螨变应性鼻炎分泌物中嗜酸细胞阳离子蛋白

已知嗜酸性粒细胞与下列四种主要的毒性相离子蛋白有关：碱性蛋白（MBP）、嗜酸细胞过氧化酶（EPO）、嗜酸细胞神经毒（EDN）和喀酸细胞阳离子蛋白（ECP）。这些蛋白在人体内的生化和功能特性近年已逐渐被阐明。但在嗜酸细胞对鼻粘膜或变态反应的作用尚有争论。有报告称嗜酸细胞是支气管哮喘、呼吸道上皮损伤的效应细胞，特别是嗜酸细胞中的MBP和ECP能造成上皮损害和脱落，嗜酸细胞能激发和维持变态反应。因此，对螨变应性鼻炎患者，进行激发前后鼻腔分泌物中ECP含量的测定，并与健康者对照比较，旨在探讨ECP在螨变应性鼻炎的速发…     

鼻息肉组织及上皮细胞的形态学特征与嗜酸粒细胞阳离子蛋白韵表达

目的：研究鼻息肉组织及其上皮细胞的形态学特征，检测嗜酸粒细胞阳离子蛋白（ECP）在其中的表达，探讨其发病机制及病理特点、ECP的作用。方法：慢性鼻-鼻窦炎不伴鼻息肉（鼻窦炎组）5例，慢性鼻-鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉（鼻息肉组）5例，正常下鼻甲黏膜（对照组）5例，标本均分成2份，一份放入4％的戊二醛液中固定，常规电镜制片；另一份放入10％甲醛中固定，石蜡包埋行ECP原位杂交检测。结果：电镜下见鼻息肉组黏膜上皮排列紊乱，基底膜增厚，纤毛排列不整齐，倒伏，其中基底层有脱颗粒现象，鼻窦炎组上皮层破坏、基底膜水肿；对照组上皮层连续，基底层排列整齐。鼻窦炎组、鼻息肉组ECP阳性表达于上皮层、黏膜下层及血管周，呈棕褐色，但鼻窦炎组表达较鼻息肉组低。结论：鼻息肉组织及上皮细胞内有活化的嗜酸粒细胞，脱颗粒现象，鼻息肉组织中ECP高表达，说明鼻窦炎和（或）鼻息肉组织中有活跃的炎症反应，引起组织上皮损伤和脱落，最终形成鼻息肉。     

变应性鼻炎患者鼻分泌物中嗜酸粒细胞计数与鼻用糖皮质激素治疗反应的关系

目的 观察常年性持续性变应性鼻炎(allergic rhinitis,AR)患者不同炎症类型(嗜酸粒细胞炎症型与非嗜酸粒细胞炎症型)对鼻用糖皮质激素治疗的反应性.方法 选择近3个月内未接受糖皮质激素治疗的常年性持续性AR患者42例,根据鼻分泌物嗜酸粒细胞计数将患者分为嗜酸粒细胞组(A组,嗜酸粒细胞数≥0.03,23例)与非嗜酸粒细胞组(B组,嗜酸粒细胞数<0.03,19例)进行AR症状、体征评分和鼻分泌物细胞分类计数.采用酶联免疫荧光法测定鼻分泌物嗜酸粒细胞阳离子蛋白浓度.糖皮质激素治疗2、4、6个月时进行随访,并进行疗效评价.结果 A组鼻分泌物中嗜酸粒细胞数[中位数M(25分位数;75分位数),下同]、嗜酸粒细胞阳离子蛋白水平(x±s,下同)基线值分别为0.086[0.065;0.176]、(326±145)μg/L,B组分别为0.016[0.005;0.022]、(154±58)μg/L,两组比较差异有统计学意义(t值分别为4.40、3.33,P值均<0.01).鼻用糖皮质激素治疗2、6个月后,A组嗜酸粒细胞数,嗜酸粒细胞阳离子蛋白水平分别为0.038[0.006;0.070]、0.019[0.010;0.060]、(175±122)μg/L、(175±153)μg/L,与基线值比较差异均有统计学意义(F值分别为6.73、7.38,P值均<0.05);B组分别为0.014[0.004;0.032]、0.015[0.000;0.026]、(118±60)μg/L、(112±60)μg/L,与基线值比较,嗜酸粒细胞数差异无统计学意义(F=0.82,P>0.05),而嗜酸粒细胞阳离子蛋白水平差异有统计学意义(F=3.78,P<0.05).A组平均症状、体征评分与B组在基线及2,4、6个月时不同时间点比较差异均无统计学意义.鼻用糖皮质激素用量,两组各时间点比较差异均无统计学意义(P值均>0.05).结论 对于鼻分泌物嗜酸粒细胞数增高的AR患者,鼻用糖皮质激素能够抑制嗜酸粒细胞性炎症,改善AR患者的症状和体征.非嗜酸粒细胞数增高的AR患者对糖皮质激素治疗反应性差.     

