The effect of montelukast during allergen sensitization period in house dust mite mouse model

Background: Montelukast is a cysteinyl-leukotriene receptor antagonist used as an anti-inflammatory drug in asthma. In asthma pathophysiology, allergen sensitization is important in the development of asthma. Especially, allergen sensitization is essential to induction of the adaptive immune response. However, the effect of Montelukast in allergen sensitization period is not well known. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate effect of montelukast treatment by intranasal route in allergen sensitization period. Methods: BALB/c mice were repeatedly administered with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) intra-nasally to develop Der p-allergic sensitization and asthma. Montelukast was given by intranasal route during the Der p sensitization period or the Der p challenge period, and its effects were examined such as AHR, airway inflammation and serum Immunoglobulin levels. Results: Montelukast treatment by intranasal route during Der p sensitization significantly diminished AHR, eosinophilic airway inflammation. In addition, Serum Der p specific IgG1 levels were also decreased by montelukast treatment during Der p sensitization period. However, montelukast treatement during Der p challenge period had not changed these features. Conclusion: This study showed that montelukast may play a more effective role by intranasal treatment during sensitization period in Der p mouse model. Therefore, further experiments are needed to clarify this mechanism, in addition to comparison with another route of administration. Keyword: Allergen sensitization, Montelukast