Comparison of bronchial reactivity to histamine and methacholine in asthmatics

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Abstract
Eight subjects with asthma underwent bronchial challenge with histamine and methacholine. Dose-response curves were drawn on a scale which made the dosages equivalent in MW. The results were analyzed in terms of both the slope of the dose-response curve and the dose required to elicit a 20% fall in FEV [forced expiratory volume in 1 s]. No significant difference between methacholine and histamine was found in either measurement. The similarity of the responses suggests that the 2 agents are similar in action and may be used with equal effectiveness in bronchial challenges.