Effects of second-generation H1-antihistamine drugs on angiogenesis in in vivo chick chorioallantoic membrane model

Abstract

Background

Literature on the effects of second-generation H1-antihistamines on angiogenesis is limited.

Objectives

To investigate the effects of cetirizine, desloratadine, and rupatadine (second-generation H1-antihistamines commonly used in dermatology clinics) on angiogenesis in an in vivo chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model.

Methods

The study was approved by the local ethics committee on animal experimentation. Forty fertilized specific pathogen free eggs were incubated and kept under appropriate temperature and humidity control. Drug solutions were prepared in identical concentrations by dissolving powders in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). On the third day of the incubation, a small window was opened on the CAM and 0.1 mL desloratadine (1.5 μg/0.1 mL) in the first group, 0.1 mL cetirizine (1.5 μg/0.1 mL) in the second group, 0.1 mL rupatadine in the third group (1.5 μg/0.1 mL), and PBS (0.1 mL) in the fourth group were administered by injection. On the eighth day of incubation, the vascular structures of the CAMs were macroscopically examined and standard digital photographs were taken. The digital images were analyzed and data including mean vessel density, thickness, and number were compared between groups. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Vessel densities were similar in the desloratadine, cetirizine, and control groups, whereas they were significantly less in the rupatadine group (p = 0.01). Furthermore, the rupatadine group had significantly lower vessel thickness and number compared with the other groups (p < 0.05 for both).

Conclusions

Rupatadine showed anti-angiogenic effects in the chick CAM model, compared with desloratadine and cetirizine. The anti-angiogenic effect of rupatadine could be due to its platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor inhibition. Thus, rupatadine could be a treatment agent in pathological processes in which angiogenesis is responsible. Further studies with larger series are needed to clarify this potential.

Keywords:

• Second-generation H1-antihistamines
• angiogenesis
• in vivo chick chorioallantoic membrane model
• rupatadine
• desloratadine
• cetirizine

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Ege University Planning and Monitoring Coordination of Organizational Development and Directorate of Library and Documentation for their support in editing and proofreading service of this study.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

IRB approval status

Reviewed and approved by Afyon Kocatepe University Animal Experimentation Ethics Committee (approval number: AKUHADYEK-256–17).

Additional information

Funding

Afyon Kocatepe University Scientific Research Foundation (17.KARIYER.172) provided financial support for the conduct of the research.