The Effect of Rupatadine on Lung Histopathology in a Murine Model of Chronic Asthma

Introduction. Rupatadine is a new second-generation antihistamine with H-1 receptor antagonist activity and platelet-activating factor antagonist properties. This study aimed to investigate the effect of rupatadine on histologic changes in the lungs in a murine model of chronic asthma. Materials and Methods. Thirty-five BALB/c mice were divided into five groups of seven mice each: group I (control), group II (placebo [saline]), group III (dexamethasone 1 mg . kg(-1).d(-1)), group IV (rupatadine 3 mg.kg(-1) d(-1)), and group V (rupatadine 30 mg.kg(-1).d(-1)). Groups II through V were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin and treated once per day via the oral route (gavage). Animals were sacrificed 24 h after the last treatment was administered. Airway histopathology was evaluated using light and electron microscopy in all groups. Results. There were no significant differences observed in any of the histologic parameters between groups II and IV. There were significantly thinner basement membrane, subepithelial smooth muscle layer, and epithelia were significantly thinner in group V than in group II (p < .05). There were no statistically significant differences in the thicknesses of the basement membrane, subepithelial smooth muscle layer and epithelia between groups III and V. Conclusion. Rupatadine had a beneficial effect on histologic changes in a chronic murine model of asthma