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Antagonistic Action of Aerosols of Prostaglandins F2α and E2 on Bronchial Muscle Tone in Man

Br Med J 1972; 3 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.3.5820.212 (Published 22 July 1972) Cite this as: Br Med J 1972;3:212
  1. A. P. Smith,
  2. M. F. Cuthbert

    Abstract

    Experiments were carried out in healthy male volunteers to investigate the effect of the inhalation of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) on airways resistance and the influence of the subsequent inhalation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Airways resistance, which reflects the tone of smooth muscle in the larger airways in man, was measured by total body plethysmography.

    The inhalation of PGF2α (40-60 μg) caused an increase in airways resistance in all subjects. Both PGE2 (55 μg) and isoprenaline (550 μg) given by metered aerosol promptly reversed the bronchoconstriction induced by PGF2α, but isoprenaline was more effective in this respect.

    A role for these prostaglandins in the control of bronchial muscle tone is discussed.

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