PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF DISODIUM-CROMOGLYCATE AGAINST AIRWAY CONSTRICTION INDUCED BY HEMP DUST EXTRACT

[摘要] The effect of disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) was studied in 14 healthy subjects following hemp dust extract (IIDE) inhalation (10-min exposure). Ten subjects were given 20 mg of DSCG or a placebo and then challenged with dust aerosal at 30 min post-DSCG inhalation. Partial expiratory flow-volume (PEFV) curves were recorded at least 30 min after exposure, and maximum expiratory flow rates at 40% of the control vital capacity [MEF40%(P)] were read from these curves. Significant acute reductions in MEF40%(P) were recorded after HDE alone and after pretreatment with placebo (P < 0.01). There was considerable protection from a single dose of 20 mg of DSCG against hemp-induced bronchoconstriction although the acute reductions in MEF40%(P) were still statistically significant at 20 and 30 min postexposure. A group of 7 subjects was given 40 mg of DSCG or placebo 30 min prior to HDE inhalation. In another experiment this group was given 20 mg of DSCG 4 times daily for 2 days, and on the 3rd day challenged with HDE. The protective effect of DSCG is a short-term one: somewhat less protection was seen after 2 days of 4 times 20 mg of DSCG/day than 30 min after a single dose of 40 mg. Measurement of airway conductance (Gaw) in 6 subjects demonstrated prevention of acute reductions in Gaw at low lung volumes (25% VC) in 4 of 6 subjects. Inhalation of 40 mg of DSCG prior to a work shift might be considered as a temporary means of protecting textile workers against the constrictor effects of dust in their work.