A23187-INDUCED PULMONARY GAS TRAPPING AND INFLAMMATION IN THE GUINEA-PIG

A brief A23187 aerosol exposure produced prolonged airway obstruction with granulocyte accumulation in conscious guinea pigs. Aminophylline, atropine, pyrilamine, salbutamol, SC-41930 (a leukotriene B4 antagonist) and WEB 2086 (a platelet activating factor antogonist) were administered intravenously (i.v.) to evaluate their ability to prevent these changes. Inhaled salbutamol was also assessed. Aminophylline, atropine, and salbutamol (i.v. and aerosol) inhibited A23187-induced gas trapping (p < 0.01). However, pyrilamine, SC-41930 and WEB 2086 did not influence this airway obstructive effect. Only atropine, inhaled salbutamol and SC-41930 inhibited the cell influx (p < 0.01), while pyrilamine potentiated the inflammation (p < 0.05). We conclude that A23187 produces a sustained bronchospasm and an intense granulocyte accumulation. The treatment agents tested differ considerably in their ability to alter A23187-induced airway obstruction and inflammation.