Anti-allergic activities of the beta-adrenoceptor stimulant formoterol (BD 40A)

The effects of formoterol (BD 40A) on the rat and guinea-pig hypersensitivity reactions and on mouse IgE antibody formation was investigated. The inhibitory effect of intravenously (i.v.) and perorally (p.o.) administered formoterol on (mouse) IgE-mediated 24-hr passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in rats was 6.3 and 33 times, respectively, more potent than that of salbutamol. This action was antagonized by pretreatment with propranolol. Formoterol at the dose exhibiting considerable PCA inhibition had no effect on histamine- and 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced skin reactions. Formoterol, administered i.v. or p.o., inhibited (guinea-pig) IgE-mediated 8-day PCA in guinea-pigs. In the isolated guinea-pig lung, both formoterol and salbutamol exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of antigen-induced histamine release. However, in the isolated rat mesenterium these two drugs showed only partial inhibition of antigen-induced mast cell degranulation, whereas disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) manifested dose-dependent inhibition. Neither formoterol nor salbutamol affected the hapten-specific IgE antibody response in female BDF1 mice.