The effect of short-term and long-term application of fisetin on experimentally induced airway hyperreactivity

Background: Fisetin, a derivate from the flavonol group may possess a variety of pharmacological effects. The aim of the presented study was to evaluate the bronchodilatory effect of fisetin after the acute or the chronic administration to guinea pigs with allergic airway inflammation. Methods: Experimental animals were sensitized and challenged by ovalbumin. Fisetin was administered in dose 5mg/kg/p.o., either once after the end of 21-days sensitization or daily during the 21-days sensitization. By using the whole-body plethysmograph, we monitored the specific airway resistance, a parameter of airway hyperreactivity in vivo . The changes of the specific airway resistance were evaluated after the short-term inhalation of the bronchoconstriction mediator-histamine (10 −6 mol.1 −1 ). Results: Our results showed that the short-term as well as the long-term administration of fisetin caused decrease of the specific airway resistance values. The bronchodilatory effect of fisetin was comparable to the long-acting beta 2 sympathomimetic – salmeterol after the long-term administration. The measurements of the bronchodilatory activity after single administration have revealed more prolonged effect of fisetin comparing to the short-acting beta 2 sympathomimetic – salbutamol, as this remained even after the 5 hours, when salbutamol was already ineffective. Conclusion: In conclusion, flavonol – fisetin has shown bronchodilatory potential. In the light of this fact, fisetin may represent potential substance that can be effective in both prevention as well as control of airway inflammation symptoms.