We investigated the effect of amrinone, a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor,
on rat airway smooth muscle, and thereafter, compared its activity with ami
nophylline and diltiazem. Amrinone produced relaxation of the acetylcholine
-induced airway contraction in a dose-related manner. This bronchodilatory
activity of amrinone was similar to that of aminophylline, but smaller than
that of diltiazem. The 50% relaxant effect (ED50) Of amrinone, aminophylli
ne and diltiazem were 3.6x10(-4) M, 1.4x10(-4) M and 1.4x10(-5) M, respecti
vely. Diltiazem was the most potent airway relaxant, and amrinone was less
potent in these experiments. Taken together in its positive inotropic and c
hronotropic effects and anti-inflammatory activity, however, amrinone could
be beneficial for treatment of patients suffering from asthma or heart fai
lure with cardiac asthma.
(C) Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica 44 (2000).