The inhibition by dexamethasone and disodium cromoglycate of anaphylactic bronchoconstriction in the rat

Abstract
1 . A method for the measurement of anaphylactic bronchoconstriction in the rat is described. 2 . Dexamethasone inhibited this response in a dose-related manner. 3 . Disodium cromoglycate antagonized the response. A bell-shaped dose-response curve was obtained with peak activity at 1 mg/kg i.v. 4 . Meclofenamate was not active when given alone or in combination with dexamethasone. 5 . Methysergide significantly inhibited the response. Mepyramine, atropine, propranolol and adrenalectomy did not significantly modify the response. 6 . The relationships of anaphylactic bronchoconstriction in the rat to anaphylactic bronchoconstriction in the guinea-pig and to human asthma are discussed.