Hormones and Pulmonary Effects of Tobacco

Abstract

Hydrocortisone and dexamethasone probably exert their antiasthmatic action partly by local relaxation of smooth muscles of the airways. Relaxation of the dog’s bronchial smooth muscles by corticosteroids could not be attributed to potentiation of the sympathetic bronchodilator mechansim or to inhibition of bronchoconstrictor mechanisms. Inhalation of cigarette smoke increased pulmonary resistance in anesthetized dogs. Their response to corticosteroids given before exposure to cigarette smoke was so variable that it was impossible to determine the relationship between cigarette smoke and airway sensitivity after corticosteroid therapy.