The role of H2-receptors in bronchial reactivity in atopic asthma

The aim of the present study was to evaluate lung function and bronchial reactivity during therapy with the H2-blockers, cimetidine and ranitidine, in order to determine the role of H2-receptors in the bronchial response of asthmatic patients. Bronchial reactivity was evaluated by the histamine provocation test before, and 3 or 6 days after administration of cimetidine (800 mg per day) or ranitidine (300 mg per day). It was shown that after 6 days treatment, an increase in bronchial reactivity occurred in 85% of the patients treated with cimetidine and in 64% of the patients treated with ranitidine. These results seem to confirm the presence of H2 receptors in the bronchial tree of asthmatic patients. Blockade of these receptors causes an increase in bronchial reactivity and potential exacerbation of the asthmatic symptoms.