cyclic-gmp and Asthma--Exercise-Induced

Atopy is not the most common factor causing asthma in adults. Recent elucidations of pathophysiologic mechanisms involving the autonomic nervous system, cyclic nucleotide metabolism, and arachnoidonic biochemistry give us a better understanding of the similarities and unique differences among asthma events related to exercise, aspirin, emotions, occupational environments, atmospheric conditions, and respiratory tract infections. The ultimate value of this information is no greater than its potential to aid the physician in decreasing the interference of asthma in the daily lives of patients.

Topics: Aerosols; Air Pollution; Aspirin; Asthma; Asthma, Exercise-Induced; Autonomic Nervous System; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Emotions; Humans; Humidity; Immunoglobulin E; Occupational Diseases; Parasympathetic Nervous System; Receptors, Adrenergic; Respiratory Tract Infections; Tobacco Smoke Pollution

It is known that sympatho-adrenal control of airways is increased in asthma since beta blockade can cause severe bronchoconstriction in asthmatic individuals. It has not been established whether an altered catecholamine response to exercise plays any part in the production of the common symptom of exercise-induced asthma (EIA). We have investigated this indirectly by measuring arterial plasma cyclic nucleotide levels in 10 subjects with EIA and five normal subjects. Cyclic AMP, which in this context reflects beta stimulation, rose significantly by 25.4% in the normal subjects during exercise, while there was no significant change during or after exercise (less than 5%) in the asthmatic subjects. Cyclic GMP rose significantly after exercise in the asthmatic subjects. Six normal subjects repeated the protocol before and after inhalation of salbutamol aerosol, 1600 microgram daily for 18 days. This did not reduce the cAMP response to exercise, and we conclude that the diminished cAMP response of the asthmatic subjects was not caused by their medication. The results may indicate either impaired catecholamine production or endogenous beta receptor hyporesponsiveness in some asthmatic subjects and this may contribute to the development of EIA.

Topics: Adult; Albuterol; Asthma; Asthma, Exercise-Induced; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Humans; Male; Middle Aged

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Asthma; Asthma, Exercise-Induced; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Norepinephrine; Prostaglandins E

Topics: Aminopyrine; Asthma; Asthma, Exercise-Induced; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Dipyrone; Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase; Histamine; Humans; Norepinephrine