变应性鼻炎嗅觉障碍多因素研究

目的变应性鼻炎（allergic rhinitis, AR)的患者常伴有一定程度的嗅觉障碍,但目前潜在的机制尚不明了。本研究的目的就是分析变应性鼻炎造成嗅觉障碍的可能机制。方法采用 Sniffin’Sticks 嗅觉测试方法测定患者的嗅觉功能。鼻腔分泌物检测包括嗜酸粒细胞阳离子蛋白(eosinophil：ationicprotein,ECP)及类胰蛋白酶检测。鼻腔阻塞情况通过鼻气道阻力测定进行评估。结果变应性鼻炎组的患者出现了嗅觉障碍而对照组没有,但两组在鼻气道阻力测定上没有显著差异。变应性鼻炎组患者鼻腔分泌物的ECP和类胰蛋白酶较对照组明显增多。结论嗜酸粒细胞和肥大细胞的活性增加可能导致了变应性鼻炎患者的嗅觉障碍。因此,鼻腔阻塞可能不是引起变应性鼻炎患者嗅觉障碍的主要原因,而炎症所致的上皮反应可能较大。     

变应性鼻炎引起嗅觉障碍的临床分析

目的分析变应性鼻炎引起嗅觉障碍的发病机制。方法选取216例变应性鼻炎患者作为实验对象,同时选取99例健康志愿者作为对照组。采用嗅棒气味嗅觉测试方法测定两组患者的嗅觉功能;采用酶联免疫吸附法检测鼻腔分泌物中嗜酸性粒细胞阳离子蛋白（eosinophil ationicprotein,ECP）及类胰蛋白酶的含量;应用鼻压计测定鼻气道阻力。结果变应性鼻炎患者鼻气道阻力与对照组比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）;变应性鼻炎组患者嗅觉功能,鼻腔分泌物ECP和鼻腔分泌物类胰蛋白酶与对照组比较,差异具有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论嗜酸性粒细胞和肥大细胞的活性增加可能导致了变应性鼻炎患者的嗅觉障碍,而鼻腔阻塞可能不是引起变应性鼻炎患者嗅觉障碍的主要原因。     

鼻息肉组织及上皮细胞的形态学特征与嗜酸粒细胞阳离子蛋白的表达

目的:研究鼻息肉组织及其上皮细胞的形态学特征,检测嗜酸粒细胞阳离子蛋白(ECP)在其中的表达,探讨其发病机制及病理特点、ECP的作用。方法:慢性鼻-鼻窦炎不伴鼻息肉(鼻窦炎组)5例,慢性鼻-鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉(鼻息肉组)5例,正常下鼻甲黏膜(对照组)5例,标本均分成2份,一份放入4%的戊二醛液中固定,常规电镜制片;另一份放入10%甲醛中固定,石蜡包埋行ECP原位杂交检测。结果:电镜下见鼻息肉组黏膜上皮排列紊乱,基底膜增厚,纤毛排列不整齐,倒伏,其中基底层有脱颗粒现象,鼻窦炎组上皮层破坏、基底膜水肿;对照组上皮层连续,基底层排列整齐。鼻窦炎组、鼻息肉组ECP阳性表达于上皮层、黏膜下层及血管周,呈棕褐色,但鼻窦炎组表达较鼻息肉组低。结论:鼻息肉组织及上皮细胞内有活化的嗜酸粒细胞,脱颗粒现象,鼻息肉组织中ECP高表达,说明鼻窦炎和(或)鼻息肉组织中有活跃的炎症反应,引起组织上皮损伤和脱落,最终形成鼻息肉。     

