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Allergic rhinitis, olfactory disorders and secretory IgA
B S Paparo1, O Leri, P Andreoli
1Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Diseases, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Rivista Europea Per Le Scienze Mediche E Farmacologiche = European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences = Revue Europeenne Pour Les Sciences Medicales Et Pharmacologiques
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Secretory IgA levels in nasal mucus may play a protective role in olfactory disorders and allergic rhinitis. Lower secretory IgA concentrations correlate with the severity of olfactory dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Allergic rhinitis and olfactory disorders can coexist.
- Nasal mucus composition may be altered in these conditions.
- The role of immunological factors in olfactory function is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between biochemical and immunological components of nasal mucus.
- To explore the association between nasal mucus parameters and allergic rhinitis or olfactory disorders.
- To determine the potential protective role of secretory IgA in these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Studied 57 subjects with allergic rhinitis and/or olfactory disorders.
- Analyzed nasal mucus for quantity, pH, protein, K+, and secretory IgA (SIgA).
- Utilized allergometric tests, PRIST, RAST, rhinomanometry, and evoked olfactory potentials.
Main Results:
- Secretory IgA levels were significantly reduced in anosmic patients (p < 0.01).
- Protein concentration was lower in hyposmic and anosmic subjects.
- Secretory IgA showed an inverse relationship with the severity of olfactory pathology.
Conclusions:
- Secretory IgA may have a protective role in olfactory disorders.
- Reduced secretory IgA levels are associated with more severe olfactory dysfunction.
- Nasal mucus biochemical and immunological profiles differ between healthy individuals and those with olfactory disorders.