Grass pollen nasal challenge is associated with increases in Th2 cytokines, Eotaxin, MDC and IL-6 in nasal fluid

Methods 18 grass pollen allergics underwent nasal allergen challenges; 15 grass allergics had matched diluent challenges. Symptom scores and peak nasal inspiratory flow were recorded; nasal fluid was collected using polyurethane sponges, then extracted by centrifugation across microfilters. Fluid was then tested for Th2 cytokines by Mesoscale 7-plex multi-spot plate assay. A further 6 allergics underwent nasal allergen challenges with collection of fluid using both polyurethane sponges and Leukosorb filter strips; nasal fluid was analysed by Milliplex cytokine/chemokine magnetic bead multiplex assay.