氢氧化铝佐剂对变应性鼻炎小鼠模型的影响

目的：研究氢氧化铝佐剂对变应性鼻炎（AR）小鼠模型的影响,探讨AR小鼠建模的恰当方法。方法：采用卵清蛋白（0VA）鼻内致敏、鼻内激惹（局部干预组）和腹腔内OVA加用氢氧化铝Al（OH）3佐剂注射致敏、OVA鼻内激惹（系统干预组）2种方法建立BALB／c小鼠AR模型,动态观察2种模型小鼠打喷嚏数和挠鼻次数;应用苏木精-伊红染色形态学观察小鼠鼻黏膜上皮内杯状细胞和黏膜下腺体增生情况;Luna染色形态学观察2种模型小鼠鼻黏膜内嗜酸粒细胞的浸润并对其计数。以酶联免疫吸附试验（ELISA）检测2种模型小鼠鼻腔冲洗液和血清中IL-4、IL-5、OVA特异性IgE（sIgE）和IFN-γ的浓度。结果：局部干预组小鼠打喷嚏数和挠鼻次数显著高于系统干预组。苏木精-伊红染色观察前者小鼠鼻黏膜上皮内杯状细胞和黏膜下腺体增生较后者显著;Luna染色前者鼻黏膜内嗜酸粒细胞计数也显著高于后者。局部干预组鼻腔冲洗液和血清中IL-4、IL-5和sIgE的浓度明显高于系统干预组,而其IFN—γ的浓度明显低于系统干预组。结论：OVA和AI（OH）。佐剂联合经腹腔注射致敏可以同时促进Th1和Th2型细胞免疫反应,OVA局部鼻内致敏、鼻内激惹是建立AR小鼠模型的恰当方法。     

变应性鼻炎鼻分泌物和血清中嗜酸性细胞阳离子蛋白(ECP)与芳香基硫酸脂酶B(ASAB)的研究

嗜酸性粒细胞以在局部释放多种化学介质而参与变态反应的发病,比较重要的介质有主要碱性蛋白(MBP)、ECP、嗜酸细胞过氧化物酶、嗜酸细胞神经毒素等。此外,嗜酸细胞还释放一些对变态反应有抑制作用的物质如ASAB、组胺酶、磷脂酶等。作者选择变态反应性鼻炎22例以放射免疫测定法测定其鼻分泌物中ECP浓度,同时以P-硝基儿茶酚硫酸盐为底物测定其鼻分泌物中ASAB水解活力。另选变应性鼻炎12例分别以上法测定血清中ECP浓度及ASAB水解活力。结果:①鼻分泌物中ECP浓度与临床症状严重程度,特别是鼻塞程     

免疫球蛋白游离轻链在变应性及非变应性鼻炎中的表达水平及意义探讨

目的 检测变应性鼻炎(allergic rhinitis,AR)、非变应性鼻炎(non-allergic rhinitis,NAR)患者和健康对照组在鼻分泌物及血清中的免疫球蛋白游离轻链(free light chain,FLC)的表达水平,初步探讨FLC可能参与AR及NAR发病的免疫学机制.方法 选取2009年9-12月就诊的AR 及NAR患者各30例以及健康对照组30例,所有入组病例均进行过敏原皮肤点刺试验(skin prick tests,SPT)及血清特异性IgE检测(specific IgE,sIgE).对入组的所有患者进行鼻部症状的视觉模拟量表评分(visual analogue scale,VAS),包括阵发性喷嚏、鼻涕、鼻塞及鼻痒,采集患者外周血及鼻腔分泌物,检测其中的总IgE、嗜酸粒细胞阳离子蛋白(eosinophil cationic protein,ECP)、肥大细胞类胰蛋白酶(mast cell tryptase,MCT)、κFLC、λFLC蛋白表达水平.结果 AR及NAR组患者喷嚏、鼻涕、鼻塞、鼻痒的VAS评分差异无统计学意义(t值分别为1.189、0.741、0.758、0.797,P值均＞0.05).血清中κFLC、λFLC、ECP、MCT蛋白表达水平在NAR组均高于健康对照组(P值均＜0.05);λFLC蛋白表达水平在NAR组高于AR组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);κFLC、总IgE及ECP蛋白表达水平在AR 组高于健康对照组(P值均＜0.05).AR组及NAR组鼻分泌物中κFLC、λFLC、ECP及MCT的蛋白表达水平均较健康对照组明显升高(P值均＜0.05);ECP和总IgE蛋白表达水平在AR组较NAR组明显升高(P值均＜0.05).鼻分泌物中κFLC、λFLC分别与MCT呈正相关趋势(r值分别为0.518、0.484,P值均＜0.05).血清中κFLC、λFLC分别与ECP呈正相关趋势(r值分别为0.343、0.342,P值均＜0.05).结论 FLC可能参与了AR及NAR的发病,其在AR及NAR的发病过程中可能通过肥大细胞及嗜酸粒细胞参与并发挥一定的免疫学作用.     

