The effect of Ketotifen on Eosinophilic chemotactic factors in experientially allergic asthma

Abstract

Ketotifen is a Histamin antagonist which inhibits the mast cells and has clinical use in treatment of allergic asthma. It's possible that one of the anti inflammatory mechanisms of this drug is preventing the migration of Eosinophils to guinea pigs' bronchus. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of Ketotifen in preventing Eosinophils from migrating into the bronchus in the experientially allergic asthma patients. In this experiment; 16 guinea pigs were divided into 4 groups. In group 1 after sensitization by Ovalbumin they were challenged by Ovalbumin and buffer, then they received Ketotifen; The second group was sensitized and challenged by Ovalbumin without receiving any Ketotifen. The third group was challenged only by buffer, and the last group was challenged without sensitization. The comparison of statistical analysis among groups showed that the number of Eosinophils in groups which received Ketotifen, significantly decreased in comparison with the Control group (P<0.05). Comparison of the second and third groups showed that the second group had a significant increase in the number of Eosinophils. The data showed that Ketotifen had an important effect in preventing the migration of Eosinophils into the air pathway.