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

Abstract

Results Allergen vs diluent challenges; multi-spot plate assay: symptoms increased, and peak nasal flow decreased, following allergen but not diluent challenge (both p<0.001, between groups difference). Levels of IL-4 (p<0.01), IL-5 and IL-13 (both P<0.001) were maximally increased at 5 hours compared to pre-challenge; no significant increases were seen following diluent challenge. Between group differences (allergen vs diluent) for IL-4, -5 and -13 were seen at 4 and 6 hours (all p<0.01).Allergen challenge; magnetic bead assay: IL-5 was increased at 6 hours (p=0.03 vs pre-challenge), with IL-13 and IL-4 also showing a trend towards an increase (both p=0.06 vs pre-challenge). Eotaxin and MDC were increased at 6h ours (both p=0.03 vs pre-challenge); IL-6 was elevated at 2 hours (p=0.03 vs pre-challenge). Levels of IL17A, IL-27, IL-23, IFN-gamma and IL-12p70 were low and did not change significantly after allergen challenge. High levels of IL-8 were detected, maximal at baseline, but did not change significantly after challenge. Polyurethane sponges proved superior to filters for all measurements. Conclusions