Selective inhibition of cough and bronchoconstriction in conscious guinea pigs.

In guinea-pigs citric acid-induced cough and bronchoconstriction were inhibited by beta 2-agonist and xanthine drugs. Lidocaine inhibited only cough. Cromoglycate and ipratropium bromide inhibited only bronchoconstriction. We conclude that cough and bronchoconstriction in guinea-pigs are distinct reflexes and that the inhibitory pharmacology of these airway reflexes may agree in many respects, with that observed in asthmatic subjects.