Effect of KW-4679, an orally active anti-allergic drug, on antigen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness in actively sensitized guinea pigs.

We investigated the effect of KW-4679 ((Z)-11-[(3-dimethylamino)propylidene]-6,11-dihydrodibenz[b, e]oxepin-2- acetic acid monohydrochloride), an orally active anti-allergic drug, on antigen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness using two different indicators, pulmonary resistance (RL) and dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn), in actively sensitized guinea pigs. Oral administration of KW-4679 (0.1 and 1 mg/kg) 1 hr before aerosolized antigen exposure significantly inhibited the development of airway hyperresponsiveness to inhaled acetylcholine in RL and Cdyn in a dose-dependent manner. Terfenadine (10 mg/kg) also inhibited the development of airway hyperresponsiveness. These results indicate that KW-4679 could be useful in the treatment of bronchial asthma.