ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of leukotriene D4(LTD4) on the nasal airway. Fifteen guinea pigs were divided into two groups;10 for experimental group and 5 for control group. Two l of 10(-5)mol LTD4 was administered to both nasal cavities in experimental group and same volume of normal saline in control group. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to investigate ultrastructural change of the nasal mucosal membrane in LTD4 administered guinea pigs. Infiltration of neutrophils and eosinophils from the capillaries were seen in the perivascular space. In the capillaries, some endothelial cells degenerated and intercellular spaces of the cells were widened, especially 6 hours later. Degranulated mast cells and neutrophils were found in the lumen of the capillaries. Several red blood cells with low electron density were seen in the shrunken vessels. The giant mitochondriae with inclusion bodies were observed. The results of this study suggest that leukotriene may be a potent mediator to induce biphasic response in the nasal passage of guinea pigs.