T lymphocytes as a target of histamine action.

Histamine is one of the most important biogenic amines in medicine and biology but its role in allergy, autoimmune and neoplastic diseases has not yet been fully defined. The last few years have brought many discoveries concerning important modulatory effects of histamine and its receptors on basic mechanisms of the immunological processes. The role of histamine H1 and H2 receptors in immunomodulation has been established.

Use of montelukast alone or in combination with desloratadine or levocetirizine in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis.

Background: We assessed the course of treatment in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis (AR) treated with montelukast, levocetirizine, or desloratadine alone or combinations of antihistamine and montelukast.

Methods: A 32-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, double-armed study in 40 adult patients with history of persistent AR, clinical allergy to house-dust mites, and a total nasal symptom score of at least 5 (congestion of at least 2) has been performed. Patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, nonallergic rhinitis with clinical allergy associated with seasonal allergens, and other serious diseases were excluded.

[Safety of influenza vaccination in asthmatics].

The common cause of exacerbations in asthmatics are viral infections. Influenza infection especially increases the risk of respiratory exacerbations. The ACIP report puts asthma among indications to regular influenza vaccinations.