Effect of nedocromil sodium on TXB2, LTB4 and LTD4 synthesis by alveolar macrophages from asthmatic patients.

Arachidonic acid metabolites may play a role in the pathophysiology of bronchial asthma, influencing bronchial tone, airways inflammation and bronchial hyperreactivity. This study was designed to investigate the effect of nedocromil sodium, at a range of concentrations, on the metabolism of arachidonic acid released from alveolar macrophages (AMs) obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage in healthy and asthmatic subjects. The only effect of nedocromil sodium observed in this study was a slight decrease in LTD4 synthesis by AMs from asthmatic patients. This possible effect of nedocromil sodium on LTD4 metabolism deserves further investigation.