ABSTRACT
Respiratory system As early as 1964, it became apparent that β-adrenergic blocking agents could lead to bronchoconstriction (and possible death) in asthmatics [1]. Since then, many similar adverse effects have been identi˜ed. These known effects of drugs from a variety of pharmacologic/therapeutic classes on the respiratory system are summarized in Tables 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3. Resulting worldwide regulatory requirements (Tables 6.4, 6.5) support the need for conducting respiratory/pulmonary evaluations in safety pharmacology [16]. The objective of such studies is to evaluate the potential for drugs to cause secondary pharmacologic or toxicologic effects that inŸuence respiratory function. Changes in respiratory function can result either from alterations in the pumping apparatus that controls the pattern of pulmonary ventilation or from changes in the mechanical properties of the lung that determine the transpulmonary pressures (work) required for lung inŸation and deŸation.
