Bronchial Challenge with Serotonin in Asthmatics

Abstract

Bronchial challenge with serotonin creatinine in phosphate buffer was performed in 20 stable asthmatics. In contrast to some earlier studies no changes in FEV1 [forced expiratory volume in 1 s] or FVC [forced vital capacity] 0 and 2 min after provocation with increasing concentrations of serotonin (maximal concentration, 20 mg/ml) were observed. In the first 8 patients the PC20 histamine was 0.125-0.65 mg/ml, performed on a separate day. In 3 other asthmatics serotonin chloride 20 mg/ml did not affect lung function or produce any subjective symptoms. Serotonin cannot be used to evaluate nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity in asthmatics. [If serotonin can induce bronchoconstriction, it could be used to measure bronchial hyperreactivity, and its role in the pathophysiology of asthma would be a hypothetical possibility.].