<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><!DOCTYPE article  PUBLIC "-//NLM//DTD Journal Publishing DTD v3.0 20080202//EN" "http://dtd.nlm.nih.gov/publishing/3.0/journalpublishing3.dtd"><article xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" dtd-version="3.0" xml:lang="en" article-type="research article"><front><journal-meta><journal-id journal-id-type="publisher-id">OJMIP</journal-id><journal-title-group><journal-title>Open Journal of Molecular and Integrative Physiology</journal-title></journal-title-group><issn pub-type="epub">2162-2159</issn><publisher><publisher-name>Scientific Research Publishing</publisher-name></publisher></journal-meta><article-meta><article-id pub-id-type="doi">10.4236/ojmip.2016.61001</article-id><article-id pub-id-type="publisher-id">OJMIP-63332</article-id><article-categories><subj-group subj-group-type="heading"><subject>Articles</subject></subj-group><subj-group subj-group-type="Discipline-v2"><subject>Biomedical&amp;Life Sciences</subject></subj-group></article-categories><title-group><article-title>
 
 
  Imetit Dihydrobromide and Thioperamide Medication in Cough Hypersensitivity Model—The Role of H&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; Receptors
 
</article-title></title-group><contrib-group><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>omas</surname><given-names>Buday</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1"><sup>1</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Eva</surname><given-names>Kovacova</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1"><sup>1</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Silvia</surname><given-names>Gavliakova</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1"><sup>1</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Natalia</surname><given-names>Kavalcikova-Bogdanova</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1"><sup>1</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Martina</surname><given-names>Antosova</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff2"><sup>2</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Jana</surname><given-names>Plevkova</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff3"><sup>3</sup></xref><xref ref-type="corresp" rid="cor1"><sup>*</sup></xref></contrib></contrib-group><aff id="aff3"><addr-line>Simulation Educational Center, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Martin, Slovak Republic</addr-line></aff><aff id="aff2"><addr-line>Department of Physiology, Biomedicine Centre, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Martin, Slovak Republic</addr-line></aff><aff id="aff1"><addr-line>Department of Pathophysiology, Biomedicine Centre, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Martin, Slovak Republic</addr-line></aff><author-notes><corresp id="cor1">* E-mail:<email>jplevkova@gmail.com(JP)</email>;</corresp></author-notes><pub-date pub-type="epub"><day>04</day><month>02</month><year>2016</year></pub-date><volume>06</volume><issue>01</issue><fpage>1</fpage><lpage>9</lpage><history><date date-type="received"><day>12</day>	<month>November</month>	<year>2015</year></date><date date-type="rev-recd"><day>accepted</day>	<month>1</month>	<year>February</year>	</date><date date-type="accepted"><day>4</day>	<month>February</month>	<year>2016</year></date></history><permissions><copyright-statement>&#169; Copyright  2014 by authors and Scientific Research Publishing Inc. </copyright-statement><copyright-year>2014</copyright-year><license><license-p>This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY). http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</license-p></license></permissions><abstract><p>
 
 
  Chronic cough is a troublesome problem and it is frequently associated with diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux, asthma and upper airway diseases—so called diagnostic triade. The magnitude and severity of cough is strongly associated with the ongoing nasal inflammation in subjects with rhinosinusitis and treatment of nasal inflammation leads to the down regulation of pathologically up-regulated cough. Histamine plays a key role in the inflammation of the upper airways of different aetiologies; therefore histamine receptors seem to be promising targets. The aim of our study was to ascertain the effect of H
  &lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;R agonist imetit and H
  &lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;R antagonist thioperamide on cough and symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR) in an animal model of upper airway cough syndrome in ovalbumin sensitized guinea pigs. OVA sensitized guinea pigs (n = 10) were repeatedly challenged with i.n. allergen-OVA to induce allergic rhinitis and to enhance cough reflex according to the validated model of experimental allergic rhinitis. Animals were pre-treated by i.p. administration of imetit (1 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg of body weight) and thioperamide 30 min. prior i.n. OVA administration. Rhinitis evaluation was based on the occurrence of typical symptoms. The effect on cough was assessed from the response to inhalation of citric acid (0.4 M, 10 min), final cough count and cough latency were analysed from the airflow traces, cough motor pattern and the cough sound. AR up-regulated the cough response from 9 &#177; 2 to 16 &#177; 1 cough per provocation, med &#177; IQR, p &lt; 0.05 and shortened cough latency. Imetit (1 mg/kg) suppressed nasal symptoms and decreased number of cough from 16 &#177; 1 to 12 &#177; 1; however the data did not reach significance. Imetit (2 mg/kg) significantly suppressed the nasal symptoms, and number of coughs from 16 &#177; 1 to 6 &#177; 2, med &#177; IQR, p &lt; 0.05. Thioperamide (5 mg/kg of body weight) did not have expected effects on tested parameters. H3R agonist imetit, unlike H3R antagonist thioperamide has antitussive potential and ability to suppress nasal symptoms in animal model of allergic rhinitis.
