Different Roles of Histamine and Leukotriene C₄in the Airways Between Patients with Atopic and Nonatopic Asthma

Abstract

The release of histamine and leukotriene C4 (LTC4) from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells and peripheral blood stimulated with Ca ionophore A23187 was compared between atopic and nonatopic asthma. The proportion of basophilic cells in BAL fluid was significantly higher in atopic than in nonatopic asthma (p < 0.01); however, no significant differences were present in the other BAL cells between the two asthma types. The concentration of histamine in BAL fluid was significantly higher in younger patients (20-59 years) with atopic than in nonatopic asthma (p < 0.01). In contrast, the concentration of LTC4 was significantly higher in nonatopic than in younger patients with atopic asthma (p < 0.01). The release of histamine from BAL cells (p < 0.001) and peripheral blood (p < 0.01) was significantly larger in younger patients with atopic than in nonatopic asthma. The generation of LTC4 by BAL cells was significantly larger in nonatopic than in younger (p < 0.01) and older patients with atopic asthma (60+ years) (p < 0.05). These results suggest that both histamine and LTC4 participate in the onset mechanism of atopic asthma, and only LTC4 participates in that of nonatopic asthma.

Interrelationships among asthma, atopy, rhinitis and exhaled nitric oxide in a population‐based sample of children

“…In the literature, this subject remains controversial. Certain authors have found in atopic asthma, a bronchial inflammation richer in eosinophils [38, 39], basophils [40] and T lymphocytes [38, 39], with a predominant increase in IL‐4 [38, 41], IL‐5 [38] and greater bronchial wall thickening [38]. In contrast, in non‐atopic asthma, inflammatory cell recruitment is thought to involve a greater proportion of neutrophils [38], with higher levels of IL‐8.…”

Age-related changes in immune function: Effect on airway inflammation

“…(45) Although not specifically examining leukotriene production by AM, the levels of LTC 4 were not significantly higher in BALF cells or peripheral blood stimulated with Ca ionophore A23197 collected from atopic asthmatics >60 years of age compared with those 20-59 years. (46) Therefore, it is possible that regulation of leukotrienes may be altered with aging.…”

Role of leukotrienes in asthma pathophysiology

“…48 More recent studies have confirmed that the airways of asthmatics are generally more responsive to CysLTs than are those of nonasthmatics, although the magnitude of the difference in responsiveness is variable. [49][50][51][52] In a study by Arm et al, 53 this difference in responsiveness between asthmatics and nonasthmatics was particularly pronounced for LTE 4 .…”