Role of prostaglandins in bronchial asthma.

It is proposed that the levels of prostaglandin E and F are balanced to the lungs and that this balance is upset on exposure to bronchospastic stimuli. The beneficial affects of steroids and adrenergic drugs in asthma, thus, could be because of their actions on the prostaglandin system. This hypothesis derives support from the fact that prostaglandins modify bronchial tone, have anti-allergic properties, and influence the sympathetic nervous system and immune response.