LTC4 vs Major Basic Protein

[ChessMaster3000]

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There was a question on NBME form 2 asking about the agent implicated in epithelial damage in asthma. I thought it was LTC4, but apparently the answer is MBP. I looked it up and MBP does have a role in damage, but doesn't LTC4? Is this a bad question or is LTC4 mainly for bronchoconstriction/inflammation but less about damage?

 

[alicealicealice]

Yeah I think its a choose the best answer situation. Per pathoma:
LTC4:
Increase bronchial tone
Increase Vascular tone
Increase vascular permeability

(LTB4 can cause damage indirectly by recruitment of Neutrophils, though not in asthma)

Major basic protein:
http://books.google.com/books?id=pRH62OsPMO4C&pg=PT907&lpg=PT907&dq=curschmanns major basic protein&source=bl&ots=e1OArFgmvs&sig=08gS88XtYTvReSqE4F8NJvuE62g&hl=en&sa=X&ei=tCv1UvHXOK3LsQTM0oHgDg&ved=0CCYQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=curschmanns major basic protein&f=false
Directly from Goljan: "Eosinophils release major MBP and cationic protein. Damage endothelial cells and produce airway constriction. Curshmann spirals are shed epithelial cells that are the pathologic effect of MBP and cationic protein."
Per Pathoma: " MBP is enzyme present in Ephils that allows for O2 independent killing"

 

[notbobtrustme]

MBP is a cytotoxic protein. It's sole purpose is to **** **** up.

LTC4 is an inflammatory mediator.

 

[ChessMaster3000]

MBP is a cytotoxic protein. It's sole purpose is to **** **** up.

LTC4 is an inflammatory mediator.

I just thought MTB was only for helminthic infections, but clearly that is not the case.

 

[notbobtrustme]

I just thought MTB was only for helminthic infections, but clearly that is not the case.

It's probably what it evolved to do, but it can have adverse effects when involved in chronic inflammation (eg asthma).