Met-enkephalin effects on histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs.
We investigated the effects of the neuropeptide met-enkephalin on histamine-induced bronhoconstriction in an experimental model of asthma. Classic Konzett and Rössler's method of whole body plethysmography modified by Gjuris, was applied in the study. This method represents a standard experimental model of bronchoconstriction, suitable for the evaluation of peptide effects on the histamine-induced bronchoconstriction. The results of the measurements implicate a dose-related modulatory effect of met-enkephalin on the bronchoconstrictor action of histamine. Met-enkephalin doses of 1 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg, respectively, caused statistically significant reduction of the histamine-induced bronchoconstriction. Estimated ED50 dose was 0.235 mg/kg. Further studies are needed to define practical and therapeutical use of the presented observations in respiratory pharmacology.
Tjesić-Drinković
Dorian
D
Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Center "Zagreb", School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.
Stambuk
Nikola
N
Tjesić-Drinković
Duska
D
Konjevoda
Pasko
P
Gotovac
Nikola
N
Curković
Tihomir
T
Votava-Raić
Ana
A
D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016084:Bronchoconstriction / Q000187:drug effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004744:Enkephalin, Methionine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006632:Histamine; D008297:Male; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D004744:Enkephalin, Methionine; D006632:Histamine