The effect of prostaglandin F2beta on expiratory flow rates

Prostaglandin F2beta (PGF2beta), a stereoisomer of F2alpha was administered by ultrasonic nebulization to eight patients with bronchial asthma and four normal subjects in increasing doses up to 200 mug maximum dose. Maximum expiratory flow (MEF) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were analyzed at 5, 15, 30, 60 and 120 minutes after administration of aerosol. All expiratory flow rates were reduced after 5 minutes. Some increase in terminal flow rates was observed after 60 minutes. We conclude that PGF2beta in not an effective bronchodilator at this dose level.