[Behavior of the second messenger cAMP in status asthmaticus before and following administration of theophylline-ethylenediamine].

The present investigation provides evidence that the second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) shows a different reaction before and after treatment of asthmatic attack. 18 patients suffering from an asthmatic attack admitted to hospital as internal emergency cases were given intravenously 0.24 g theophylline-ethylenediamine (Euphyllin) and 10 mg benzoctamine. Blood was taken and cAMP-concentrations were tested during status asthmaticus, i.e. before theophylline was injected, and after symptoms had decreased. After injection of theophylline a relation could be shown between the clinical effect and a significant biochemical correlate. The cAMP-concentrations increased from 15.5 to 20.2 pmol/ml. The results are significant on the 1% level. It should be discussed whether there is a malfunction or a lack of receptors in asthmatic disease. The cAMP-concentrations found during status asthmaticus are low compared to those found during paroxysmal tachycardia (40 pmol/ml) and are slightly higher than those found in healthy persons. There was no depressant effect on respiration by benzoctamine; in spite of that good sedative component could be seen.