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A bronchodilator action of glucagon
M S Sherman1, E J Lazar, P Eichacker
1Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10467.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|May 1, 1988
Summary
Glucagon demonstrated a significant bronchodilator effect in asthma patients, improving FEV1 and peak expiratory flow rates. This suggests glucagon may be a viable treatment option for select individuals with asthma.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction.
- Current asthma treatments primarily focus on bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential bronchodilator effects of glucagon in patients with asthma.
- To assess the efficacy of intravenous glucagon compared to a placebo in improving lung function parameters.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, crossover study was conducted on eight asthma patients.
- Patients received either intravenous glucagon or saline after a 12-hour bronchodilator washout period.
Main Results:
- Glucagon significantly improved FEV1 (17.5%) and peak expiratory flow rate (14.2%) compared to placebo.
- Seven out of eight patients showed a notable response to glucagon, with improvements ranging from 40% to 105% of isoproterenol response.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous glucagon exhibits a bronchodilator effect in selected asthma patients.
- Glucagon's pharmacologic actions may offer a therapeutic benefit for certain individuals with asthma.
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