LTB4-induced nasal gland serous cell secretion mediated by neutrophil elastase

Local allergen challenge causes nasal hypersecretion and also causes local leukotriene (LT) release, including LTB4. Because LTB4 causes leukocyte recruitment, and because neutrophil elastase is a potent secretagogue, we examined the hypothesis that LTB4 causes nasal hypersecretion via neutrophil elastase. We developed a method for isolating and superfusing a nasal segment in dogs. Instillation of LTB4 into the nasal segment caused a time-dependent increase in the volume of airway fluid, in lysozyme secretion, and in the recruitment of neutrophils. ICI 200,355, a selective inhibitor of neutrophil elastase, prevented LTB4-induced nasal secretion and lysozyme secretion, but it had no effect on neutrophil recruitment. We conclude that LTB4 causes potent nasal secretion via release of elastase, and therefore LTB4 may play a major role in allergic nasal hypersecretion.