EFFECT OF NEDOCROMIL SODIUM ON MEDIATOR RELEASE FROM MAST-CELLS

Bronchial asthma is a complex inflammatory disorder that involves acti vation of, and mediator release by, a variety of cells including mast cells. Nedocromil sodium can inhibit the activity of a range of inflam matory cells including mast cells, as has been demonstrated in several studies. In human beings nedocromil sodium inhibited histamine secret ion from mast cells obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage and from disper sed lung mast cells. Tachyphylaxis was noted with the latter cells onl y. Because the bronchoalveolar lavage mast cells would come into direc t contact with inhaled drugs, these cells may be a major target for th e action of nedocromil sodium. The inhibitory effects of nedocromil so dium on mast cell activation and secretion are one way the drug may be effective in controlling airway obstruction.