[Nitroglycerin also as a broncholytic].

0,8 mg nitroglycerin administered sublingually to 10 patients with asthma bronchiale and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease effects a reduction of airway resistance up to 21% in the second and fifth minute. Even one hour after application the oscillatory resistance (Ros) is 15% lower than at the beginning. In the same patients 0,4 mg inhaled fenoterol has a stronger effect (-30%). After intravenous administration of nitroglycerin (2,5 mg/h) over 15 minutes there is a significant decrease of the plethysmographic measured resistance (Rt) (-23%), an increase of the vital capacity and a decrease of the residual volume. Side effects are a small reduction of pO2 and blood pressure and an increase of heart rate. Orthostatic disturbances may occur. The venous lactate concentration does not change. The investigation shows that patients with obstructive airway disease may benefit from the application of nitroglycerin.