Increased blood [TAME]-esterase activity during exercise-induced asthma.

Twelve non-atopic asthmatic children who were reported to be suffering from exercise-induced asthma (E-IA), and eight non-asthmatic children, were studied in an attempt to discern possible associations between N-alpha-tosyl-L-arginine methyl ester [TAME]-esterase activity and E-IA, and the late asthmatic responses. Lung function tests and clinical examinations were performed at rest, and immediately and four hours after cycling for 6 min. Concomitant blood investigations revealed a consistent elevation in the asthmatics of [TAME]-esterase activity and peripheral blood eosinophil levels, immediately following exercise. Our findings suggest that E-IA is associated with a certain threshold of [TAME]-esterase activity as measured by a simple and a rapid colorimetric method.