[Effect of SR-140333, a tachykinin NK-1 antagonist, on antigen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness in sensitized rats].

In the present study, the effects of SR-140333, ((S)-1-(2-[3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-(3-isopropoxyphenylacetyl)piperidin- 3yl]ethyl)-4-phenyl-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane.chloride), a nonpeptide antagonist for tachykinin NK-1 receptor, on the antigen-induced airway response to methacholine (MCh) aerosol and airway inflammation in sensitized SD rats were investigated. The baseline respiratory frequencies, tachypnea response to methacholine(MCh), the -log PC30 values of MCh and the leukocyte counts in bronchoalveolar lavage significantly increased after inhalation of 1% oval albumin(OA) aerosol. SR-140333 (152 nmol.kg-1, i.p.) or dexamethasone(368 nmol.kg-1, i.p.), bid x 3 d inhibited these responses. SR-140333 at a low dose of 0.01 mg.kg-1 showed an incomplete inhibition. From these results, we conclude that antigen challenge causes airway hyperresponsiveness and airway inflammation and that tachykinin NK-1 receptor antagonist inhibits these responses.