Effects of topical glucocorticoids on in vitro lactoferrin glandular secretion: Comparison between human upper and lower airways

Abstract

Background: Mucus hypersecretion is a hallmark of upper and lower airway diseases, such as rhinitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Although topical glucocorticoids are widely used to treat mucosal inflammation, their effect on mucus hypersecretion remains uncertain. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of budesonide and beclomethasone dipropionate on in vitro lactoferrin glandular secretion from both human nasal and bronchial mucosa and the potential mediating role of lipocortin 1. Methods: Nasal and bronchial explants obtained from patients undergoing surgery were cultured in a controlled atmosphere. Lactoferrin (ELISA) was measured in culture supernatants, and lipocortin 1 (Western blot) was analyzed in explant tissues. Results: Both budesonide and beclomethasone dipropionte (10-6 mol/L) decreased spontaneous lactoferrin secretion in nasal and bronchial mucosa. The maximum effect of corticosteroids (10-6 mol/L) was obtained at day 3 in bronchial mucosa (budesonide: -56% ± 9%, P