 
</p></abstract><kwd-group><kwd>Chronic Cough</kwd><kwd> Allergic Rhinitis</kwd><kwd> Histamine</kwd><kwd> Antitussive</kwd><kwd> Imetit</kwd><kwd> Thioperamide</kwd><kwd> H3 Receptor</kwd></kwd-group></article-meta></front><body><sec id="s1"><title>1. Introduction</title><p>Chronic cough (cough of more than 8 weeks duration) is a quite common presentation to both primary and secondary care, with prevalence in the community in a range of 9% - 33% [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref1">1</xref>] . The management of patients with chronic cough is often problematic, with relatively few therapeutic options. Many suffer long-term illness with a marked adverse effect on quality of life and major medical and socio-economic consequences [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref2">2</xref>] . Chronic cough has been associated with complex aetiology, but it is now considered to be rather “one syndrome” mainly mediated by hypersensitivity of cough-related airway afferents [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref3">3</xref>] .</p><p>Upper airway disease (rhinosinusitis) is one of the most commonly identified causes of chronic cough. Animal models and studies in subjects with upper airway diseases showed that cough sensitivity correlates with the presence of nasal inflammation and magnitude of nasal symptoms. Effective treatments of local inflammation reduced significantly the magnitude of nasal symptoms and also reduced coughing and cough hypersensitivity [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref2">2</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref4">4</xref>] .</p><p>Nasal afferents play important role in modulation of cough reflex and histamine is a mediator that directly stimulates a subset of nasal sensory nerves [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref5">5</xref>] . The up-regulation of the neuronal mechanisms is clearly recognised as being a major component of the underlying aetiology of cough hypersensitivity. Local environment around airway afferents and/or the phenotype of these nerves may change in the airways of patients with chronic hypersensitivity syndrome. How this occurs, in which population of afferents and at which neuronal target is unclear. A currently favoured explanation is that inflammatory mediators could “sensitise” C-fibre afferent nerve endings (peripheral or central) leading to an increase in the electrical excitability of afferent nerves, thus reducing the threshold for activation [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref2">2</xref>] . Although intranasal administration of histamine did not trigger cough, it sensitised cough reflex in subjects with allergic rhinitis [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref6">6</xref>] , the same affect was documented in healthy subjects [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref7">7</xref>] .</p><p>Empiric protocols recommend first-generation H<sub>1</sub> antihistamines (inverse agonists of histamine H<sub>1</sub> receptor) for the treatment of UACS (upper airway cough syndrome), although mechanisms of their antitussive effect are not completely understood [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref8">8</xref>] . The use of antihistamines for cough so far lacked relevant evidence, but recently Dicpinigaitis and co-authors [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref9">9</xref>] clearly showed that old generation antihistamine diphenhydramine reduces cough reflex sensitivity in humans with cold. Unfortunately, old generation antihistamines cause adverse effects in multiple body systems, including sedation, caused by low selectivity for the H<sub>1</sub>R and by the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier influencing H<sub>1</sub>R in the CNS (central nervous system) [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref10">10</xref>] . In contrast to first-generation, second-generation H<sub>1</sub>-antihistamines are relatively free from adverse effects however; they are ineffective in the treatment of cough in UACS [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref8">8</xref>] .</p><p>Since the effect of histamine molecule is mediated not only by H<sub>1</sub>R, but also by other receptor subtypes (H<sub>2</sub>, H<sub>3</sub>, H<sub>4</sub>), we can assume that these subtypes of receptors can play a role in pathogenesis of nasal inflammation and up-regulation of cough reflex in subjects with nasal inflammation via neuronal mechanism.</p><p>In our study, we focused on histamine H<sub>3</sub> receptor (H<sub>3</sub>R). H<sub>3</sub>R acts as presynaptic neuronal autoreceptor (inhibits the release of histamine from histaminergic neurons) and heteroreceptor expressed on non-histaminergic neurons of central and peripheral nervous system, where it inhibits release of other neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref11">11</xref>] .</p><p>Expression of H<sub>3</sub>R is expressed within nasal mucosa, not only on peripheral nerves [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref12">12</xref>] , but also on epithelial cells, fibroblasts and around submucosal glands [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref13">13</xref>] . Studies indicate that this receptor plays an important role in pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis, in nasal obstruction, mucus secretion and inflammation [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref13">13</xref>] -[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref15">15</xref>] .</p><p>Expression of H<sub>3</sub>R significantly increases in infection by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can be process responsible for airway hyperreactivity [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref13">13</xref>] .