Bronchodilation with a Potent and Selective Leukotriene D4 (LTD4) Receptor Antagonist (MK-571) in Patients with Asthma

The sulfidopeptide leukotrienes LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4 can cause airway smooth muscle contraction and have been implicated in the pathophysiology of asthma. MK-571 is a selective, potent LTD4 receptor antagonist that could attenuate airway obstruction in asthma by inhibiting the actions of sulfidopeptides at the LTD4 receptor site. The objectives of this study were to investigate the potential for MK-571 to cause bronchodilation in asthma patients with existing airway obstruction and to evaluate its effect on the bronchodilation response to an inhaled beta2-agonist (albuterol). Twelve male patients (ages 19 to 42 yr) with asthma (baseline FEV150 to 80% predicted) participated in this placebo-controlled, randomized, two-period, cross-over study. On separate treatment days, each patient received either MK-571 or placebo intravenously for 6 h; inhaled albuterol was administered at the fifth and sixth hour of MK-571/placebo treatment to achieve maximal bronchodilation on that study day. Spirometry (forced expiratory volume in 1 s, FEV1) was monitored at intervals throughout each study period. MK-571 caused clinically significant bronchodilation; the increase in FEV1 above baseline, 20 min after the start of the MK-571 infusion, was 22 ± 3.9% compared with 1.3 ± 2.3% for placebo (mean ± SE, p < 0.01). This degree of bronchodilation was maintained throughout the MK-571 infusion. In addition, bronchodilation from inhaled albuterol appeared additive with MK-571. Finally, baseline airway obstruction correlated with the degree of bronchodilation achieved with MK-571 (r = −0.73; p = 0.007). Our observations demonstrate that MK-571 causes significant acute bronchodilation that is additive with inhaled albuterol in patients with airway obstruction from asthma. Based upon our results, we speculate that LTD4 receptor activation contributes to abnormal airway tone in patients with active asthma, and antagonists to this receptor may provide a new therapeutic approach to asthma.