BRONCHODILATOR ACTIVITY OF THE PROSTAGLANDINS E 1 AND E 2

The prostaglandins PGE 1 and PGE 2 and isoproterenol were effective bronchodilators capable of reversing the increased airway resistance and decreased airway compliance induced by cholinergic stimulation in the cat. Administration of the prostaglandins by serosol greatly increased their potency compared with the i.v. route, whereas the converse was true of isoproterenol. Cardiovascular effects of PGE 1 and PGE 2 were prominent only after i.v. administration. Blockade of various neurologic pathways failed to affect the bronchodilating properties of PGE 2 . When administered by aerosol, the prostaglandins represent a new and novel class of potent bronchodilator agents.