Does Fluticasone Propionate Reduce the Late Allergic Reaction When the Drug is Given Post-allergen?

The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate whether fluticasone propionate affects the late allergic reaction after a single dose post-allergen challenge administered following cessation of the early allergic reaction.

Six subjects with mild asthma will be asked to volunteer for the study.The diagnosis of asthma will be and includes the presence of variable airflow limitation and AHR (PC20 methacholine < 16 mg/mL). Subjects will be asked to participate if they demonstrate an allergen-induced early and late asthmatic response of at least 20% and 15% reduction in FEV1, respectively.

The study will consist of 4 periods, composed of a screening allergen period with 3 subsequent allergen challenge/treatment periods. Each period will be separated with a washout of at least 2 weeks. Subjects who demonstrate a dual asthmatic response in the screening period will be selected for randomization to treatment.

Inclusion criteria

• mild asthma
• nonsmokers
• allergen-induced early and late asthmatic response

Exclusion criteria

• no medication other than infrequent ( < twice weekly) inhaled beta2-agonists
• not be exposed to sensitizing allergens
• asthma exacerbation or respiratory tract infection in the past4 weeks