title: The effect of inhaled heparin and related glycosaminoglycans on allergen-induced eosinophil infiltration in guinea-pigs.
abstract: Aerosolized unfractionated heparin GM1060 significantly inhibited allergen-induced eosinophil infiltration into the airways of guinea-pigs (as assessed both histologically and by bronchoalveolar lavage, or BAL) at doses of 160 and 1600 U/ml. Similarly aerosolized unfractionated heparin, Multiparin was effective at reducing eosinophil levels in the BAL fluid at 1000, 2000 and 5000 U/ml, but this reduction was statistically significant only at the highest dose used. Additionally, Fragmin (a low molecular weight heparin) significantly inhibited allergen-induced eosinophil infiltration into BAL fluid at a dose of 500 U/ml, an effect that was lost at the higher doses of 1000 and 2000 U/ml. Allergen-induced eosinophil infiltration was unaffected by dermatan sulphate. However, the glycosaminoglycans chondroitin sulphate A, chondroitin sulphate C and heparan sulphate were able to influence the extent of allergen-induced eosinophil infiltration into BAL fluid. These results suggest that heparin and some related glycosaminoglycans can inhibit allergen-induced eosinophil infiltration when administered directly to the airways.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, King's College, University of London, UK.
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Seeds
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Horne
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Tyrrell
authors.forename: C P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Page
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000187:drug effects; D004804:Eosinophils / Q000187:drug effects*; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006025:Glycosaminoglycans / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D006025:Glycosaminoglycans; D006493:Heparin