Evidence of an effect of inhaled disodium cromoglycate on lipid metabolism in man: enhanced lipolysis and decreased plasma post-heparin lipase activities.

Inhalation of therapeutic doses of disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) was followed by a prompt increase of plasma free fatty acids (FFA). After treatment with DSCG for 3 days both hepatic and non-hepatic (lipoprotein lipase sensu strictiori) plasma post-heparin lipoprotein lipase activities were significantly depressed. No significant change was induced on serum lipids and lipoproteins, nor on the fat tolerance curve, though a trend to an elevation of this last parameter was noted. Our results show that the inhalation of DSCG produces systemic metabolic effects, being in accord with the view that this drug raises intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate. Furthermore, they support the contention that lipoprotein lipase activity is controlled by intracellular concentration of FFA and/or cyclic adenosine monophosphate.