Effects of pranlukast hydrate on serum eosinophil cationic protein levels in patients with adult bronchial asthma

Pranlukast hydrate (CAS 103177-37-3, ONO-1078) was administered to 20 patie nts with bronchial asthma, and examined the effects of this agent on serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels and peripheral blood eosinophil co unts. The mean serum ECP level in the group comprised of patients with bron chial asthma was significantly higher than that in the control group compri sed of healthy adults. In responders in whom improvement in asthmatic sympt oms was observed, serum ECP levels were significantly decreased compared to the pretreatment values 4 weeks after commencement of pranlukast hydrate a dministration. However, there were no changes in non-responders. There was no correlation between serum ECP level and peripheral blood eosinophil coun t before administration of pranlukast hydrate. However, there was a correla tion 4 weeks after administration was started. It is suggested that pranluk ast hydrate inhibits eosinophilic activity in patients with bronchial asthm a.