</p><p>Stimulation of H<sub>3</sub>R, which is expressed on nerve endings of sympathetic nervous system, inhibits release of noradrenaline from these endings. In absence of histamine, noradrenaline released from sympathetic nerve endings helps to maintain vascular tone. Presence of histamine decreases concentration of noradrenaline, which leads to vasodilation followed by nasal obstruction [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref16">16</xref>] .</p><p>Furthermore, it was discovered that H<sub>3</sub>R in lower airways in humans regulates cholinergic nerve transduction. H<sub>3</sub>Rs are located on vagus nerve, where they modulate cholinergic neurotransmission. In airways they inhibit release of acetylcholine and can play role in modulation of neuronal bronchoconstriction in allergic diseases, when histamine is released in airway from mast cells in close proximity of ganglia and cholinergic nerves [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref17">17</xref>] . Histamine by its bond to H<sub>3</sub>R on nerves containing neuropeptides influences function of mast cells.</p><p>H<sub>3</sub> receptors are subject of interest of preclinical and clinical drug discovery intended for airway allergy treatment. The question, whether in treatment of airway allergy diseases would be more effective H<sub>3</sub>R agonists or antagonists remains unanswered.</p><p>Some studies suggest therapeutic applications of H<sub>3</sub>R antagonists in treatment of allergic rhinitis. H<sub>3</sub> receptor antagonists showed ability to supress nasal symptoms of AR, especially nasal congestion in combination with antihistamines that target the H<sub>1</sub> receptor [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref18">18</xref>] -[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref23">23</xref>] .</p><p>On the other hand, different studies showed, that H<sub>3</sub>R agonists alleviated symptoms of allergic rhinitis and pathologic changes of nasal mucosa, probably due to inhibition of substance P release from sensory nerve endings [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref24">24</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref25">25</xref>] .</p><p>In our study we ascertain the effect of H<sub>3</sub>R agonist imetit and H<sub>3</sub>R antagonist thioperamide on symptoms of AR and on pathologically enhanced cough in an animal model of upper airway cough syndrome.</p></sec><sec id="s2"><title>2. Methods</title><p>Study was conducted on male Dunking Hartley guinea pigs (n = 10), obtained from an accredited breeding facility (L. Sobota, Městec Kr&#225;lov&#233;, Czech Republic). The animals were housed in an approved animal holding facility maintained at a controlled room temperature of 21˚C - 22˚C, with humidity 60% - 70%, ventilation, a 12-h light-dark cycle and had free access to water and standard animal food.</p><p>Animal care was provided and the experiments were conducted in agreement with the Animal Welfare Guidelines of the Comenius University and statutes and rules of Slovak Republic legislation (protocol no. 3467/13 - 221).</p><p>Animals were adapted twice to laboratory conditions to reduce future stress. They stayed in a plethysmographic box to familiarize themselves with the environment and the laboratory staff. In the box, they were exposed to an aerosol of buffered saline for 2 minutes, which corresponds to the experimental procedure.</p><sec id="s2_1"><title>2.1. Sensitization</title><p>Animals were sensitised by intraperitoneal administration of 10 mg of OVA suspension together with aluminium hydroxide as an adjuvans in 1 ml of saline, OVA sensitivity was confirmed by skin prick tests 21 days later.</p></sec><sec id="s2_2"><title>2.2. Assessment of Nasal Symptoms after Antigen Challenge</title><p>To obtain a relevant model of UACS, sensitised animals were repeatedly intranasally challenged by an allergen to induce allergic rhinitis thus to up-regulate cough reflex.</p><p>The symptoms intensity was evaluated by trained observers using a nasal symptom score system which was developed and validated by Brozmanova et al. [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref26">26</xref>] matching symptoms intensity to numeric values (maximum 6 and minimum 0).</p><p>Nasal symptoms score was calculated based on validated scale system. Observed signs and symptoms were count of sneezes and 1) nasal discharge: no discharge 0, mild/moderate 1, discharge falls in drops from nose 2; 2) eye/conjunctival reaction: no changes 0, hazy eyes 1, visible lacrimation 2; 3) nasal phenomenon: no crackles 0, audible crackles 1, crackles audible from a distance 2. OVA group received 0.5% OVA, 0.15 ml into both nostrils five times, once a week.</p></sec><sec id="s2_3"><title>2.3. Citric Acid-Induced Cough in Alert Guinea Pigs</title><p>The awake animals were individually placed in the plethysmograph (type 855, Hugo Sachs Electronic, Germany), which consisted of a head chamber and a body chamber. The opening between the head chamber and body chamber was equipped with a plastic collar lining around the animal’s neck to prevent communication between the chambers. The appropriate collar size was chosen for each animal to prevent neck compression. The head chamber was connected to a nebulizer (Pari Provokation Test I, Menzel, Germany, manufacturer’s specification: output 5 l∙min<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>, particle mass median aerodynamic diameter 1.2 mm). A suction device adjusted to the same input (5 l∙min<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>) was connected to the head chamber to maintain constant airflow through the chamber during the aerosol administration. Airflow changes were measured using a pneumotachograph (Godart, Germany) with a Fleisch head connected to the head chamber. The data were recorded with the acquisition system ACQ Knowledge (Biopack, Santa Barbara, CA, USA). Respiratory sounds, including sounds during coughing and sneezing, were recorded with a microphone placed in the roof of the head chamber and connected to a preamplifier and MP3 recorder. The pneumotachograph and microphone output were simultaneously recorded for off-line analysis.