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Plasma histamine and catecholamines in stable asthmatic subjects
Clinical Science (London, England : 1979)
|June 1, 1982
Summary
Asthma patients show elevated histamine levels, suggesting mediator release from mast cells. However, histamine and catecholamine levels did not correlate with asthma severity or airway obstruction.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Allergy and Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by airway inflammation.
- Histamine and catecholamines are key mediators in allergic and inflammatory responses.
- Previous studies on plasma mediator levels in asthma have yielded conflicting results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure venous plasma histamine and catecholamine concentrations in stable asthmatic subjects.
- To compare mediator levels in asthmatics with normal controls and patients with chronic obstructive airways disease (COPD).
- To investigate the correlation between plasma mediator levels and asthma severity or bronchoconstriction.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a specific and sensitive radioenzymatic assay for accurate measurement.
- Included stable asthmatic subjects (extrinsic and intrinsic), normal controls, and COPD patients.
- Analyzed venous plasma samples for histamine and catecholamine concentrations.
Main Results:
- Plasma histamine concentrations were significantly elevated in both extrinsic and intrinsic asthmatic subjects compared to normal controls and COPD patients.
- No significant difference in plasma catecholamine concentrations was observed between asthmatic subjects and normal controls.
- Plasma histamine levels did not correlate with the severity of airways obstruction or bronchoconstriction.
Conclusions:
- Elevated plasma histamine at rest may suggest increased mediator release from 'leaky' mast cells in asthma.
- Plasma catecholamine levels do not appear to be a reliable indicator of asthma severity or bronchoconstriction.
- These findings contribute to understanding the role of mast cell mediators in asthma pathophysiology.
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