Antagonistic Action of Aerosols of Prostaglandins F(2)alpha and E(2) on Bronchial Muscle Tone in Man.

Experiments were carried out in healthy male volunteers to investigate the effect of the inhalation of prostaglandin F(2)alpha (PGF(2)alpha) on airways resistance and the influence of the subsequent inhalation of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)). Airways resistance, which reflects the tone of smooth muscle in the larger airways in man, was measured by total body plethysmography.The inhalation of PGF(2)alpha (40-60 mug) caused an increase in airways resistance in all subjects. Both PGE(2) (55 mug) and isoprenaline (550 mug) given by metered aerosol promptly reversed the bronchoconstriction induced by PGF(2)alpha, but isoprenaline was more effective in this respect.A role for these prostaglandins in the control of bronchial muscle tone is discussed.