Apafant, a potent platelet-activating factor antagonist, blocks eosinophil activation and is effective in the chronic phase of experimental allergic conjunctivitis in guinea pigs.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) plays important roles in allergic reactions. In particular, there are many concerns about PAF, eosinophils, and the chronicity of allergic diseases. The purpose of the present studies is to elucidate the role of PAF in eosinophil activation at conjunctiva and to confirm the efficacy of Apafant (a potent PAF antagonist) ophthalmic solution in chronic experimental allergic conjunctivitis. Guinea pigs were actively immunized and allergic conjunctivitis was induced by repetitive instillation of 2.5% ovalbumin. PAF solution was topically applied and eosinophil activation was assessed by measuring the eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) activity in the tear fluid. Itch-scratching episodes and clinical symptoms scores were evaluated in the repetitive challenge conjunctivitis. From the instillation of PAF solution into guinea pig eyes, which were in a state of chronic allergic conjunctivitis, a significant increase in EPO activity was observed, and this increase was inhibited by pre-treatment with Apafant. In the repetitive challenge model, the animals treated with Apafant ophthalmic solution showed a significant reduction of clinical symptoms and the itch-scratch response in both the first and the second challenges. PAF has an activity, that induces mediator release from eosinophils in the conjunctival tissues and may be involved in the chronic phase of allergic conjunctivitis.