[Inhibitory effect of amlexanox (AA-673) on the immunological and non-immunological release of histamine or leukotrienes]

Abstract

The effect of amlexanox on the non-immunological or immunological release of histamine or leukotrienes (LTs) from passively sensitized human lung fragments and atopic human leukocytes was investigated and compared with those of AA-861, tranilast, azelastine and disodium cromoglycate. 1) Amlexanox at concentrations of 10(-7)-10(-4) M showed an inhibition of histamine, LTB4, LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4 release from passively sensitized human lung fragments in a concentration-dependent fashion. A selective and competitive inhibitor of the 5-lipoxygenase activity, AA-861 modestly affected the histamine release and potently suppressed the any LT release at 10(-7) and 10(-6) M. Antiallergic drugs, tranilast and disodium cromoglycate also suppressed these chemical mediator release, but the inhibition potency was somewhat weaker than that of amlexanox. 2) Ca ionophore A23187-induced release of LTB4 and LTC4 from atopic human leukocytes was slightly enhanced up to 10(-6) M of amlexanox. However, 10(-4) M of the drug strongly diminished both of LT release. From these results, it is suggested that amlexanox is a clinically effective drug for atopic diseases, especially allergic asthma and rhinitis.