Comparison of the efficacy of prednisolone, montelukast, and omalizumab in an experimental allergic rhinitis model.

AIM To compare the efficacy ofprednisolone, montelukast, and omalizumab in reducing allergic symptoms and inflammation at tissue level in an experimental allergic rhinitis model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into 5 groups as naive (NS/NC), sensitized/challenged (S/C) by subcutaneous ovalbumin antigen injection, and montelukast-, prednisolone-, and omalizumab-treated groups. A nasal allergen challenge was performed every day from day 20 to day 26. The number of sneezes and nasal/eye rubbing movements, IL-4 and CysLT levels in serum, nasal and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids determined by ELISA, and histopathological findings of nasal mucosa, sinus, and lung tissues were compared. RESULTS All of the treatments significantly controlled the allergic symptoms of sneezing and nasal/eye rubbing (P < 0.05). IL-4 and CysLT levels on days 20 and 26 were significantly higher in the S/C group compared to the NS/NC group (P < 0.05). Montelukast significantly decreased serum and nasal IL-4 and CysLT levels (P < 0.05), prednisolone decreased nasal lavage IL-4 and CysLT levels (P < 0.05), and omalizumab lowered nasal lavage CysLT levels (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Prednisolone, montelukast, and omalizumab were found to be effective in controlling the allergic symptoms of allergic rhinitis and upper/lower airway inflammation in an experimental allergic rhinitis model.