance comparing the control group and any of the DI groups following challenge. However, the peak increase in tissue impedance was reduced in the group receiving the largest DI after challenge. Our results thus suggest that the DIs that we administered were neither bronchodilatory nor bronchoprotective, but that they were able to reduce the amount of airway closure occurring following bronchoconstriction.

Animals↗

Repeated exposure of asthmatic airways to inhaled adenosine 5'-monophosphate attenuates bronchoconstriction provoked by exercise.

Inhaled adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) induces bronchoconstriction in subjects with asthma, probably caused by histamine release from airway mast cells, and repeated AMP bronchial challenge leads to attenuation of the bronchoconstrictor response. Since exercise-induced bronchoconstriction may be mediated by hypertonic mast cell degranulation, we postulated that repeated AMP bronchial challenge should reduce the response to subsequent exercise challenge. Eight atopic subjects with asthma took part in an unblinded, randomized trial. On the control study day, a treadmill exercise test previously demonstrated to induce a greater than 20% fall in FEV1 was performed. On the AMP study day, three AMP dose-response bronchial challenges were performed at 1-hour intervals. Each AMP challenge was continued until either a provocative concentration causing a 20% fall in FEV1 had been achieved (PC20) and the PC20 was calculated, or the maximum concentration of AMP (400 mg/ml) had been administered. After recovery of the FEV1 from AMP challenge, a treadmill exercise test identical to the test on the control study day was performed. On the AMP study day, the geometric mean PC20 was 15.3 (7.9 to 29.5) mg/ml for the first test, and 28.2 (10.7 to 77.4) mg/ml for the third test (not significant). On the control study day, the mean maximum percentage fall in FEV1 after exercise was 28.0% +/- 2.7%, whereas on the AMP study day, it was reduced to 13.0% +/- 4.3% (p less than 0.01). A significant correlation was found between the change in responsiveness to AMP induced by repeated challenge and the attenuation of the subsequent exercise response (p less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine↗