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Neural hyperresponsiveness and nerve growth factor in allergic rhinitis.
A M Sanico1, V E Koliatsos, A M Stanisz
1Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. amsanico@welch.jhu.edu
International Archives of Allergy and Immunology
|May 4, 1999
Summary
Patients with allergic rhinitis exhibit heightened neural responsiveness in the nose, linked to increased nerve growth factor (NGF). This suggests NGF plays a role in the neural hyperresponsiveness seen in allergic rhinitis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Otorhinolaryngology
Background:
- Allergic rhinitis symptoms can be triggered by allergens and environmental irritants.
- This suggests increased neural apparatus responsiveness in allergic rhinitis.
- Nerve growth factor (NGF) upregulation may underlie this heightened responsiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that allergic rhinitis involves increased neural responsiveness.
- To explore the role of nerve growth factor (NGF) in this condition.
Main Methods:
- Compared neural responses (sneezing reflex, nasonasal reflex, axonal reflex) in allergic rhinitis patients and healthy controls.
- Measured NGF levels in nasal lavage fluid.
- Assessed responses to histamine and capsaicin challenges, and allergen provocation.
Main Results:
- Allergic rhinitis patients showed significantly greater sensitivity and reactivity in nerve-mediated responses.
- Elevated baseline NGF levels were found in allergic rhinitis patients.
- Allergen provocation increased NGF levels in rhinitis patients.
Conclusions:
- Neural apparatus responsiveness in the nose is significantly greater in active allergic rhinitis.
- Increased NGF in nasal mucosa supports its implication in neural hyperresponsiveness.
- NGF may be a key factor in the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis.