EFFECTS OF INTRAVENOUS HISTAMINE ON STATIC LUNG COMPLIANCE AND AIRWAY-RESISTANCE IN NORMAL MAN

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Abstract
Static lung compliance and airway resistance were measured in 30 experiments on 6 healthy subjects after i.v. injection of a bolus of histamine (4 .mu.g/kg of body weight). Analysis of the pooled results showed a significant decrease in static lung compliance (maximal mean decrease, -16% occurring 20 s after injection). There was no significant change in functional residual capacity or vital capacity after injection of the histamine. Administration of propranolol (a .beta.-adrenergic blocking agent) did not significantly enhance the responses to histamine. Humans, like other species, can constrict peripheral airways sufficiently to produce alterations in the static elastic properties of the lungs.