Effect of Salmeterol on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Concentrations in Asthma
Effect of Salmeterol on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Concentrations in Asthma
BDNF has been linked to the pathogenesis of airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma. In this
 trial, the impact of a treatment with salmeterol and salmeterol / fluticasone on BDNF
 concentrations will be assessed in patients with asthma. The investigators hypothesize that
 salmeterol impacts on BDNF concentrations in patients with asthma.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Age > 18 years, a physician's diagnosis of allergic asthma

 -  A documented sensitization to aero-allergens (pollen, animal hair, or house dust mite)

 -  A pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) > 80 % of the
 predicted value (% predicted), a provocative concentration of histamine causing a 20 %
 fall in FEV1 (PC20) of < 8 mg histamine / ml

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  No regular treatment (only short-acting inhalers on demand were allowed)

 -  No history of or evidence for any other chronic disease than asthma

 -  No history of smoking, absence of any signs or symptoms of an infection