[Histamine content of the sputum of patients with obstructive bronchitis].

High histamine concentrations were measured in the sputum of patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis. The histamine concentration doubles or triples when the sputum is incubated for 24 and 72 h, respectively at 37 degrees C. The antibiotics therapy with doxycycline significantly inhibited the histamine formation in 8 patients, which was mainly caused by bacteria. In the sputum of one patient the histamine formation was reinforced in spite of the doxycycline therapy. The clinical importance of these findings is discussed.