[The role of serotonin, histamine and the kallikrein-kinin system in the pathogenesis of asphyxic attacks in bronchial asthma].

Altogether 300 patients suffering from bronchial asthma were examined for serotonin metabolism, the kallikrein-kinin system and histamine. A study was also made of the information relations of the indicated parameters to diverse groups of the signs using Shannon's technique. It has been revealed that serotonin and the kallikrein-kinin system are of importance in the pathogenesis of changes in the efficacy of the diffusion lung capacity in severe bronchial asthma. The authors discuss the significance of excessive accumulation of serotonin and bradykinin as a marker of the impairment of endothelial function of pulmonary vessels, specified by the damaging action of free radicals and immune complex allergic vasculitis as well. Histamine along with macrophages act as delimiters of allergic inflammation, with their action being mediated by negative feedback.