Abstract
Background: Leukotriene receptor antagonists have been demonstrated in several studies to possess bronchodilating and anti-inflammatory properties in asthma. However, there are few experimental studies performed to compare the effects of anti-leukotrienes and glucocorticoids, most used anti-inflammatory agents in asthma. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of treatment with dexamethasone or montelukast on eosinophil and mononuclear cell recruitment in an experimental model of allergen-induced chronic airway inflammation in guinea-pigs (GP). Methods: GP were submitted to increasing concentrations of aerosols of ovalbumin (OVA) twice a week for 4 weeks. After 2 weeks, animals were treated daily with dexamethasone, montelukast or saline solution. After this period, GP were anaesthetized, tracheostomized, mechanically ventilated and challenged with OVA aerosol. Results: Maximal changes of respiratory system resistance and elastance induced by OVA challenge were attenuated by dexamethasone (P < 0.001), but not by montelukast treatment. Neither dexamethasone nor montelukast significantly influenced bronchial oedema formation. Dexamethasone but not montelukast induced a decrease in mononuclear cells in airways (P < 0.001). Eosinophil infiltration in the bronchial wall was reduced by both dexamethasone and montelukast (P < 0.005). Only dexamethasone treatment reduced the levels of exhaled nitric oxide (P < 0.025). Conclusion: Although leukotriene receptor antagonist treatment reduces eosinophil accumulation induced by multiple antigen challenges, glucocorticoid treatment attenuates both eosinophil and mononuclear cell infiltration.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 145-152 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Clinical and Experimental Allergy |
Volume | 34 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2004 |
Keywords
- Asthma
- Chronic airway inflammation
- Corticosteroids
- Eosinophils
- Exhaled nitric oxide
- Experimental models of asthma
- Leukotriene antagonists
- Lymphocytes
- Montelukast
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology