Mode of action of calcium antagonists on responses to spasmogens and antigen challenge in human airway smooth muscle

Calcium antagonists have been shown to inhibit exercise-induced asthma. The mechanism of inhibition is unclear, but may involve inhibition of mediator release and/or blockade of the mediator effects. We studied the effects of methoxyverapamil (D600) on human airway responses to spasmogens as well as on histamine release from passively sensitized human lung challenged with ragweed antigen. The concentrations of D600 required to inhibit 50% of …