The inhibition by dexamethasone and disodium cromoglycate of anaphylactic bronchoconstriction in the rat

Abstract

1. A method for the measurement of anaphylactic bronchoconstriction in the rat is described.2. Dexamethasone inhibited this response in a dose-related manner.3. Disodium cromoglycate antagonized the response. A bell-shaped dose-response curve was obtained with peak activity at 1 mg/kg i.v.4. Meclofenamate was not active when given alone or in combination with dexamethasone.5. Methysergide significantly inhibited the response. Mepyramine, atropine, propranolol and adrenalectomy did not significantly modify the response.6. The relationships of anaphylactic bronchoconstriction in the rat to anaphylactic bronchoconstriction in the guinea-pig and to human asthma are discussed.