Abstract

Two groups of normal subjects were immunised with live attenuated influenza virus given by the intranasal route. One group was then treated with placebo capsules for 48 hours. At the end of this time an increase in sensitivity to inhaled histamine was found but with a coincident decrease in reactivity. The other group was treated with indomethacin (50 mg four times daily). The increase in sensitivity associated with influenza vaccination was prevented but there was a significant increase in reactivity. It is proposed that prostaglandins released as part of the inflammatory response in the airways after viral infection may be concerned in induction of the changes in response to histamine observed under these conditions.