PGF2 alpha challenge test in asthma and chronic bronchitis.

Abstract

PGF2 alpha challenge tests were performed in twenty-three patients with bronchial and six patients with chronic bronchitis; two patients with allergic rhinitis and four healthy volunteers also participated in the trial. FEV1 measurements were used in assessing the reactions. PGF2 alpha challenge proved safe and practical in clinical use. A wide scattering in PGF2 alpha reactivity was seen, but sensitivity to PGF2 alpha did not correlate to several clinical criteria. Comparison with an ordinary histamine challenge revealed that the sensitivity of the patients to PGF2 alpha and histamine was not uniform.