MECHANISMS OF 3-CARENE-INDUCED BRONCHOCONSTRICTION IN THE ISOLATED GUINEA-PIG LUNG

Inhaled 3-carene at a concentration of 5,000 mg/m(3) caused bronchocon striction in isolated, ventilated and perfused guinea pig lungs. This effect was inhibited by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor diclofenac (100 m u M) and the thromboxane/prostaglandin endoperoxide-receptor antagonis t L-670,596 (1 mu M). 3-Carene exposure also increased the amount of t hromboxane in the perfusate from the lungs. In cultured calf pulmonary arterial endothelial cells 3-carene caused a dose-related release of arachidonic acid. Thus, the results obtained in this experimental mode l may have implications in the understanding of the pathophysiology of 3-carene-induced obstructive pulmonary disease in humans.