To clarify part of the bronchodilating effects of theophylline, lymphocyte cyclic AMP (cAMP) and phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity in asthmatic patients and healthy adults were measured. 2. No clear differences in lymphocyte PDE activity were found regarding sexes, ages or the types of asthma. 3. Lymphocyte PDE activity in the asthma group was significantly higher than that in the control group. 4. Lymphocyte cAMP significantly increased at 30 and 60 min after intravenous injection of aminophylline in the asthma group. 5. Lymphocyte PDE activity significantly decreased 60 min after intravenous injection of aminophylline in the asthma group.