The role of leukotrienes and the effect of leukotriene receptor antagonists in allergic rhinitis
Kupryś, I.; Kuna, P.
Polski Merkuriusz Lekarski Organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego 9(52): 717-720
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 1426-9686 PMID: 11144066 Document Number: 524371
Allergic rhinitis is associated with persistent inflammation of nasal mucosa. Characteristic feature of this inflammation is an accumulation of eosinophils. These cells are the major source of cysteinyl leukotrienes--potent pro-inflammatory mediators responsible for nasal blockade, rhinorrhoea and hyperresponsiveness. Because leukotriene receptor antagonists inhibit activity of endogenous leukotrienes and decrease tissue eosinophilia it is speculated that these drugs may be useful also in the management of allergic rhinitis. This article is an overview of the publication on the role of leukotrienes in allergic rhinitis and the effect of leukotriene receptor antagonists.