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Theophylline's effect on neutrophil function and the late asthmatic response
1Department of Medicine, National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, Denver, CO 80206, USA.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|August 1, 1996
Summary
Theophylline improved lung function in asthma patients by enhancing neutrophil response to adenosine. However, it did not reduce the severity or duration of the late asthmatic response after allergen challenge.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Late asthmatic response involves airway inflammation and lung function decline.
- Theophylline's mechanism in inhibiting this response remains unclear.
- Neutrophil activation and superoxide production are implicated in airway inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if theophylline inhibits late asthmatic response by modulating neutrophil activation.
- To assess theophylline's effect on neutrophil superoxide production.
Main Methods:
- Double-blind, randomized, crossover study with 12 asthma subjects.
- Subjects received theophylline and placebo over two 3-week periods.
- Allergen challenge and blood neutrophil function analysis were performed after each treatment period.
Main Results:
- Theophylline, at therapeutic levels, improved baseline and post-challenge FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second).
- Theophylline increased the suppression of neutrophil superoxide production induced by adenosine.
- No significant decrease in the severity or duration of the late asthmatic response was observed.
Conclusions:
- Theophylline enhances pulmonary function partly through improved neutrophil feedback inhibition by adenosine.
- Theophylline does not appear to mitigate the late asthmatic response itself.
- Further research is needed to clarify theophylline's role in asthma management.
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