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Comparison of glucocorticoid and cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist treatments in an experimental model of chronic airway inflammation in guinea‐pigs
Author(s) -
Leickmaldonado E. A.,
Kay F. U.,
Leonhardt M. C.,
Kasahara D. I.,
Prado C. M.,
Fernandes F. T.,
Martins M. A.,
Tibério I. F. L. C.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
clinical and experimental allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.462
H-Index - 154
eISSN - 1365-2222
pISSN - 0954-7894
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2004.01854.x
Subject(s) - montelukast , eosinophil , dexamethasone , medicine , leukotriene receptor , leukotriene , glucocorticoid , ovalbumin , pharmacology , immunology , inflammation , leukotriene d4 , antagonist , agonist , guinea pig , endocrinology , asthma , receptor , antigen
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.