Bronchial inflammation and the common cold: a comparison of atopic and non-atopic individuals

Cold virus infections are associated with asthma attacks and with increased bronchial responsiveness even in normal subjects. Possible mechanisms include epithelial damage, interaction with adhesion molecules or with T-helper cell subsets.

To determine whether colds increase lower airway inflammation, comparing atopic with non-atopic normal subjects.

Thirty healthy volunteers (15 atopic) took part. Baseline tests included viral serology, microbiological culture and polymerase chain reaction for rhinovirus infection (HRV-PCR), histamine bronchial provocation and bronchoscopy. Twenty subjects (eight atopic) underwent repeat tests when they developed a cold.

Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was significantly lower during colds (-0.19 L [95% confidence interval -0.10, -0.29], P = 0.0004) and there was a significant increase in bronchial responsiveness (+0.62 doublings of the dose-response slope [+0.24, +1.00], P = 0.003). Eight subjects (two atopic) had a diagnosed viral infection: two HRV, three coronavirus (HCV), one HRV + HCV, one parainfluenza III (PI) and one respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (also Haemophilus influenzae). In biopsies, during colds, total eosinophils (EGI+) increased significantly (geometric mean 6.73-fold [1.12,40.46], P = 0.04). Activated eosinophils (EG2+) only increased significantly in the subgroup without diagnosed viral infection and particularly in atopic rhinitics. T-suppressor (CD8+) cells also increased significantly (median + 178.3 cells mm2, P = 0.004). Epithelial expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression increased in four atopic rhinitics during colds. Bronchial washings showed a significant increase in neutrophils (GM 1.53-fold [1.04,2.25], P = 0.02).

Lower airway inflammation was present in atopic and non-atopic normal subjects with colds. Atopic subjects differed in that they were less likely to have positive virological tests and were more likely to show activated eosinophilia in the lower airway, despite a similar spectrum of symptoms.