Lack of a role for bradykinin in inhaled sodium metabisulphite-induced airway microvascular leakage in guinea pigs

Abstract

We have investigated the role of bradykinin in airway microvascular leakage and bronchoconstriction induced by inhaled sodium metabisulphite (MBS) in guinea pigs. A selective bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist, HOE 140 (D-Arg[Hyp3, Thi5, D-Tic7, Oic8]-bradykinin), was used because this drug has been shown to abolish the airway responses induced by bradykinin. Lung resistance (RL) was measured for 6 min after challenge with MBS, followed by measurement of extravasation of Evans Blue dye into airway tissues, used as an index of plasma exudation. Aerosolized MBS (40 and 80 mmol/L, 30 breaths) induced a significant increase in RL and leakage of dye in the trachea, main bronchi and intrapulmonary airways, whereas 20 mmol/L MBS caused these responses except for the dye leakage in the trachea and main bronchi. HOE 140 (100 nmol/kg iv) had no effect against these airway responses. We conclude that bradykinin-mediated mechanisms do not play a significant role in the acute airway effects induced by inhaled MBS.