title: The parasympathetic nervous system and the diurnal variation of lung mechanics in asthma.
abstract: In a placebo-controlled double-blind experiment the effects of cholinergic blockade with 30 micrograms kg-1 atropine administered by intravenous injection have been studied in nocturnal asthma. Cholinergic blockade at night reversed the changes in indices of airflow in small airways and of gas trapping to the values seen after administration of atropine during the daytime. However, the improvement in indices of airflow in large airways was not complete, reaching only the daytime placebo levels. No changes were seen in any aspect of breathing pattern. The results are discussed in relation to the literature.
authors.affiliation: Pulmonary Function Laboratory, Killingbeck Hospital, Leeds, U.K.
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Morrison
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Pearson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001285:Atropine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008176:Lung Volume Measurements; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010275:Parasympathetic Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D001285:Atropine