The effects of theophylline on airway inflammation.

One of the important modes of action of theophylline in asthma and chronic obstructive airway disease may be the inhibition of airway inflammation. This hypothesis is based on in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrating that theophylline at therapeutic concentrations has an inhibitory activity on airway inflammation induced by allergic and nonallergic stimuli. Indirect evidence suggests that airway inflammation is an important determinant in the long-term outcome of chronic obstructive airway disease. The effect of theophylline on the long-term evolution of chronic obstructive lung disease remains to be proven.