Cytogenetic study in peripheral blood lymphocytes from asthmatic patients receiving continued therapy with...

Possible cytogenetic effects of theophylline have been investigated in asthmatic patients undergoing continuous therapy with this drug. Sister-chromatid exchanges (SCE), chromosome aberrations (CA) and proliferating rate indices (PRI) were evaluated in cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients receiving theophylline alone, theophylline plus inhaled beta 2 adrenergic drugs or theophylline in combination with beta 2 adrenergic agents and corticoids. Two samples from each individual were obtained in order to perform a prospective study: before the theophylline medication (sample A) and at a time after the beginning of treatment (sample B). After treatment (66.3 +/- 37.8 days), an increase in SCE was observed without modifications either in PRI or in CA. Patients receiving beta 2 adrenergics or beta 2 adrenergics plus glucocorticoids before and during theophylline treatment, did not respond differently than those on theophylline alone.