The effect of ICI 74,917 on asthma and bronchial provocation tests

Abstract

The protective action of the anti-allergic drug ICI 74,917 (bufrolin), a phenanthroline derivative, was studied in specific allergen provocation tests and in combating clinical symptoms in 13 asthmatic out-patients. ICI 74,917 was able to diminish allergen-induced bronchoconstriction significantly (P < 0.01) during the placebo period and during chronic treatment with ICI 74,917 for 4 wk. The results obtained during these 2 periods did not differ significantly. There was no statistically significant difference in the symptom scores or PEF [peak expiratory flow] rates during the treatment with ICI 74,917 or placebo for 1 mo. Although ICI 74,197 is able to prevent bronchoconstriction in an allergen provocation test, it failed to improve asthma clinically. No signs of the phenomenon of tachyphylaxis were observed in the present study. The Student''s t-test was used in the statistical analysis.