Strontium chloride hexahydrate as a candidate molecule for long-term treatment of allergic rhinitis

Background & objectives: Neurogenic inflammation plays a role in the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis (AR). Strontium salts are highly effective in reducing the sensory irritation. This study was aimed to investigate the efficacy of strontium chloride (SC) on AR symptoms based on the duration of SC use before the symptoms begin. Methods: Wistar albino rats (n= 18) were randomly divided into three groups: Group 1, received 1 mu g mometasone furoate (MF); Group 2, three per cent SC; and Group 3 received five per cent SC (2 mu l/site). Drugs were administered to the each nasal cavity for three weeks every morning. On the days 7, 14 and 21, histamine dihydrochloride (HD) 5 mu mol (2 mu l/site) was administered and the frequencies of nasal rubbing and sneezing were counted for 15 min. Results: After 7, 14 and 21 day medication period, the groups were compared in terms of the frequency of sneezing and nasal rubbing following HD. There was a significant difference among the groups in terms of the frequency of sneezing on the day 7 (P< 0.05). Intragroup comparisons for the nasal rubbing showed significance (P< 0.05). In Group 3, there was a decrease in the number of nasal rubbings on the day 14 and 21; however, the difference was not significant. Interpretation & conclusions: Our results showed that three and five per cent SC were less effective than MF for sneezing during the first week, but the efficiency was equal to that of MF after the first 14 days. Long-term use of SC was as effective as MF on nasal rubbing. SC can be as effective as MF on both sneezing and nasal rubbing on regular use over three weeks.