</p><p>The cough challenge was performed using an inhalation of 0.4 M citric acid for 10 min. Cough was defined as expiratory airflow interrupting the basic respiratory pattern accompanied by a coughing sound. Coughs were analysed (using cough-related sounds and airflow) by two trained persons who were blind to the treatment if any. Their results were compared and (if no statistically significant differences occurred) averaged.</p><p>The animals were challenged by citric acid (CA) and cough response was detected several times, always with a one week interval between the challenges to prevent tachyphylaxis. First measurement of cough response was performed after intranasal administration of saline solution (0.015 ml per nostril) 10 minutes prior cough challenge (negative control). In other measurements cough response was detected after intranasal administration of ovalbumin (0.5% sol. 0.015 ml per nostril) and induction of symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR). Cough response was detected 10 min after intranasal administration of ovalbumin without pre-treatment twice (positive control), then after intraperitoneal pre-treatment with imetitin two different doses (1 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg of body weight), than after intraperitoneal pre-treatment with thioperamide (5 mg/kg of body weight) 30 min prior induction of rhinitis, what is 40 min prior cough challenge. In the end, reproducibility of experiments was repeated by measuring cough response after i.n. administration of 0.5% OVA without pre-treatment.</p></sec><sec id="s2_4"><title>2.4. Reagents</title><p>Citric acid was purchased from Fisher (Slovak Republic). Ovalbumin and Al (OH)<sub>3</sub> were purchased from Fisher (Slovak Republic). Imetit and thioperamide were purchased from Tocris (Slovak Republic).</p></sec><sec id="s2_5"><title>2.5. Statistical Analysis</title><p>For cough studies data non-parametric not-paired tests and multiple comparison tests were used as appropriate. Data for final count of coughs are expressed as median &#177; interquartile range; data for cough latency are shown as means &#177; SE. For statistical analysis, one-way ANOVA was used. A p &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant.</p></sec></sec><sec id="s3"><title>3. Results</title><p>Presence of early phase of allergic rhinitis led to significant increase of cough per provocation (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig1">Figure 1</xref>) from 9 &#177; 2 to 16 &#177; 1, med &#177; IQR, p &lt; 0.05 and significantly shortened cough latency from 189 &#177; 20 s to 66 &#177; 18 s (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig2">Figure 2</xref>). Pre-treatment by H<sub>3</sub>R agonist imetit in dose of 1 mg/kg of body weight led to mild decrease of cough response and symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Imetit in dose of 2 mg/kg of body weight significantly suppressed symptoms of allergic rhinitis, decreased number of cough bursts from 16 &#177; 1 to 12 &#177; 1, med &#177; IQR, p &lt; 0.05, and prolonged cough latency from 66 &#177; 18s to 192 &#177; 20, p &lt; 0.05. Pre-treatment by H<sub>3</sub>R antagonist thioperamide in dose of 5 mg/kg of body weight did not significantly influence symptoms of AR, number of cough bursts or cough latency (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig1">Figure 1</xref>, <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig2">Figure 2</xref>).</p></sec><sec id="s4"><title>4. Discussion</title><p>In our study, we have examined antitussive potential of H<sub>3</sub>R agonist imetit and H<sub>3</sub>R antagonist thioperamide. We found that imetit in dose 2 mg/kg of body weight in OVA-sensitized guinea pigs significantly decreased symptoms of AR and simultaneously significantly decreased number of citric acid induced coughs, whereas</p><fig id="fig1"  position="float"><label><xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig1">Figure 1</xref></label><caption><title> Effect of imetit and thioperamide on number of induced coughs</title></caption><graphic mimetype="image"   position="float"  xlink:type="simple"  xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-1360092x7.png"/></fig><fig id="fig2"  position="float"><label><xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig2">Figure 2</xref></label><caption><title> Effect of imetit and thioperamide on cough latency</title></caption><graphic mimetype="image"   position="float"  xlink:type="simple"  xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-1360092x8.png"/></fig><p>thioperamide proved to be ineffective in decreasing symptoms of AR and number of induced cough bursts.</p><p>As previously mentioned, H<sub>3</sub>R is vastly expressed within central and peripheral nervous system, where it regulates release of histamine and many other important neurotransmitters. In allergic diseases of airways, histamine is released from mast cells in close proximity of ganglia and cholinergic nerves. H<sub>3</sub>R inhibits release of acetylcholine, which can play role in process of neural bronchoconstriction [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref17">17</xref>] . Histamine by its bond to H<sub>3</sub>R on nerves containing neuropeptides influences functions of mast cells. This local neuron-mast cell negative feedback loop plays role in process of neurogenic inflammation and its dysregulation can lead to excessive inflammation response [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref14">14</xref>] . Physiologic roles of H<sub>3</sub>R in the airways, as its role in pathogenesis is not elucidated enough. The fact, whether H<sub>3</sub>R agonists or antagonists are of greater therapeutic potential, is dubious?studies in this area show quite controversial results.