Fig. 8.
Cumulative concentration-response to methacholine-induced tracheal smooth muscle contraction (a) and the values of EC50 (concentration of methacholine-induced 50 % contractile response) (b), in control, COPD, COPD groups-treated with 4 and 8 ml/kg CM and dexamethasone (n = 7). Data are presented as mean ± SEM. ∗∗P < 0.01 and ∗∗∗P < 0.001; compared to the control group. ++P < 0.01 and +++P < 0.001; compared to COPD. ###P < 0.001; compared to Dexamethasone. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey-Kramer's post-test.