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Complement changes during exercise-induced asthma
Clinical Allergy
|September 1, 1978
Summary
Asthmatic children experiencing post-exercise wheezing showed more significant changes in complement levels, particularly haemolytic complement, after exercise. This suggests a potential link between complement system lability and exercise-induced bronchospasm.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) is a common condition in asthmatic individuals.
- The role of the complement system in EIB is not fully understood.
- Previous research suggests potential inflammatory pathways involved in EIB.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the changes in complement levels in asthmatic children with and without post-exercise wheezing compared to non-asthmatic controls.
- To explore the relationship between complement system activity and the occurrence of exercise-induced wheezing.
Main Methods:
- Participants included asthmatic children with (n=6) and without (n=?) post-exercise wheezing, and non-asthmatic adults (n=1).
- Subjects underwent treadmill exercise.
- Serum complement levels (haemolytic complement, C4, C3 breakdown products) were measured pre- and post-exercise.
Main Results:
- Asthmatic children who wheezed post-exercise exhibited the most significant fall in FEV1 and a rise in haemolytic complement.
- Four of six asthmatic children with post-exercise wheezing showed inconsistent changes in C4 titres.
- No C3 breakdown products were detected post-exercise in any group.
Conclusions:
- The complement system appears more labile in asthmatic individuals susceptible to exercise-induced bronchospasm.
- Complement activation may play a role in the pathophysiology of EIB, although the exact mechanisms require further investigation.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise role of complement in exercise-induced bronchospasm.