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Selective 5-HT2 receptor blockade in exercise-induced asthma
Clinical Allergy
|July 1, 1985
Summary
Ketanserin, a serotonin blocker, did not protect against exercise-induced asthma in a pilot study. This suggests serotonin plays a limited role in the development of exercise-induced asthma.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Exercise-induced asthma (EIA) is a common condition.
- The role of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) in EIA pathogenesis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effect of ketanserin, a selective 5-HT antagonist, against exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in young asthmatics.
Main Methods:
- Open-label, pilot study involving seven young extrinsic asthmatics.
- Administration of 10 mg ketanserin intravenously 20 minutes before exercise challenge.
- Assessment of basal bronchomotor tone and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.
Main Results:
- Ketanserin altered basal bronchomotor tone in only one of six subjects.
- Partial protection against exercise-induced bronchoconstriction was observed in one of five asthmatics.
- No significant overall protective effect of ketanserin was found in the group.
- Common side effects included sleepiness, with one instance of bradycardia and hypotension.
Conclusions:
- Ketanserin was ineffective in preventing exercise-induced asthma in this pilot study.
- The findings indirectly suggest that serotonin has a limited role in the pathogenesis of exercise-induced asthma.