Using a recently developed model of nasal challenge, we have obtained data that clearly demonstrate, for the first time, kinin generation during a local allergic reaction in vivo. Allergic individuals (n = 8) and matched nonallergic controls (n = 8) were challenged intranasally with the appropriate antigen and nasal washes were taken before and after challenge. Washes were assayed for kinin, hi...

BACKGROUND Endogenous nitric oxide protects against airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to bradykinin in mild asthma, whereas AHR to bradykinin is enhanced by inhaled allergens. OBJECTIVE Hypothesizing that allergen exposure impairs bronchoprotective nitric oxide within the airways, we studied the effect of the inhaled nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) on ...

The present study investigated whether single-dose oral leukotriene receptor antagonists as add-on therapy to short-acting beta-agonists, immediately after allergen challenge, block the late-phase airway response. In total, 35 mild asthmatics (mean age 24 yrs, 19 males) sensitised for house dust mites underwent two courses of bronchial allergen challenge. After the early allergic response (EAR)...

BACKGROUND Atopic asthma is characterized by intermittent exacerbations triggered by exposure to allergen. Exacerbations are characterized by an acute inflammatory reaction in the airways, with recruitment of both innate and adaptive immune cells. These cell populations as well as soluble factors are critical for initiating and controlling the inflammatory processes in allergic asthma. Detailed...

BACKGROUND Dendritic cells control pulmonary immune reactions. Characteristics of dendritic cells in human bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) after allergen challenge are unknown. METHODS 7 patients with allergic asthma (median 23 years, range 19-25 years) underwent segmental challenge and were lavaged 10 min and 24 h after challenge. Dendritic cell subsets and surface markers in BALF and in...

Background: Dendritic cells control pulmonary immune reactions. Characteristics of dendritic cells in human bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) after allergen challenge are unknown. Methods: 7 patients with allergic asthma (median 23 years, range 19–25 years) underwent segmental challenge and were lavaged 10 min and 24 h after challenge. Dendritic cell subsets and surface markers in BALF and in...

OBJECTIVE This study investigated the clinical efficacy of a combination therapy of levocetirizine (LCTZ) and fluticasone furoate nasal spray (FFNS), compared with LCTZ monotherapy, for the suppression of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) symptoms induced in an artificial exposure chamber. METHODS This study was a single-center, placebo-controlled, randomized, 3-way cross-over comparative stud...

The possible causal role of the nasal mucosa and nasal allergy in chronic otitis media with or without effusion was studied in 38 young adults by means of nasal provocation tests (NPT) with various inhalant allergens, performed by rhinomanometry and combined with tympanometry. The parameters were recorded before and up to 56 hrs after the allergen challenge. Of the 38 patients in whom 109 NPTs ...

Studies in animals and in human atopic skin suggest that allergen challenge may activate acute tissue remodeling changes via transforming growth factor-beta pathways. We determined whether inhalational allergen challenge in subjects with mild asthma induces similar acute changes to the airway epithelial mesenchymal trophic unit (EMTU). Endobronchial mucosal biopsies obtained before and 24 h aft...