The effects of an H1-receptor antagonist, terfenadine, on histamine-induced microcirculatory changes and vasopermeability in nasal mucosa

• Published in: Journal of allergy and clinical immunology Vol. 86; no. 3 Pt 1; p. 344
• Main Author: Druce, H M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-09-1990
• Subjects: Adult; Benzhydryl Compounds - adverse effects; Benzhydryl Compounds - pharmacology; Capillary Permeability - drug effects; Histamine - pharmacology; Histamine H1 Antagonists - pharmacology; Humans; Microcirculation - drug effects; Middle Aged; Nasal Mucosa - blood supply; Nasal Mucosa - drug effects; Terfenadine
• ISSN: 0091-6749
• DOI: 10.1016/S0091-6749(05)80097-1

We used a nonsedating, selective histamine H1-receptor antagonist, terfenadine, to investigate the effects of antihistamines on the microcirculatory changes and vascular permeability induced by topical histamine provocation challenge. We assessed the former by the laser-Doppler measurement of blood flow, volume, and red blood cell speed, and the latter by analysis of albumin/total protein ratios in nasal lavages. Terfenadine reduced the mean symptom score and permeability changes (p less than 0.05) induced by histamine in a dose-related manner. Terfenadine had no effect on blood flow or other microcirculatory parameters. We propose that vascular effects of histamine in the nasal mucosa are not mediated uniquely through the H1 receptor.