探讨鼻分泌物嗜酸细胞检测在变应性鼻炎舌下免疫治疗前后变化

目的 观察过敏性鼻炎患者舌下含服粉尘螨滴剂治疗前后鼻分泌物嗜酸粒细胞数量的变化.方法 43例过敏性鼻炎患者,行粉尘螨滴剂舌下含服免疫治疗.分别在治疗前及治疗后第2周、4周及8周采集鼻分泌物涂片,计数鼻分泌物中的嗜酸性粒细胞,比较分析治疗前后的数值变化.结果 与治疗前相比较,免疫治疗后第4周与第8周时,鼻分泌物嗜酸性粒细胞数下降,差异具有统计学意义(P＜0.05);治疗后第4周与第8周比较,鼻分泌物嗜酸性粒细胞数差异则无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 舌下含服粉尘螨滴剂治疗的第4周开始,过敏性鼻炎患者鼻黏膜局部免疫状态开始发生改变.     

The effect of the H2 antagonist cimetidine on the numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in the nasal mucosa of patients with allergic rhinitis

This paper reports the effects of the H₂ antagonist cimetidine on the number of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ cells in nasal mucosa and the IgE level of nasal secretions in patients with allergic rhinitis. The results showed the numbers of CD4⁺ cells were greater than the numbers of CD8⁺ cells in nasal mucosa, both in the patients with allergic rhinitis and normal subjects, but the ratio of CD4⁺ : CD8⁺ cells was much higher in the patients with allergic rhinitis. After treatment with cimetidine locally for 4 weeks, the numbers of CD4⁺ cells fell and the numbers of CD8⁺ cells increased in the patients with allergic rhinitis. The high IgE level of nasal secretion of the patients with allergic rhinitis was much reduced after treatment with cimetidine. The results suggest that there are high numbers of CD4⁺ cells and lower numbers of CD8⁺ cells in the nasal mucosa and a high level of IgE in the nasal secretions of the patients with allergic rhinitis. Treatment with cimetidine locally may be of some value to relieve the clinical symptoms of allergic rhinitis.     

Quantitative Cytology of Nasal Secretions With Perennial Allergic Rhinitis in Children: Comparison of Noninfected and Infected Conditions

This study was performed to quantify the number of inflammatory cells in nasal secretions from pediatric patients with perennial allergic rhinitis under noninfected and infected conditions. Nasal secretions were obtained from seven children under both noninfected and infected conditions with perennial allergic rhinitis to house dust mites, and secondary quantitative cytology was performed on the secretions. The number of neutrophils under infected condition was significantly higher than that under noninfected condition (P < .05), whereas the number of eosinophils in infected condition was significantly lower than that in noninfected condition (P < .05). The ratio of eosinophil count to neutrophil count was more than 0.1 in noninfected condition. The ratio was significantly decreased in infected condition (P < .02). These results suggest that the distribution of inflammatory cells in the nasal mucus of children with allergic rhinitis would be modified under infected condition.     

Pathogenic mechanisms underlying the clinical symptoms of allergic rhinitis

This paper reviews our previous studies on an objective evaluation of nasal symptoms, a quantitative determination of biochemical mediators, and inflammatory cells in nasal secretions of atopic patients after nasal allergen challenge (NAC) and during natural allergen exposure. The use of the microsuction technique has proved to be a useful and reliable nasal sampling method permitting quantitative analysis of important mediators in nasal secretions. This has provided accurate data on the activity of some important inflammatory cells such as mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils in allergic rhinitis. Our studies demonstrate that a significant increase in the concentrations of histamine, tryptase, and LTC4 in nasal secretions occurs within seconds or minutes after NAC, and this is accompanied by itching, sneezing, rhinorrhea, and nasal obstruction. The infiltration and activation of eosinophils are found to be the predominant condition during the late-phase reaction (LPR), which is mainly characterized by unilateral and/or bilateral nasal obstruction with little sneezing and rhinorrhea. The latter condition is found to be very much similar to the pathophysiology of patients with ongoing allergic rhinitis. In conclusion, our studies demonstrate that patients with ongoing allergic rhinitis seem to be in a continuous late phase state of eosinophilia and increased mediator release, a condition that can explain priming and nonspecific hyperreactivity of the nasal mucous membrane.     

