Effects of theophylline on CD4~+T lymphocyte, interleukin-5, and interferon gamma in airways of asthmatic patients / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

ABSTRACT

AIM: To investigate the mechanism of anti inflammatory action of theophylline on asthma. METHODS: Nineteen asthmatic patients were administered 200 mg sustained release theophylline twice daily for 4 weeks. The numbers or levels of CD4 +T lymphocytes, eosinophils, interleukin(IL) 5 and interferon gamma (IFN ?) in sputum pre and post administration were measured by direct immunofluorescene technique, Wright's stain and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The symptom scores and lung function were also evaluated. RESULTS: Theophylline treatment significantly improved symptom scores, FEV 1.0 and FEV 1.0 %(P 0.05 ). The mean (range) serum theophylline concentration in final steady state was 7.9 ( 3.9 - 14.7 ) mg?L -1 . CONCLUSION: The anti inflammatory action of theophylline in asthma may result from reduction of IL 5 production in the airways.