EXAGGERATED AIRWAY RESPONSIVENESS TO ETHANOLIC SOLUTIONS

Abstract

While determining responsiveness of asthmatic airways to bradykinin, it became apparent that responsiveness to the ethanolic diluent might be a confounding factor. Hence, responsiveness was measured under the same conditions using bradykinin diluted in phosphate-buffered saline. Differences in sensitivity imply that responsiveness to ethanol can develop in asthmatic subjects and can persist for several weeks. This observation questions the desirability of using ethanol for delivery of materials (e.g., bradykinin and peptidoleukotrienes) into asthmatic airways.