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Copyright ©ERS Journals Ltd 2004
Eosinophil degranulation status in allergic rhinitis: observations before and during seasonal allergen exposure
1 Depts of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. 2 Clinical Pharmacology, and 3 Physiological Sciences, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
CORRESPONDENCE: J.S. Erjefält, Dept of Physiological Sciences, BMC F10, Lund University Hospital, 221 84 Lund, Sweden. Fax: 46 462223232. E-mail: jonas.erjefalt@mphy.lu.se
Keywords: Airway tissue, allergy, eosinophil degranulation
Received: December 3, 2003
Accepted July 5, 2004
The present study was supported by The Swedish Research Council, The Skåne County Council, The Crafoord Foundation, The Asthma & Allergy Foundation, The Swedish Medical Association, and The SwedishOtolaryngological Association.
Despite the fact that extensive degranulation is a likely prerequisite for a pathogenic role of eosinophils, little is known about the degranulation status of these cells in eosinophilic conditions. The present study of the ultrastructure of tissue eosinophils explores eosinophil degranulation in allergic rhinitis before and during seasonal allergen exposure.
A total of 23 patients scored symptoms q.d., prior to and during the pollen season. The numbers of mucosal eosinophils and their degranulation status were determined in nasal biopsies. Furthermore, nasal lavage fluid levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and
Seasonal allergen exposure was associated with increased nasal symptoms, increased lavage fluid levels of ECP and
In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the nasal mucosa in allergic rhinitis features moderately degranulated eosinophils already at nonsymptomatic baseline conditions. In association with the development of symptomatic seasonal allergic rhinitis, the tissue deposition of eosinophil granule proteins is dramatically elevated through increased eosinophil numbers, together with markedly augmented degranulation of individual cells.
2-macroglobulin were assessed as indices of eosinophil activity and plasma exudation, respectively. 2-macroglobulin, and increased numbers of tissue eosinophils. In the tissue, transmission electron microscopy revealed a moderate piecemeal degranulation already prior to the season (mean±SD 37±2.7% altered granules). Seasonal allergen exposure increased this degranulation (87±1.8%), and produced local areas with extensive deposition of granule proteins. The degree of eosinophil degranulation correlated with levels of ECP in lavage fluids obtained at histamine challenge.
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