Major Basic Protein and Topical Administration of Ketotifen in Pollinosis under Natural Allergen Provocation

Abstract

In this study we investigated the potential relation among subjective symptoms, blood eosinophil counts and the levels of major basic protein (MBP) in serum throughout the pre- to postpollen season. In addition, we compared the effects of topical administration of ketotifen on these parameters between the prophylactic treatment group (n = 10) and the postsymptomatic treatment group (n = 10). We found that (1) the levels of MBP in serum during the season were significantly higher than those before the season and (2) the levels of the above three parameters in the prophylactic treatment group were significantly lower than those in the postsymptomatic treatment group during the season. It was concluded from these results that the action of MBP may be involved in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis. Furthermore, for the first time we provided evidence that topical ketotifen administration could suppress the systemic upregulation of the blood eosinophil count and MBP level in subjects with pollinosis.

Elevated soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor levels in seasonal allergic rhinitis patients

“…Subjective symptoms identified by questionnaire consisted of nasal blockage, secretion, and sneezing, as described previously (19, 20). The four‐point symptom scale was as follows: 0, no symptoms; 1, mild; 2, moderate; and 3, severe.…”

Inhibitory effects of ketotifen on eotaxin‐dependent activation of eosinophils: consequences for allergic eye diseases

“…However, none of these clinical studies have reported on the effect of ketotifen on ECP levels in nasal or lacrymal fluids, although it is well‐recognized that ECP is increased in tears during AC and that ECP is correlated with signs, symptoms, and number of eosinophils in tears. Interestingly, by looking at the effect of ketotifen treatment during the pollen season, Kato et al have reported a decrease in blood eosinophil count, as well as a decrease in serum ECP or MBP, suggesting a possible direct effect of ketotifen on peripheral blood eosinophil activation and degranulation and maybe on tissue eosinophils (50, 51). In another study, Leonardi et al have described that the level of ECP in tears of patients with VKC was decreased after treatment with lodoxamide, another mast cell stabilizer and anti‐allergic drug (52).…”

Intranasal levels of lead as an exacerbation factor for allergic rhinitis in humans and mice

“…After microscopically identifying Japanese cedar pollen grains that were dropped onto glass microscope slides, the number of pollen grains (per cm 2 ) was counted following our previously reported methods. 22,24 Patients with JCP and control subjects in the clinical study…”