Effects of theophylline on CD4+ T lymphocyte, interleukin-5, and interferon gamma in induced sputum of asthmatic subjects.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the mechanism of anti-inflammatory action of theophylline on asthma.


METHODS
Nineteen asthmatic subjects were administered 200 mg sustained-release theophylline twice daily for 4 weeks. The number of CD4+ T lymphocytes, eosinophils, and the levels of interleukin (IL)-5 and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) in sputum pre- and post-administration were measured by direct immunofluorescene technique, Wright's stain and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The symptom scores and lung function were also evaluated.


RESULTS
Theophylline treatment significantly improved symptom scores and FEV1.0, FEV1.0 % (P < 0.05) and reduced sputum eosinophils (P < 0.01) in asthmatic subjects. These were accompanied by a decrease in sputum IL-5 level (P < 0.01), but sputum CD4+ T lymphocytes and IFN-gamma had no significant change (P >0.05). The mean (range) serum theophylline concentration in final steady state was 7.9 (3.9 - 12.9) mg/L.


CONCLUSIONS
The anti-inflammatory action of theophylline in asthma may result from reduction of IL-5 production in the airways.
Nie
Han-Xiang
HX
Department of Respiratory Disease, Wuhan University Renmin Hospital, Wuhan 430060, China.
Yang
Jiong
J
Hu
Su-Ping
SP
Wu
Xiao-Jun
XJ
D000328:Adult; D000420:Albuterol / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004804:Eosinophils / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000378:metabolism*; D015848:Interleukin-5 / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D013183:Sputum / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D013806:Theophylline / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D015848:Interleukin-5; D007371:Interferon-gamma; D013806:Theophylline; D000420:Albuterol