Effect of salbutamol, ipratropium bromide and cromolyn sodium on prostaglandin F2 alpha-induced bronchospasm.

We studied the effects of salbutamol, ipratropium bromide and cromolyn sodium on PGF2 alpha-induced bronchospasm in ten patients with asthma. Initially, the bronchial reactivity to IC-PGF2 alpha and the DP20-PGF2 alpha were determined. Recalculations were made two days later and again 1 h after administration of various drugs given on different days. Salbutamol and ipratropium bromide induced significant bronchodilation and of similar magnitude 1 h after administration. On the day salbutamol was given, surface area under the dose-response curve to PGF2 alpha was significantly higher and the final drop of FEV1 significantly lower than those observed on days when placebo, ipratropium bromide and cromolyn sodium were given. No differences among these values were found for placebo, ipratropium bromide and cromolyn sodium. Thus, beta 2 stimulants attenuate significantly PGF2 alpha-induced bronchospasm, while ipratropium bromide and cromolyn sodium do not have protective effect.