title: Protective effect of disodium cromoglycate against airway constriction induced by hemp dust extract.
abstract: The effect of disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) was studied in 14 healthy subjects following hemp dust extract (HDE) inhalation (10-min exposure). Ten subjects were given 20 mg of DSCG or a placebo and then challenged with dust aerosol at 30 min post-DSCG inhalation. Partial expiratory flow-volume (PEFV) curves were recorded at least 30 min after exposure, and maximum expiratory flow rates at 40% of the control vital capacity [MEF40%(P)] were read from these curves. Significant acute reduction in MEF40%(P) were recorded after HDE alone and after pretreatment with placebo (p less than 0.01). There was considerable protection from a single dose of 20 mg of DSCG against hemp-induced bronchoconstriction although the acute reductions in MEF40%(P) were still statistically significant at 20 and 30 men postexposure. A group of 7 subjects was given 40 mg of DSCG or placebo 30 min prior to HDE inhalation. In another experiment this group was given 20 mg of DSCG four times daily for 2 days, and on the third day challenged with HDE. The protective effect of DSCG is a short-term one: somewhat less protection was seen after 2 days of four times 20 mg of DSCG/day than 30 min after a single dose of 40 mg. Measurement of airway conductance (Gaw) in 6 subjects demonstrated prevention of acute reductions in Gaw at low lung volumes (25% VC) in 4 out of 6 subjects. We suggest that inhalation of 40 mg of DSCG prior to a work shift might be considered as a temporary means of protecting textile workers against the constrictor effects of dust in their work.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004391:Dust; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008448:Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013784:Textiles
chemical_list: D004391:Dust; D010936:Plant Extracts; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium