The effect of fexofenadine on expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and induction of apoptosis on peripheral eosinophils.

The role of eosinophils in the pathogenesis of allergic disorders has been established by several studies. Recently, it has been suggested that second-generation antihistamines, widely used to relieve allergic symptoms, may have anti-inflammatory effects. To assess the possible anti-inflammatory activity of fexofenadine, a selective H1-receptor antagonist, we evaluated its capacity to modulate the expression of adhesion molecules leukocyte function-associated antigen (LFA) 1 and intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) 1 on eosinophil surface and to induce apoptosis of eosinophils.