Vol.98 No.7 contentsPRACTICA OTO-RHINO-LARYNGOLOGICA
Vol. 98 No. 7 July 2005
The Effects of Thromboxane A2 Recepter Antagonist
on Eosinophils
Noriyuki Nakajima, Tomonori Eguchi, Shintaro Yamaguchi,
Masato Miwa and Kensuke Watanabe
(Koshigaya Hospital, Dokkyo University School of Medicine)
(Background) Ramatroban, which is a thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist, has been demonstrated to improve nasal obstruction. Ramatroban was reported to suppress eosinophil aggregation in the nasal mucous membranes. In this study, we investigated whether ramatroban has an effect on the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and action on eosinophil.
(Method) In the present study, ramatroban was administered for one month to 20 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis that was otherwise untreated. We assessed RAST scores, ECP in serum and nasal discharge, the total number of eosinophils and the rate of necrosis in nasal discharge, the number of eosinophils in blood, and changes in self-reported symptom scores after treatment with ramatroban.
(Result) After one month of treatment, all three of the major symptoms, sneezing, rhinorrhea and nasal obstruction had clearly decreased. Significant difference in RAST scores was observed after treatment with ramatroban. The amount of eosinophils in nasal discharge did not significantly differ after treatment with ramatroban, but the rate of necrosis of eosinophils was decreased.
(Conclusion) All nasal symptoms were improved. Nevertheless, the amount of eosinophils in nasal discharge did not significantly differ, although the rate of necrosis of eosinophils was decreased. This study suggests that ramatroban contributed to preventing local necrosis of eosinophils.
Key words : thromboxane, eosinophils, necrosis