The role of prostaglandin F2 alpha in byssinosis.

Female guinea pigs were perfused via the pulmonary artery with Tyrode's solution containing 0, 10(-6), 10(-5), or 10(-4) g/mL of lyophilized aqueous extracts of cotton dust. The perfusate was collected via the pulmonary vein and analyzed for prostaglandin F2 alpha, its metabolite 15-keto-13, 14-dihydro-prostaglandin F2 alpha and histamine. The histamine content of the pulmonary parenchyma was also analyzed. Prostaglandin F2 alpha, its metabolite, and the percentage of total histamine released increased in a dose related fashion and were significantly higher in the perfusate of the animals which had received the two highest doses than that of the controls. Since prostaglandin F2 alpha can increase airway resistance and bronchial smooth muscle contraction and decrease pulmonary tidal volume, its liberation into the respiratory system could play a role, along with histamine, in the acute bronchial constriction that follows the inhalation of cotton, flax, or hemp dust.