SELECTED ARTICLES FROM THE RECENT LITERATURE 2007

September 4, 2007

The effects of montelukast on the late asthmatic response to inhaled allergen

Summary
Background - The role of leukotrienes and their inhibition in late phase asthmatic reactions (LPAR) to inhaled allergens in sensitive subjects requires further investigation.

Findings - Rosewich et al of Goethe Univ in Frankfurt, Germany challenged 12 dust mite-sensitive mild adult asthmatics with documented LPAR on 2 occasions. In challenges in which montelukast 10 mg was given after the early allergic reactions (EAR) the FEV-1 decreased significantly less during the late phase (to 8 hours) than when placebo was given after the EAR. However, it was unclear whether the late phase bronchial inflammatory reaction was affected by this montelukast treatment.

Reference
Eur Resp J 2007;30:56-61

Editor's Comments
Previous studies have found that daily pre-treatment with montelukast can inhibit both the EAR and LPAR to inhaled allergen. The findings described above indicate that the FEV-1 decrease in the LPAR can be reduced by a single montelukast dose. However, the mechanisms underlying such inhibition are still not well defined.

 

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