</p><p>On one hand, there are studies, which observed anti-inflammatory effect of H<sub>3</sub>R agonists. In study conducted by Yang et al. [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref25">25</xref>] H<sub>3</sub>R agonist imetit decreased symptoms of AR, pathologic changes of nasal mucosa and decreased concentration of substance P (SP) and its receptor (SP-R) in guinea pigs with experimentally induced allergic rhinitis. Similarly, Yokota et al. [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref24">24</xref>] in murine model of allergic rhinitis found out, that selective H<sub>3</sub>R agonists―imetit and SCH 50971―significantly decreased nasal symptoms of allergy, possibly due to inhibition of SP release from sensory nerve endings. To similar conclusion led another study conducted by Sun et al. [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref27">27</xref>] , in which imetit independently, as well as in combination with new-generation H<sub>1</sub>R antagonist loratadine, successfully supressed symptoms of AR in guinea pigs, possibly due to decrease of SP secretion and expression of SP mRNA. In treatment of upper airway allergic diseases, H<sub>3</sub>R agonists in combination with H<sub>1</sub>R antagonists can be useful.</p><p>In our study, we have shown that imetit, aside of influencing nasal symptoms of AR, can supress hypersensitive cough, which often accompanies inflammatory diseases of upper airways. Antitussive effect of imetit, as well as other H<sub>3</sub>R agonists, could be other convenient property of these substances and could broaden their clinical application.</p><p>Supposed mechanism, which could explain not only anti-inflammatory, but antitussive effect of imetit could be its interaction with SP. SP is one of pro-inflammatory neuromediators (tachykinins), which are locally released from sensory nerve endings in the nose (antidromic conduction) and contributes to pathogenesis of neurogenic inflammation and symptoms of rhinitis [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref28">28</xref>] . Release of neuropeptides can be induced by allergen, as well as histamine, prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Aside nerve endings; SP is produced by inflammatory cells (macrophages, eosinophils, lymphocytes, dendritic cells). It promotes proliferation and immunoglobulin production by lymphocytes, secretion of cytokines by lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages and mast cells. By support of release of inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, oxygen radicals, derivates of arachidonic acid and histamine, SP potentiates tissue damage, further stimulates leukocyte recruitment and thus increasing inflammatory response. Other effects of SP include vasodilation, increasing vascular permeability, and chemotaxis support, adhesion of leukocytes to endothelium―which leads to extravasation, migration and accumulation of leukocytes at site of inflammation. It also has mitogenic effects on smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts and endothelial cells [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref29">29</xref>] .</p><p>Fang et al. [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref30">30</xref>] observed three times higher SP concentration in patients with AR when compared to healthy individuals. Similarly, Heppt et al. [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref31">31</xref>] observed increased expression of SP in nerve endings in patients with seasonal AR. Very interesting findings have been brought by a study conducted by Cho et al. [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref31">31</xref>] . In nasal lavage fluid of patients with chronic, non-productive cough and increased cough reflex sensitivity to inhalation challenge with capsaicin increased concentration of SP was observed. In these individuals, it can be case of C-fibre up-regulation, which could contribute to increased response to stimuli in other part of airways [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref28">28</xref>] . Similarly, Lim et al. [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref32">32</xref>] found out that patients with post-nasal drip syndrome accompanied by chronic cough have significantly increased concentration of SP in nasal secretion in comparison with patients with post-nasal drip without chronic cough. Influence of imetit on SP and its receptor could explain not only the ability to supress allergic rhinitis process, but the ability to desensitize hypersensitive cough in UACS, which was observed in our experiment. Contribution to antitussive effect of imetit can be mediated by not only on peripheral on level of nasal mucosa, but central as well-imetit penetrates blood-brain barrier into CNS, where H<sub>3</sub>R is vastly expressed [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref33">33</xref>] .</p><p>On the other hand, other studies suggest therapeutic applications of H<sub>3</sub>R antagonists in treatment of allergic rhinitis. H<sub>3</sub> receptor antagonists showed ability to inhibit nasal congestion in combination with antihistamines that target the H<sub>1</sub> receptor [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref18">18</xref>] . Combined therapy by SCH 79687 (H<sub>3</sub>R antagonist) and loratadine (H<sub>1</sub>R antagonist) showed anti-allergic and decongestant properties [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref19">19</xref>] . In other studies, combined therapy by PF-03654746 (H<sub>3</sub>R antagonist) and fexofenadine (H<sub>1</sub>R antagonist) in patients with AR led to suppression of all nasal symptoms induced by allergen [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref20">20</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref21">21</xref>] . Other H<sub>3</sub>R antagonist, JNJ-39220675, administered per orally in dose 10 mg/kg of body weight in approximately 50 volunteers with AR improved overall score of nasal symptoms [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref22">22</xref>] . Similar results were obtained by Barchuk et al. [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref23">23</xref>] . Prophylactic treatment by JNJ-39220675 alleviated allergen-induced nasal congestion.