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The effect of platelet activating factor on nasal hypersensitivity
1Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Platelet activating factor (PAF) may play a role in nasal hyperreactivity. While PAF did not significantly induce symptoms, it increased nasal vascular responsiveness to allergen challenges in allergic rhinitis patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Otolaryngology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Platelet activating factor (PAF) is implicated in lower airway hyperreactivity, a hallmark of asthma.
- Its role in upper airway hyperreactivity, particularly in allergic rhinitis, remains less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of PAF on upper airway responses.
- To determine if PAF influences nasal hyperreactivity to allergen challenge in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study involving twelve patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis.
- Nasal administration of PAF or placebo, followed by nasal allergen challenge.
- Monitoring of nasal response via nasal expiratory peak flow rate and symptom scores.
Main Results:
- PAF induced minimal changes in nasal patency and symptoms compared to placebo.
- Pretreatment with PAF significantly increased nasal vascular responsiveness to subsequent allergen challenge, notably nasal blockage symptoms.
- Trends for increased nasal peak flow were observed, while sneezes and secretion remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- PAF appears to contribute to human nasal hyperreactivity.
- However, PAF is likely not a primary mediator in the induction of nasal hyperreactivity in allergic rhinitis.