Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis
Published on: May 31, 2021
Effect of montelukast on basophil releasability in patients with asthma
Kobi Sade1, Shaye Kivity, Elizabeth Fireman
1Department of Pulmonary and Allergic Diseases, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Centre, Israel. kobi-sa@inter.net.il
Background:
The anti-inflammatory effect of montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, in patients with bronchial asthma is not entirely clear. Basophils can release a variety of mediators, including histamine and leukotriens, which most likely play an active role in the late allergic response.
Objectives:
To study the effect of montelukast (10 mg/day) on histamine and cysteinyl leukotriene release from basophils taken from 12 mild atopic asthmatic patients who took the drug for 4 weeks.
Methods:
Basophils were withdrawn at baseline, and after 48 hours, 1 week, and 4 weeks of therapy. Histamine was measured by a radioenzymatic method and leukotrienes by immunologic assay. Histamine and cysLT release was measured spontaneously and following stimulation with interleukin-3 and anti-immunoglobulin E. Spirometry and symptom score were measured before and during treatment.
Results:
During the treatment with montelukast there were no significant changes in spontaneous, IL-3 and anti-IgE-induced histamine release. cysLT release decreased significantly only after 4 weeks of treatment (from 2899 +/- 550 pg/ml at baseline to 2225 +/- 430 pg/ml at 4 weeks, P= 0.02).
Conclusions:
Montelukast does not seem to affect the release of histamine from basophils but mildly inhibits the cysLT release seen after 4 weeks of treatment.
