title: The effects of albuterol on sulfur dioxide-induced bronchoconstriction in allergic adolescents.
abstract: Ten allergic subjects with exercise-induced bronchospasm were studied to determine whether albuterol could prevent sulfur dioxide (SO2)-induced bronchoconstriction. Albuterol or placebo (180 micrograms) were administered by metered-dose inhaler 20 minutes before a 10-minute exposure to SO2 or clean air during moderate exercise on a treadmill at an exercise level that by itself did not produce exercise-induced bronchospasm. Pulmonary functions (FEV1 and total respiratory resistance [RT]) were measured before the drug, after the drug, and after exposure to SO2 or clean air. Albuterol treatment produced significant bronchodilation and also prevented SO2-induced bronchoconstriction. Following SO2 inhalation after placebo, FEV1 decreased 15% (p less than 0.02) and RT increased 50% (p less than 0.03). Following SO2 inhalation after albuterol treatment, neither FEV1 or RT changed significantly. We conclude that albuterol, a beta 2-agonist, inhibits SO2-induced bronchoconstriction. This result suggests that the adrenergic nervous system or mast cell degranulation are involved in SO2-induced bronchoconstriction.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000420:Albuterol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001986:Bronchial Spasm / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D005082:Physical Exertion; D013458:Sulfur Dioxide
chemical_list: D013458:Sulfur Dioxide; D000420:Albuterol