</p><p>Histamine concentration in nasal cavity increases during inflammation processes in upper airways. Histamine inhibits release of noradrenaline via H<sub>3</sub>R from sympathetic nerve fibres, which leads to vasodilation followed by nasal obstruction [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref16">16</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref34">34</xref>] . Suppression of this process by H<sub>3</sub>R antagonists would explain their decongestant effects.</p><p>In our experiment, H<sub>3</sub>R antagonist thioperamide in dose 5 mg/kg bw. i.p. was not effective in suppression of nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis and did not exhibit ability to decrease number of citric acid-induced coughs in OVA-sensitized guinea pigs with induced AR. Similar results were obtained in a study conducted by Bolser et al. [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref35">35</xref>] , where the effects of thioperamide (dose 3 - 10 mg/kg bw. s.c.) were tested on cough induced by capsaicin inhalation in healthy guinea pigs and inhalation of allergen in sensitized guinea pigs. Thioperamide did not supress cough neither in model of allergen-induced, nor capsaicin-induced cough. Neumann et al. [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.63332-ref36">36</xref>] compared effect of thioperamide and H<sub>4</sub>R antagonist JNJ 7777120 in murine model of ovalbumin-induced asthma. They found out that thioperamide does not have all useful properties of JNJ 7777120 in model of asthma. Thioperamide suppressed eosinophilia in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, but in contrast to JNJ 7777120 did not decrease neither serum titre of specific IgE against OVA, nor inflammation infiltration of lung parenchyma.</p></sec><sec id="s5"><title>5. Conclusion</title><p>In our study, H<sub>3</sub>R agonist imetit, unlike H<sub>3</sub>R antagonist thioperamide, dose-dependently suppressed nasal symptoms of AR, decreased number of cough bursts and prolonged cough latency. Based on our experiments we assume that H<sub>3</sub>R agonists have higher therapeutic potential than H<sub>3</sub>R antagonists in treatment of cough in UACS.</p></sec><sec id="s6"><title>Acknowledgements</title><p>Study was supported by VEGA 1/0107/2014.</p></sec><sec id="s7"><title>Conflict of Interest</title><p>Authors do not declare conflict of interest.</p></sec><sec id="s8"><title>Cite this paper</title><p>TomasBuday,EvaKovacova,SilviaGavliakova,NataliaKavalcikova-Bogdanova,MartinaAntosova,JanaPlevkova, (2016) Imetit Dihydrobromide and Thioperamide Medication in Cough Hypersensitivity Model—The Role of H<sub>3</sub> Receptors. Open Journal of Molecular and Integrative Physiology,06,1-9. doi: 10.4236/ojmip.2016.61001</p></sec><sec id="s9"><title>NOTES</title></sec></body><back><ref-list><title>References</title><ref id="scirp.63332-ref1"><label>1</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Chung, K.F. and Pavord, I.D. (2008) Prevalence, Pathogenesis, and Causes of Chronic Cough. Lancet, 371, 1364-1374.  
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(08)60595-4</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref2"><label>2</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Morice, A.H., Millqvist, E., Belvisi, M.G., Bieksiene, K., Birring, S.S., Chung, K.F., Dal Negro, R.W., Dicpinigaitis, P., Kantar, A., McGarvey, L.P., Pacheco, A., Sakalauskas, R. and Smith, J.A. (2014) Expert Opinion on the Cough Hypersensitivity Syndrome in Respiratory Medicine. European Respiratory Journal, 44, 1132-1148.  
http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/09031936.00218613</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref3"><label>3</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Morice, A.H., Faruqi, S., Wright, C.E., Thompson, R. and Bland, J.M. (2011) Cough Hypersensitivity Syndrome: A Distinct Clinical Entity. Lung, 189, 73-79. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00408-010-9272-1</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref4"><label>4</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Plevkova, J. and Song, W.J. (2013) Chronic Cough in Subjects with Upper Airway Diseases—Analysis of Mechanisms and Clinical Applications. Asia Pacific Allergy, 3, 127-135. http://dx.doi.org/10.5415/apallergy.2013.3.2.127</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref5"><label>5</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Taylor-Clark, T.E., Kollarik, M., MacGlashan Jr., D.W. and Undem, B.J. (2005) Nasal Sensory Nerve Populations Responding to Histamine and Capsaicin. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 116, 1282-1288.  
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2005.08.043</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref6"><label>6</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Plevkova, J., Brozmanova, M., Pecova, R. and Tatar, M. (2005) Effects of Intranasal Histamine on the Cough Reflex in Subjects with Allergic Rhinitis. Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology: An Official Journal of the Polish Physiological Society, 56, 185-195.</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref7"><label>7</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Plevkova, J., Brozmanova, M., Pecova, R. and Tatar, M. (2006) The Effects of Nasal Histamine Challenge on Cough Reflex in Healthy Volunteers. Pulmonary Pharmacology &amp; Therapeutics, 19, 120-127.  
