Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Isolation of Tonsillar Mononuclear Cells to Study Ex Vivo Innate Immune Responses in a Human Mucosal Lymphoid Tissue
07:38

Isolation of Tonsillar Mononuclear Cells to Study Ex Vivo Innate Immune Responses in a Human Mucosal Lymphoid Tissue

Published on: June 14, 2020

Leukotriene pathways and in vitro adenotonsillar cell proliferation in children with obstructive sleep apnea

Ehab Dayyat1, Laura D Serpero1, Leila Kheirandish-Gozal1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Sleep Medicine and Kosair Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY.

Chest
|January 2, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Leukotriene (LT) antagonists may treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children by reducing adenotonsillar cell proliferation and inflammation. These findings suggest potential non-surgical treatment options for pediatric OSA.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children is linked to high leukotriene (LT) expression in adenotonsillar tissues.
  • LT antagonists show potential as a therapeutic strategy for pediatric OSA.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of LTD4 and LT receptor antagonists on adenotonsillar cell proliferation and inflammatory cytokine production in pediatric OSA.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of zileuton, montelukast, and BAY u9773 in modulating these cellular responses.

Main Methods:

  • Adenotonsillar cells from children with OSA were cultured and exposed to LTD4 and LT antagonists.
  • Cell proliferation was measured using [3H]-thymidine incorporation.
  • Inflammatory cytokine levels (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12) were quantified via ELISA.

Main Results:

  • LTD4 significantly increased adenotonsillar cell proliferation.
  • Montelukast, BAY u9773, and zileuton dose-dependently reduced proliferation, with montelukast being most effective.
  • All antagonists decreased TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-12 levels, indicating anti-inflammatory effects.

Conclusions:

  • Leukotriene pathways are involved in the proliferation and inflammation of adenotonsillar tissues in pediatric OSA.
  • Targeting these LT pathways with antagonists offers a potential non-surgical approach for managing pediatric OSA.

More Related Videos

Efficient Isolation Protocol for B and T Lymphocytes from Human Palatine Tonsils08:09

Efficient Isolation Protocol for B and T Lymphocytes from Human Palatine Tonsils

Published on: November 16, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Tonsillitis I: Introduction01:30

Tonsillitis I: Introduction

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymphoid tissue masses at the back of the throat. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation in the throat.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers01:19

Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers

Leukotriene modifiers, or cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists, are medications used to manage chronic asthma. These agents target specific inflammatory mediators produced during arachidonic acid metabolism, an essential process in generating inflammation in the body.
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
Chronic Pharyngitis01:23

Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis refers to persistent inflammation of the pharyngial mucosa.
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Tonsillitis II: Management01:26

Tonsillitis II: Management

This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.