[Cellular mode of action of nedocromil sodium: from asthma to chloride channels]

In asthma, the role of inflammatory cell activation and of cell hyperexcitability is better and better understood. Fundamental work, carried out in the late 80's, have allowed a better understanding of the precise function of chloride channels in cell activation and especially in mast cells. Following this work, many teams have demonstrated that nedocromil sodium interacts with some chloride channels. This effect should explain its inhibitory function in cellular activation responsible for the release of inflammatory mediators. This "chloride channels blocker" effect might explain the activity of this drug in humans.