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pupt.2005.04.004</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref8"><label>8</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Bolser, D.C. (2008) Older-Generation Antihistamines and Cough Due to Upper Airway Cough Syndrome (UACS): Efficacy and Mechanism. Lung, 186, S74-S77. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00408-007-9033-y</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref9"><label>9</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Dicpinigaitis, P.V., Dhar, S., Johnson, A., Gayle, Y., Brew, J. and Caparros-Wanderley, W. (2015) Inhibition of Cough Reflex Sensitivity by Diphenhydramine during Acute Viral Respiratory Tract Infection. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy, 37, 471-474. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11096-015-0081-8</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref10"><label>10</label><mixed-citation publication-type="book" xlink:type="simple">Simons, F.E.R. and Simons, K.J. (2008) Antihistamines. Part 3 Pharmacology. In: Kay, A.B., Kaplan, A.P., Bousquet, J. and Holt, P.G., Eds., Allergy and Allergic Diseases, Volume 1, 2nd Edition, Blackwell Publishing, 551-565.  
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/9781444300918.ch25</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref11"><label>11</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Bonaventure, P., Letavic, M., Dugovic, C., Wilson, S., Aluisio, L., Pudiak, C., Lord, B., Mazur, C., Kamme, F., Nishino, S., Carruthers, N. and Lovenberg, T. (2007) Histamine H3 Receptor Antagonists: From Target Identification to Drug Leads. Biochemical Pharmacology, 73, 1084-1096. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bcp.2006.10.031</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref12"><label>12</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Nakaya, M., Takeuchi, N. and Kondo, K. (2004) Immunohistochemical Localization of Histamine Receptor Subtypes in Human Inferior Turbinates. The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology, 113, 552-557.  
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/000348940411300707</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref13"><label>13</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Jung, S.Y., Shin, S.Y., Eun, Y.G., Kim, S.W. and Cho, J.S. (2013) Changes of Histamine Receptors and CC Chemokines in Nasal Epithelial Cells and Fibroblasts after Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection. American Journal of Rhinology &amp; Allergy, 27, e17-e21. http://dx.doi.org/10.2500/ajra.2013.27.3863</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref14"><label>14</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Jutel, M., Akdis, M. and Akdis, C.A. (2009) Histamine, Histamine Receptors and Their Role in Immune Pathology. Clinical and Experimental Allergy, 39, 1786-1800. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2222.2009.03374.x</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref15"><label>15</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Suzuki, S., Takeuchi, K. and Majima, Y. (2008) Localization and Function of Histamine H3 Receptor in the Nasal Mucosa. Clinical and Experimental Allergy, 38, 1476-1482. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2222.2008.03041.x</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref16"><label>16</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Varty, L.M., Gustafsoo, E., Laverty, M. and Hey, J.A. (2004) Activation of Histamine H3 Receptors in Human Nasal Mucosa Inhibits Sympathetic Vasoconstriction. European Journal of Pharmacology, 484, 83-89.  
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2003.10.051</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref17"><label>17</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Ichinose, M., Stretton, C.D., Schwaftz, J.C. and Barnes, P.J. (1989) Histamine H3-Receptors Inhibit Cholinergic Neurotransmission in Guinea-Pig Airways. British Journal of Pharmacology, 97, 13-15.  
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.1989.tb11917.x</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref18"><label>18</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">North, M.L., Walker, T.J., Steacy, L.M., Hobsbawn, B.G., Allan, R.J., Hackman, F., Sun, X., Day, A.G. and Ellis, A.K. (2014) Add-On Histamine Receptor-3 Antagonist for Allergic Rhinitis: A Double Blind Randomized Crossover Trial Using the Environmental Exposure Unit. Allergy Asthma and Clinical Immunology, 10, 33.  
http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1710-1492-10-33</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref19"><label>19</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">McLeod, R.L., Rizzo, C.A., West Jr., R.E., Aslanian, R., McCormick, K., Bryant, M., Hsieh, Y., Korfmacher, W., Mingo, G.G., Varty, L., Williams, S.M., Shih, N.Y., Egan, R.W. and Hey, J.A. (2003) Pharmacological Characterization of the Novel Histamine H3-Receptor Antagonist N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-N’-[[4-(1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]- methyl]-urea (SCH 79687). The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 305, 1037-1044.  
