Topical immunopharmacology of ocular allergies.
OBJECTIVE
To review the histamine-1 receptor antagonists, mast cell blockers and natural agents with such actions that can be used for the topical treatment of ocular allergies.


RESULTS
Increasing evidence indicates that some histamine-1 receptor antagonists have additional actions to inhibit secretion of inflammatory mediators, especially cytokines, from ocular mast cells and other cell types. Emerging information suggests that such actions may be through regulation of intracellular calcium ion levels of NF-kappaB activation.


CONCLUSIONS
A number of available drugs and natural non-prescription agents may have anti-histaminic and anti-inflammatory actions.
Bielory
Leonard
L
Department of Medicine, UMDNJ, Asthma and Allergy Research Center, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA. bielory@umdnj.edu
Kempuraj
Duraisamy
D
Theoharides
Theoharis
T
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D017442:Histamine Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000187:drug effects; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D017442:Histamine Agonists; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions