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Protective effect of theophylline on histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatic children

S Levene, S A McKenzie

    British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
    |April 1, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    Theophylline reduced bronchial responsiveness in asthmatic children. However, the effect was modest, requiring high theophylline levels for a small improvement in histamine response.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Pulmonology
    • Pharmacology
    • Respiratory Medicine

    Background:

    • Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness.
    • Theophylline is a bronchodilator used in asthma management, but its efficacy and optimal dosage remain subjects of research.
    • Assessing bronchial responsiveness is crucial for understanding asthma severity and treatment effectiveness.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the effect of a single dose of theophylline on bronchial responsiveness in children with asthma.
    • To compare theophylline's impact on histamine-induced bronchoconstriction against a placebo.

    Main Methods:

    • A group of asthmatic children participated in the study.
    • Bronchial responsiveness was measured using histamine stimulation.
    • Histamine challenges were performed after administering a single dose of theophylline and after a placebo.

    Main Results:

    • Theophylline significantly reduced bronchial responsiveness in asthmatic children.
    • This reduction was observed when theophylline levels exceeded 10 micrograms/mL.
    • The observed reduction was modest, equivalent to just over one doubling concentration of histamine (P < 0.001).

    Conclusions:

    • Theophylline can attenuate bronchial hyperresponsiveness in pediatric asthma patients.
    • Clinically significant bronchodilator effects may require higher theophylline concentrations.
    • Further research is needed to determine optimal theophylline dosing strategies for pediatric asthma.

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