Mechanism of respiratory injury by TDI (toluene disocyanate).

The pharmacological action of TDI (toluene-diisocyanate) has been measured in vitro, using peripheral leukocytes of human blood. In this system TDI does not release histamine but it appears to contribute to the action of histamine and other mediators by moderating the beta-adrenergic function. Like propranolol TDI reduces the CAMP (cyclic AMP) stimulation produced by cathecolamines. However it differs from propranolol through its inhibition of the glucagon effect on CAMP (which propranolol does not possess) and also by inhibiting antigenic release of histamine.