A clinical study on the Eosinophil Cationic Protein and Bronchial Responsiveness in Bronchial Asthma

A relationship between airway sensitivity and blood Eosinophil Cationic Protein (ECP) level, as an indicator of eosinophilic inflammation, was studied in adult patients with bronchial asthma in order to evaluate the usefulness of serum ECP measurement in assessment of asthma. The serum ECP levels were measured by using astographic method at the following points: before inhalation of methacholine; when airway resistance increased during inhalation; and when airway resistance decreased at the same points, the eosinophil counts in peripheral blood were measured. As the result of study, there was no significant relationship between the serum ECP level and the threshold of airway sensitivity, Dmin and airway resitance SGrs. However, methacoline inhalation produced a significant increase in the ECP level. In addition, an increase in serum ECP level was followed by an increase in eosinophoil count in the peripheral blood.