THE EFFECT OF DIHYDROERGOCORNINE ON THE PULMONARY RESPONSE TO METHACHOLINE AND HISTAMINE IN SUBJECTS WITH BRONCHIAL ASTHMA

Abstract
Dihydroergocornine in intraven. doses of 0.25-0.75 mg. was administered to a group of 12 subjects with bronchial asthma. Protective tests were performed by measuring the change in the vital capacity and max. minute ventilation, due to histamine and methacholine before and after the admn. of dihydroergocornine. In 8 cases protection of 50% or more resulted and no serious side reactions were experienced. It is felt that dihydroergocornine blocks the reflex bronchoconstriction set up by the direct action of histamine and methacholine on the tracheobronchial tree in asthmatic subjects.