Abstract
Background: In smoking COPD patients the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid contains high numbers of inflammatory cells. These cells might produce arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites, which contribute to inflammation and an increased bronchomotor tone.Aims: To investigate levels of AA metabolites in BAL fluid, before and after inhaled glucocorticoid therapy: fluticasone propionate (FP) 1mg per day, or placebo.Methods: A double-blind placebo controlled trial lasting six months. COPD patients were selected by clinical criteria and the presence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). Lung function was recorded and in BAL fluid we counted cell numbers and measured LTB4, LTC4/D4/E4, PGE2, 6kPGF1α , PGF2α and TxB2. A control group consisted of asymptomatic smokers