Asthma is a global health problem. Asthma attacks are becoming more severe and more resistant to usual treatment by β2 agonists nebulisation. The search for a new product that could reduce the morbidity of asthmatic disease seems necessary. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of inhaled magnesium fluoride (MgF2) with that of magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) 15% alone and sodium fluoride (NaF) 0.5 M alone in rats precontracted by methacholine (MeCh). Fifty six adult male Wistar rats of medium weight 259 ± 15 g were divided randomly into five groups. They inhaled respectively: MeCh, MgF2 + NaCl 0.9%, MgF2 + acetic acid, MgSO4 15% single and NaF (0.5 M) single. Airway resistances were measured after each dose of MeCh by pneumomultitest equipment. Results indicated that (1) MgF2 + NaCl 0.9%, MgF2 + acetic acid and MgSO4 reversed significantly the methacholine-induced bronchial constriction in rats and had a bronchodilating effect at the moment of its administration (2) MgF2 + acetic acid led to a greater decrease (P<0.05) of bronchial resistances when compared to that obtained from MgF2 + NaCl 0.9%, NaF exclusively and MgSO4 alone (3) inhaled NaF alone led to a significant bronchorelaxing effect (P<0.05) that starts at the sixth dose of MeCh (17 mg/L). As a matter of fact, MgF2 dissolved in acetic acid and delivered in aerosol form reduces significantly bronchial spasm. In conclusion, MgF2 can be used as a bronchodilator for diseases with bronchospasma such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Magnesium sulphate (MgSO 4 ) is one of numerous treatment options available during acute asthma exacerbation. A significant, bronchodilating effect of intravenous MgSO 4 has been demonstrated in previous studies, but its inhaled use is less well-defined. Objective: To investigate the effects of inhaled MgSO 4 alone and in association with a ␤ 2-agonist in the treatment of bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Methods. We conducted a placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial with seventy six adult patients with bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Subjects were randomized into four groups receiving four inhaled products at the end of methacholine (Mech) challenge: NaCl 0.9%, MgSO 4 alone, ␤ 2-agonist alone, and the combination of MgSO 4 + ␤ 2-agonist. Repeated measures of the forced expiratory volume at 1s (FEV 1 ) were performed at 0, 5, 10, and 20 minutes after the end of the inhalations. In the MgSO 4 and MgSO 4 + ␤ 2-agonist groups, a blood sample was taken before and after inhalation to determine serum magnesium levels. Results. (1) Inhaled MgSO 4 led to a significant improvement of the FEV 1 from the 15 th minute after its inhalation.(2) ␤ 2-agonist significantly increased FEV 1 from the 5 th minute (3) inhaled MgSO 4 + ␤ 2-agonist led to a significantly greater FEV 1 from the 5 th minute than inhaled MgSO 4 alone or inhaled ␤ 2-agonist alone (p<0.05) (4) There is a correlation between low serum magnesium level and the increase in FEV 1 after inhalation of MgSO 4 + ␤ 2-agonist (p<0.001). Conclusion Inhaled MgSO 4 , in combination with ␤ 2-agonist, appears to have benefits in the treatment of bronchial hyperresponsiveness, especially when associated with hypomagnesemia.

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