Comparison of effects of dexamethasone and the leukotriene D4 receptor antagonist L-708,738 on lung function and airway cytologic findings in horses with recurrent airway obstruction.

Objective: To evaluate whether the leukotriene (LT) D4 receptor antagonist L-708,738 is therapeutically beneficial in treating horses with recurrent airway obstruction (heaves).

Animals: 12 adult horses with heaves and healthy lung lobes from 20 slaughtered horses.

Procedure: Lung lobes were used for smooth muscle tension and radioligand binding studies.