Monoclonal antibody-detectable carbohydrate epitopes of human nasal secretions are differentially expressed in tissue and diseases

To study the differential carbohydrate expression of airway secretions, we have produced a series of monoclonal antibodies that recognize human nasal secretory cell products. Mice were immunized with purified nasal secretion from patients with chronic sinusitis (CS) and hybridomas were selected by ELISA and immunohistochemical staining of the maxillary sinus mucosa from patients with CS. Eighteen antibodies were obtained. Antibody HCS 18 reacted with epithelial goblet cells, antibody HCS 4, 5, 6, and 16 stained submucosal gland cells, and antibody HCS 13 and 15 reacted with epithelial goblet cells, submucosal gland cells, and endothelial cells of vessels. The other eleven antibodies recognized epithelial goblet cells and submucosal gland cells. Cross-reactivity of these antibodies with secretory cells in other organs and in other species was determined and the different staining pattern was observed between upper and lower airway tissue, suggesting that secretory products from upper and lower airways may be different. Reactivity of the antibodies with nasal secretory cells was also examined in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (AR) and normal subjects. Antibody HCS 18 weakly reacted with nasal glands in the tissue from CS and AR patients, but minimally reacted with gland cells in normal tissue. Antibody HCS 1 and 7 partially lost their reactivity with nasal epithelium of inferior turbinate from normal subjects and AR patients. These antibodies may be useful to study nasal secretions.     

miR-375在变应性鼻炎小鼠鼻黏膜上皮细胞凋亡中的调控作用

目的探讨miR-375在变应性鼻炎小鼠鼻黏膜上皮细胞凋亡和炎症反应中的调控作用。方法运用卵清蛋白(OVA)致敏的小鼠变应性鼻炎模型,使用实时定量PCR(qRT-PCR)、蛋白质印迹试验(Western Blot)、酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)、免疫组织化学检测鼻黏膜上皮细胞内miR-375、JAK2、细胞凋亡相关蛋白(JAK2蛋白,裂解的蛋白酶3(Cleaved caspase 3),聚[ADP-核糖]聚合酶裂解酶(Cleaved PARP),蛋白酶3(Caspase 3),聚[ADP-核糖]聚合酶(PARP),p-STAT3蛋白,STAT3蛋白和β肌动蛋白(β-actin))和血浆IL-6、TNF-α、IL-10的表达水平。结果miR-375在变应性鼻炎小鼠的鼻黏膜上皮细胞中表达降低,而JAK2表达增高;JAK2蛋白、p-STAT3蛋白和裂解的蛋白酶3均在OVA组表达增高;给OVA致敏的变应性鼻炎小鼠注射miR-375模拟物可以导致血清IL-6、TNF-α的分泌下降,而IL-10分泌增加,该作用可以被带有过表达JAK2的腺病毒感染后而减弱。结论miR-375/JAK2调控通路存在于变应性鼻炎鼻黏膜上皮细胞中,并通过JAK2/STAT3信号通路调控细胞的凋亡和炎症反应,miR-375在变应性鼻炎的病程中有保护性机制。     

细胞黏附分子及一氧化氮合酶在变应性鼻炎鼻黏膜中的表达

目的:对细胞黏附分子(CAM)及一氧化氮合酶(NOS)进行原位观察,探讨它们在变应性鼻炎(AR)发病中的作用。方法:采用链霉卵白素-生物素复合体(SABC)法,对AR患者及对照组手术切除的下鼻甲黏膜内细胞间黏附分子-1(ICAM-1)、血管CAM-1(VCAM-1)和淋巴细胞功能相关抗原-1(LFA-1),以及神经型NOS(nNOS)、诱导型NOS(iNOS)和内皮细胞型NOS(eNOS)进行原位检测。结果:AR下鼻甲黏膜内3种CAM表达的阳性细胞数ICAM-1为[(14.4±2.2)个/HP(×400),以下同],LFA-1为(17.2±3.3)个/HP,VCAM-1为(11.5±2.7)个/HP;对照组下鼻甲黏膜内3种CAM表达的阳性细胞数ICAM-1为(8.7±1.8)个/HP,LFA-1为(10.3±2.1)个/HP,VCAM-1为(6.9±1.8)个/HP。t值分别是11.57,10.02和8.07(均P<0.01)。AR及对照组下鼻甲黏膜内nNOS表达的阳性细胞数分别为(9.4±1.7)个/HP和(4.7±1.3)个/HP,t值为12.62,(P<0.01);iNOS表达的阳性细胞数分别为(27.5±3.2)个/HP和(4.3±1.7)个/HP,t值为36.03(P<0.01)。eNOS表达的阳性细胞数分别为(6.5±2.1)个/HP,(6.2±1.9)个/HP,t值为0.62(P>0.05)。结论:CAM在黏膜上皮、腺上皮、血管内皮以及黏膜下的各种炎性细胞等的表达,说明CAM参与AR的发生、发展。nNOS和iNOS在AR的发病过程中可能起重要作用。     