http://dx.doi.org/10.1124/jpet.103.049254</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref20"><label>20</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Romero Jr., F.A., Allan, R.J., Phillips, P.G., Hutchinson, K., Misfeldt, J.M. and Casale, T.B. (2010) The Effects of an H3 Receptor Antagonist in a Nasal Allergen Challenge Model. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 125, AB191. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2009.12.750</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref21"><label>21</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Stokes, J.R., Romero Jr., F.A., Allan, R.J., Phillips, P.G., Hackman, F., Misfeldt, J. and Casale, T.B. (2012) The Effects of an H3 Receptor Antagonist (PF-03654746) with Fexofenadine on Reducing Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 129, 409-412. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2011.11.026</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref22"><label>22</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Carruthers, N. (2010) Translation Approaches towards the Identification of a Histamine H3 Receptor Antagonist and Its Clinical Evaluation for the Symptomatic Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis. The 39th European Histamine Research Society Meeting, Durham, 21-25 April 2010, 34.</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref23"><label>23</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Barchuk, W.T., Salapatek, A.M., Ge, T., D’Angelo, P. and Liu, X. (2013) A Proof-of-Concept Study of the Effect of a Novel H3-Receptor Antagonist in Allergen-Induced Nasal Congestion. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 32, 838-846. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2013.05.001</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref24"><label>24</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Yokota, E., Kuyama, S., Sugimoto, Y., Ogawa, M. and Kamei, C. (2008) Participation of Histamine H3 Receptors in Experimental Allergic Rhinitis of Mice. Journal of Pharmacological Sciences, 108, 206-211.  
http://dx.doi.org/10.1254/jphs.08164FP</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref25"><label>25</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Yang, X., Sun, G., Xu, X., Li, P. and Liu, W. (2010) Effect of H3R Agonist, IMETIT on Allergic Rhinitis in Guinea Pigs. Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, 24, 559-563.</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref26"><label>26</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Brozmanova, M., Plevkova, J., Tatar, M. and Kollarik, M. (2008) Cough Reflex Sensitivity Is Increased in the Guinea Pig Model of Allergic Rhinitis. Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 59, 153-161.</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref27"><label>27</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Sun, G.M., Yang, X.D., Xu, X.G., Li, P.H., Liu, W. and Pan, L.J. (2010) Substance P and Its Receptors Are Involved in the Effect of Histamine H3 Receptor Agonist, IMETIT on Nasal Allergic Symptoms in Guinea Pigs. Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, 45, 465-470.</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref28"><label>28</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Sarin, S., Undem, B., Sanico, A. and Togias, A. (2006) The Role of the Nervous System in Rhinitis. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 118, 999-1016. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2006.09.013</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref29"><label>29</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">O’Connor, T.M., O’Connell, J., O’Brien, D.I., Goode, T., Bredin, C.P. and Shanahan, F. (2004) The Role of Substance P in Inflammatory Disease. Journal of Cellular Physiology, 201, 167-180. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jcp.20061</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref30"><label>30</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Fang, S.Y., Shen, C.L. and Ohyama, M. (1998) Distribution and Quantity of Neuroendocrine Markers in Allergic Rhinitis. Acta Oto-Laryngologica, 118, 398-403. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00016489850183502</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref31"><label>31</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Heppt, W., Dinh, Q.T., Cryer, A., Zweng, M., Noga, O., Peiser, C., Melvan, M., Witt, C., Fischer, A. and Groneberg, D.A. (2004) Phenotypic Alteration of Neuropeptide-Containing Nerve Fibres in Seasonal Intermittent Allergic Rhinitis. Clinical and Experimental Allergy, 34, 1105-1110. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2222.2004.01990.x</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref32"><label>32</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Cho, Y.S., Park, S.Y., Lee, C.K., Yoo, B. and Moon, H.B. (2003) Elevated Substance P Levels in Nasal Lavage Fluids from Patients with Chronic Nonproductive Cough and Increased Cough Sensitivity to Inhaled Capsaicin. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 112, 695-701. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0091-6749(03)01784-6</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref33"><label>33</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Lim, K.G., Rank, M.A., Kita, H., Patel, A. and Moore, E. (2011) Neuropeptide Levels in Nasal Secretions from Patients with and without Chronic Cough. Annals of Allergy, Asthma &amp; Immunology, 107, 360-363.  
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2011.07.010</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref34"><label>34</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Clapp, R.H. and Luckman, S.M. (2012) Proxyfan Acts as a Neutral Antagonist of Histamine H3 Receptors in the Feeding-Related Hypothalamic Ventromedial Nucleus. British Journal of Pharmacology, 167, 1099-1110.  
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.02056.x</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref35"><label>35</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Bolser, D.C., De Gennaro, F.C., O’Reilly, S., Hey, J.A. and Chapman, R.W. (1995) Pharmacological Studies of Allergic Cough in the Guinea Pig. European Journal of Pharmacology, 277, 159-164.  
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0014-2999(95)00076-W</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.63332-ref36"><label>36</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Neumann, D., Beermann, S., Burhenne, H., Glage, S., Hartwig, C. and Seifert, R. (2013) The Dual H3/4R Antagonist Thioperamide Does Not Fully Mimic the Effects of the “Standard” H4R Antagonist JNJ 7777120 in Experimental Murine Asthma. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Archives of Pharmacology, 386, 983-990.  
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00210-013-0898-4</mixed-citation></ref></ref-list></back></article>