Effects of isozyme-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitors on eosinophil infiltration in the guinea-pig lung.

The effects of selective phosphodiesterase isozyme inhibitors on eosinophil infiltration induced by antigen challenge or by exposure to an aerosol of platelet-activating factor (PAF) were investigated in the guinea-pig. Pretreatment 24 h and 3 h before antigen challenge or PAF exposure with theophylline (100 mg/kg), rolipram (5 mg/kg) and Ro 20-1724 (30 mg/kg) significantly reduced the increase in eosinophil numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In contrast, milrinone, SK&F 94-120 and zaprinast were ineffective against antigen-induced eosinophil recruitment. Theophylline, rolipram and Ro 20-1724 also significantly reduced the release of eosinophil peroxidase into the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. It is suggested that inhibitors of type IV phosphodiesterase have anti-inflammatory effects in the airways and may be useful in the treatment of asthma.