Effects of Pranlukast, a Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist, on Airway Inflammation in Mild Asthmatics

Abstract

To determine the anti-inflammatory actions of pranlukast, a cysteinyl leuklotriene receptor antagonist, we measured exhaled nitric oxide (NO) concentrations and eosinophil ratio in induced sputum of three groups of mild asthmatics (n = 30): treated with bronchodilators alone, with bronchodilators and inhaled steroid (beclomethasone dipropionate; 400 μg/day), and bronchodilators and pranlukast (450 mg/day). Pranlukast (450 mg/day) reduced the eosinophil ratio in the induced sputum significantly (p < 0.01) without a major effect on the concentration of exhaled NO. Pranlukast also increased values of peak expiratory flow significantly (p < 0.05). Pranlukast may be useful for mild asthmatics, in part through its ability to suppress eosinophilic airway infiltration.

• Leukotriene receptor antagonist
• Eosinophils
• Induced sputum
• Nitric oxide (NO)
• Mild asthma
• Airway inflammation
• Beclomethasone dipropionate
• Peak expiratory flow rate