Light and electron microscope study in allergic rhinitis patients (ARP) with or without bronchial hyperreactivity...

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Immunology
• Pathology

Background:

• Allergic rhinitis is frequently associated with bronchial hyperreactivity.
• The underlying pathogenesis linking these conditions remains poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the pathogenesis of bronchial hyperreactivity in patients with allergic rhinitis.
• To compare airway structural and cellular changes in allergic rhinitis patients with and without bronchial hyperreactivity.

Main Methods:

• Bronchial biopsies and bronchoalveolar lavage were obtained from allergic rhinitis patients with bronchial hyperreactivity, allergic rhinitis patients without bronchial hyperreactivity, and healthy controls.
• Samples were analyzed using light and transmission electron microscopy.

Main Results:

• Increased epithelial shedding, goblet cells, basement membrane thickness, stromal collagenous fibers, and smooth muscle cells were observed in allergic rhinitis patients with bronchial hyperreactivity.
• Lower numbers of lymphocytes, neutrophils, and macrophages were found in the mucosa and submucosa of allergic rhinitis patients with bronchial hyperreactivity compared to controls and allergic rhinitis patients without bronchial hyperreactivity.
• Bronchoalveolar lavage revealed increased lymphocytes and altered phagocytic cells in allergic rhinitis patients without bronchial hyperreactivity.

Conclusions:

• Bronchial hyperreactivity in allergic rhinitis is associated with structural airway alterations.
• Evidence of inflammation was not found to accompany bronchial hyperreactivity in allergic rhinitis patients.