Nasal eosinophilia as a marker for allergic rhinitis: a controlled study of 50 patients

Eosinophils are the principal effector cells involved in the pathogenesis of allergic inflammation. We conducted a study to investigate the validity of the nasal smear examination for detecting eosinophilia in patients with allergic rhinitis. Our study group was made up of 50 patients with allergic rhinitis and 50 age- and sex-matched controls without allergic rhinitis. Smears were obtained from nasal secretions in both groups and then fixed, stained, and studied under light microscopy. Statistical analysis revealed that the odds ratio for eosinophilia positivity in nasal smears in the rhinitis group was 25.61 with a 95% confidence interval of 8 to 78. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of this test were 74, 90, 88, and 77%, respectively. We conclude that the nasal eosinophilia test is highly specific and moderately sensitive in diagnosing allergic rhinitis, and that it therefore can be used as an easy, noninvasive, and inexpensive procedure for screening patients and for conducting epidemiologic studies of this disorder.     

Immunologic aspects of ozena

Summary Cyclic nucleotides (CND) levels of nasal secretions were studied in allergic rhinitis patients and control subjects. In methacholine-induced nasal secretion, allergic rhinitis patients had lower cAMP levels, higher cGMP levels and a lower cAMP/cGMP ratio than the control subjects. A close relationship was found between CND levels and the severity of daily symptoms in both methacholine-induced and antigen-induced nasal secretions.     

Cyclic nucleotide levels of nasal secretions in allergic patients and control subjects

Cyclic nucleotides (CND) levels of nasal secretions were studied in allergic rhinitis patients and control subjects. In methacholine-induced nasal secretion, allergic rhinitis patients had lower cAMP levels, higher cGMP levels and a lower cAMP/cGMP ratio than the control subjects. A close relationship was found between CND levels and the severity of daily symptoms in both methacholine-induced and antigen-induced nasal secretions.     

Nasal lavage cytology and mucosal histopathological alterations in patients with rhinitis

IntroductionThe extent of epithelial lesion in allergic and non-allergic rhinitis and its association with inflammatory changes in nasal lavage has not been clarified.ObjectiveTo verify the association between the inflammatory cells in the nasal lavage, epithelial lesion extent and basement membrane thickness, in the nasal mucosa of patients with rhinitis; to determine the cutoff point of the percentage of eosinophils in the nasal lavage associated with the atopic patients.MethodsPatients with rhinitis and indication for septoplasty and (or) turbinectomy for turbinate hypertrophy were selected, and were submitted to allergy skin tests, nasal lavage with measurement of albumin and interleukin-8 levels, total and differential counting of cells, and mucosal histopathological analysis to determine the extent of epithelial lesion, and degree of basement membrane thickening.ResultsFifty-six patients with a median age of 24.5 years and a diagnosis of allergic rhinitis (n = 36) and non-allergic rhinitis (n = 20) were studied. In atopic subjects, allergy skin tests were positive for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in 35 (97.0%) and Lolium perenne in 18 (50.0%). Atopic subjects showed a higher clinical score index of rhinitis compared to non-atopic ones. The total count of cells, neutrophils, and levels of albumin and IL-8 were not different in the nasal lavage of atopic and non-atopic subjects. The cutoff point for eosinophil count in nasal fluid for the distinction between allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis was 4%. Some degree of epithelial lesion was more frequent in allergic rhinitis (94%) than in non-allergic rhinitis (65%) patients. In the presence of basement membrane thickness, as a marker of remodeling, there was no difference in the nasal lavage of patients with allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis.ConclusionIn this series, 4% was the cutoff point for the number of eosinophils in the nasal lavage, for atopy differentiation. Upper airway remodeling accessed by basement membrane thickness showed similar inflammatory cell infiltrate in the nasal lavage, regardless of the presence of atopy.