title: Comparison of salmeterol with placebo in mild asthma: effect on peripheral blood phagocyte function and cytokine levels.
abstract: beta 2-Adrenergic agonists are widely prescribed for the symptomatic relief of asthma, but are not thought to alter the underlying pathogenesis. However, it has been suggested that salmeterol, a new beta-agonist with prolonged bronchodilatory action, may have anti-inflammatory properties. A double-blind crossover study of 4 weeks of inhaled salmeterol versus placebo was performed using a chemiluminescence assay to measure peripheral phagocyte function before and after each treatment period. Circulating cytokines [interleukin-1 beta (IL1 beta), IL4, IL6, IL2 receptor (IL2R)] were also measured. Although salmeterol caused a significant improvement in spirometry, there was no apparent modulation of phagocyte or cytokine activity. No evidence was obtained to support a clinically significant anti-inflammatory action of salmeterol.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, UK.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ramage
authors.forename: I A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Cree
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Dhillon
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000420:Albuterol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007378:Interleukins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000097:blood; D008163:Luminescent Measurements; D008297:Male; D010586:Phagocytes / Q000187:drug effects*; D010919:Placebos / Q000494:pharmacology; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000187:drug effects; D000068299:Salmeterol Xinafoate
chemical_list: D007378:Interleukins; D010919:Placebos; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2; D000068299:Salmeterol Xinafoate; D000420:Albuterol