The ability of cotton dust extract (CDE) to release Inflammatory mediators have been considered to play a role in the development of byssinosis. In this study, an experimental model of guinea pig lung perfusion has been employed to examine the effect of previous exposure to CDE on the pulmonary perfusion pressure (PPP) and to study the release and pulmonary activity of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites. In addition, the possibility of CDE acting as a sensitizing agent has been examined using a cutaneous reaction test.

CDE produced a significant increase in both PPP and cutaneous vascular permeability. In addition prostaglandin (s) and leukotriene (s) were released by CDE and appeared to be responsible for the pharmacological responses recorded. Prior exposure of the animals to CDE increased the subsequent responses of lung and skin to CDE challenge and mediator release was enhanced.