[Effect of histamine on bronchial hyperreactivity in sarcoidosis and other lung diseases]

Bronchial hyperreactivity is the central symptom of bronchial asthma which, however, can also be observed in various other diseases affecting the lungs and bronchi, such as, for example, sarcoidosis. In response to unspecific inhalative provocation, obstruction of the bronchi occurs; a genetic predisposition is thought to be involved. During this reaction, histamine is released by various cells, predominantly mast cells. In comparison with normal subjects, patients with bronchial asthma, sarcoidosis or a hyperreactive bronchial system are found to have significantly higher basal plasma levels if histamine. In response to unspecific provocation with acetylcholine and Carbachol, significantly higher histamine levels are observed in bronchial asthma and sarcoidosis. Although an increase is also observed in normal subjects and hyperreactives, it is appreciably lower than in the other two groups of patients. In contrast to asthmatics and patients with sarcoidosis, in particular in patients with hyperreactivity, a significant increase in plasma histamine is found following ergometer exercise. These results show that endogenous histamine is liberated by provocation challenges in various diseases, and may have a possible influence on bronchial obstruction.