Abstract

Sputum produced by normal subjects after inhalation of prostaglandin F2alpha, acetylcholine, histamine, and citric acid has been analysed. Prostaglandin F2alpha was the most effective of the drugs in promoting sputum production. The material expectorated after inhalation of prostaglandin F2alpha shows the characteristics of mucoid sputum from patients with chronic bronchitis. The apparent viscosity and the concentration of marker substances for bronchial glycoprotein was in the lower part of the range found in mucoid chronic bronchitic sputum. The concentration of marker substances for serum glycoproteins and tissue fluid transudate were below the range found in chronic bronchitis, indicating that, in disease states, in addition to bronchial mucus there is a marked tissue fluid transudate component. Sputum produced after inhalation of acetylcholine and histamine contained relatively more tissue fluid transudate than sputum produced after inhalation of prostaglandin F2alpha, Sputum produced after inhalation of prostaglandin F2alpha, is of special value in indicating the nature of secretion from normal airways.