Efficacy of rupatadine on lung histopathology in a murine model of chronic asthma

Introduction: Rupatadine is classified as a new second generation antihistamine. It has selective H1 antagonist effects as well as platelet activating factor antagonist properties. Platelet activating factor is proinflammatory mediator involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. Our aim is to investigate the effect of rupatadine on histologic changes in chronic murine model of asthma.Method: Thirty-five BALB/c mice were divided into five groups: Group I (as a control group), group II, group III, group IV, group V. All mice except control were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumine. Saline was administered instead of ovalbumine in control group. Mice in group II (placebo group) received saline, in group III received rupatadine at a dose of 3mg/kg per day, in group IV received rupatadine at a dose of 30mg/kg per day and in group V received dexamethasone at a dose of 1 mg/kg per day perorally via orogastric route once daily in the last 5 days of the challenge period. Animals were sacrificed by an overdose of ketamin after 24 hours from the last drug administration. Airway histopathology was evaluated by using light and electron microscopy in all groups.Results: In comparison of Group II and Group III (rupatadine 3 mg/kg), all histologic parameters were similar. When compared Group II and Group IV(rupatadin 30mg/kg), thicknesses of basement membrane, subepithelial smooth muscle layer and epithelium were significantly lower in group IV (p<0.05). In comparison of Group IV (30 mg/kg rupatadin) and Group V(dexamethasone), there were no statistically significant differences of thicknesses of basement membrane, subepithelial smooth muscle layer and epithelium.Conclusion: Rupatadine has beneficial effect on histologic changes in chronic murine model of asthma. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of rupatadine in the management of asthma as monotherapy.