EFFECTS OF THEOPHYLLINE ON LYMPHOCYTE PHOSPHODIESTERASE ACTIVITY

1. To clarify part of the bronchodilating effects of theophylline, lym phocyte cyclic AMP (cAMP) and phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity in asth matic patients and healthy adults were measured. 2. No clear differenc es in lymphocyte PDE activity were found regarding sexes, ages or the types of asthma. 3. Lymphocyte PDE activity in the asthma group was si gnificantly higher than that in the control group. 4. Lymphocyte cAMP significantly increased at 30 and 60 min after intravenous injection o f aminophylline in the asthma group. 5. Lymphocyte PDE activity signif icantly decreased 60 min after intravenous injection of aminophylline in the asthma group. GEN PHARMAC 31;3:409-413, 1998. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.