Elsevier

Research in Veterinary Science

Volume 64, Issue 3, May–June 1998, Pages 219-224
Research in Veterinary Science

Inhaled leukotrienes cause bronchoconstriction and neutrophil accumulation in horses

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0034-5288(98)90129-1Get rights and content

Abstract

Leukotrienes have been shown to mimic many of the pathophysiological processes in allergic airway disease. In this study the bronchoconstrictor effect of inhaled LTB4, and radiolabelled neutrophil accumulation in response to inhalation of LTB4, have been examined in the horse. In separate studies, solutions of LTD4 and LTB4 were administered to the airways of normal animals by nebulisation. LTD4, but not LTB4, caused a dose-dependent increase in pleural pressure which was maximal at three to four minutes and had returned to baseline by 15 to 20 minutes. On a molar basis LTD4 was 305 to 970 times more potent than methacholine. LTB4 induced an early recruitment (15 minutes to 1 hour) to the lungs of radiolabelled neutrophils, which persisted for more than 5 hours in some animals. There was no effect on peripheral blood leucocyte counts or pleural pressure and neither LTB4, nor LTD4, affected respiratory rate. These results suggest that, if released during antigen challenge, LTB4 and LTD4 could contribute to the pathogenesis of equine COPD. In a small group of asymptomatic COPD horses these leukotrienes appeared to cause similar, but smaller, changes in lung function and neutrophil recruitment, which could suggest reduced responsiveness to these mediators.

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    Present address: Animal Health Product Development, Pfizer Central Research, Pfizer Ltd, Sandwich, Kent CT15 6AZ

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