Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
-
This article reviews the literature on the effects of leukotrienes in asthma. In particular, the ability of recently developed receptor antagonists and synthesis inhibitors to attenuate the asthma-causing effects of leukotrienes is examined. ⋯ The antileukotriene drugs attenuated the responses to inhaled leukotrienes and allergen challenges. These agents produced beneficial effects in cold-, exercise-, and aspirin-induced asthma, as well as clinical asthma. Many of these medications appear to be effective in the treatment of asthma; however, further clinical research is needed to determine which patients would benefit most from their use.