Open AccessCetirizine, a Second-Generation H1 Antagonist, Modulates Rantes and MCP-1 Levels in Allergic Rhinitis
Author(s) -
Guglielmo Bruno,
Paola Andrea,
Graf U,
F. Tega,
Giovanni Santangelo,
M. Barucco,
Andreina Bruno,
Sonia Bracchitta
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
international journal of immunopathology and pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.724
H-Index - 53
eISSN - 2058-7384
pISSN - 0394-6320
DOI - 10.1177/039463200201500206
Subject(s) - cetirizine , medicine , antagonist , immunology , chemokine , allergy , receptor
Chemokines and their receptors are involved in several allergic diseases. We measured RANTES and MCP-1 levels in sera of allergic rhinitis patients, and we also evaluated the effect of cetirizine, a second-generation H1 antagonist, on these chemoattractant proteins. 15 subjects were studied (10 males and 5 females; mean age: 26.7 years). They were suffering from perennial or seasonal allergic rhinitis induced by Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (8 patients) or by grasses (7 patients). RANTES and MCP-1 serum levels were detected with an enzyme immunoassay before and after two weeks of treatment with 10 mg of cetirizine daily, and again after two weeks of washout. Baseline serum levels of RANTES and MCP-1 chemokines were significantly higher (p < 0.02 and p = 0.007, respectively) in allergic patients than in the healthy control group. Cetirizine resulted in a significant decrease in RANTES (p < 0.02) and MCP-1 (p = 0.003) versus baseline values. There is an increase in RANTES and MCP-1 in allergic rhinitis, which is counteracted by cetirizine.