Unilateral nasal allergic reactions increase bilateral sinus eosinophil infiltration

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Allergy Research
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Previous studies demonstrated unilateral nasal antigen challenge increases eosinophils in the ipsilateral maxillary sinus.
• The current study investigates the eosinophil response in the contralateral maxillary sinus following unilateral nasal allergen challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if unilateral nasal antigen challenge induces an eosinophil response in the contralateral maxillary sinus.
• To investigate the bilateral distribution of eosinophils in maxillary sinuses after unilateral nasal allergen challenge.

Main Methods:

• Twenty subjects with seasonal allergic rhinitis underwent unilateral nasal allergen challenge.
• Catheters were placed in both maxillary sinuses for lavage, and nasal symptoms were recorded.
• Lavage fluid was analyzed for eosinophil counts and albumin levels to assess inflammation and vascular permeability.

Main Results:

• Subjects exhibited a symptomatic response to allergen challenge, with increased eosinophils and vascular permeability in the nose.
• Eosinophil counts significantly increased in both the ipsilateral and contralateral maxillary sinuses.
• The increase in eosinophils was significantly greater in the ipsilateral maxillary sinus compared to the contralateral sinus (P=0.03).

Conclusions:

• Unilateral nasal allergen challenge leads to a bilateral increase in eosinophils within the maxillary sinuses.
• A central neurologic reflex initiated by nasal challenge may contribute to the bilateral eosinophil response.
• The greater eosinophil accumulation in the ipsilateral sinus suggests an additional localized reflex mechanism.