Bronchial Challenge with Serotonin in Asthmatics

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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.].