N-ACETYL-ASPARTYL-GLUTAMIC ACID INHIBITS CELLULAR RECRUITMENT AND MEDIATOR RELEASE DURING THE LATE ALLERGEN-INDUCED NASAL REACTION

Objective: N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamic acid (NAAGA) was effective in th e treatment of allergic rhinitis, with an action on early allergen-ind uced nasal symptoms and mediator release. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical activity of NAAGA and its effects on the late a ntigen-induced reaction in the nose. Methods: Ten patients with allerg ic seasonal rhinitis were included in this randomized double-blind cro ssover trial of a 6% wt/vol solution of NAAGA (daily dosage 84 mg) ver sus placebo (lactose). The drug and placebo were administered intranas ally five times daily for 1 week, with a 2-week interval between treat ments. Results: Treatment with NAAGA, but not with placebo, significan tly reduced the late antigen-induced nasal symptoms, mainly nasal obst ruction. Eosinophil numbers in the nasal lavages collected 6 h and 24 h after challenge were significantly lower after NAAGA than after plac ebo. Active treatment also significantly reduced the neutrophil count 6 h after antigen challenge, and significantly lowered eosinophil cati onic protein and myeloperoxidase levels in nasal lavages 6 h and 24 h after antigen challenge. Conclusion: These results indicate that treat ment for 1 week with NAAGA can reduce the late antigen-induced reactio n in the nose. This is accompanied by a reduction in eosinophil and ne utrophil recruitment and release of eosinophil cationic protein and my eloperoxidase.