Application of histamine-induced conjunctivitis to the assessment of a topical antihistamine, levocabastine.
In an animal model, topical application of levocabastine to the eye inhibits the inflammatory conjunctival response to topically applied histamine. This is so even at one-fourth the concentration at which levocabastine is normally dispensed. Total blocking of histamine response continues for 24 h and is then irregularly observable for an additional 72 h. Levocabastine may be absorbed through the conjunctiva to give systemically transmitted protection to the contralateral eye. Levocabastine is a potent competitor against histamine for conjunctival H1 receptors and should prove a useful, possibly long-acting drug for the reversal of inflammatory conjunctivitis and inhibition of its recurrence.
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006632:Histamine / Q000633:toxicity; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010880:Piperidines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D010880:Piperidines; D006632:Histamine; C047340:levocabastine