Respiration
Original Paper
Inhibition of Acetylcholine-Induced Bronchoconstriction in Asthmatics by NifedipineBurghuber O.C.a · Kneussl M.b · Harmuth P.a · Silberbauer K.a · Sinzinger H.a · Haber P.aaSecond Department of Internal Medicine, University of Vienna, and bSecond Medical Department, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria
|
|
Log in to MyKarger to check if you already have access to this content.
KAB
Buy a Karger Article Bundle (KAB) and profit from a discount!
If you would like to redeem your KAB credit, please log in.
Save over 20% compared to the individual article price.
Article / Publication Details
Received: February 26, 1985
Accepted: April 07, 1986
Published online: January 16, 2009
Issue release date: 1986
Number of Print Pages: 8
Number of Figures: 0
Number of Tables: 0
ISSN: 0025-7931 (Print)
eISSN: 1423-0356 (Online)
For additional information: https://www.karger.com/RES
Abstract
The calcium-dependent constriction of bronchial smooth muscle cells and release of mediators derived from mast cells is important in the pathophysiology of asthma. We hypothesized that nifedipine, a slow calcium channel blocker, would inhibit or attenuate acetylcholine-induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatics. Because one consequence of mast cell activation is the release of platelet-activating factor, we wondered whether thromboxane levels would be increased during acute bronchial constriction in asthmatics. Bronchoconstriction was induced in 8 asthmatics (6 men, 2 women) by acetylcholine; each subject was pretreated either with placebo or nifedipine (20 mg sublingually) on 2 separate days. Vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, peak expiratory flow rates and oscillatory resistance were measured prior to and after the intake of placebo or nifedipine as well as after an acetylcholine challenge. Pretreatment with nifedipine significantly attenuated acetylcholine-induced changes in all four lung function parameters studied, but did not significantly influence the increase in thromboxane B2 plasma concentrations observed after the acetylcholine challenge. From these data we conclude that nifedipine inhibits the acetylcholine-induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatics. This effect may be either a direct action on bronchial smooth muscle or may be due to the inhibition of mediators other than thromboxane.
© 1986 S. Karger AG, Basel
Related Articles:
Article / Publication Details
Received: February 26, 1985
Accepted: April 07, 1986
Published online: January 16, 2009
Issue release date: 1986
Number of Print Pages: 8
Number of Figures: 0
Number of Tables: 0
ISSN: 0025-7931 (Print)
eISSN: 1423-0356 (Online)
For additional information: https://www.karger.com/RES
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.

Get Permission