title: The effect of local hyperthermia on allergen-induced nasal congestion and mediator release.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Local hyperthermia reduces mast cell degranulation, the severity of acute lung injury, and exercise-induced asthma and decreases symptoms of rhinitis. We have investigated the effect of local hyperthermia on mast cell degranulation and symptom generation in allergic rhinitis to assess its effect and mechanism of action within the nose.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, 10 subjects with rhinitis were treated for 30 minutes with local hyperthermia or placebo, which was followed 30 minutes later by nasal allergen challenge. During the first two visits nasal lavages were performed to assess vascular leakage and mediator release. During the last two visits nasal airway resistance, the number of sneezes, and mucus secretion were monitored.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Local hyperthermia significantly reduced both nasal airway resistance (p < 0.05) and vascular leakage (p < 0.02) but had no significant effect on the number of sneezes, on mucus secretion, or on tryptase release.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Local hyperthermia reduces allergen-provoked nasal blockage and vascular leakage but has no effect on sneezing, rhinorrhea, or tryptase release. Nasal blockage occurs predominantly via newly formed lipid mediators and kinins, whereas sneezing and rhinorrhea occur predominantly via preformed mediators. We propose that local hyperthermia inhibits newly formed mediator production or release or reduces the sensitivity of the vasculature to inflammatory mediators in general. Further investigation into the mechanisms and potential uses of local hyperthermia is warranted.
authors.affiliation: University Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, England.
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.forename: J N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Price
authors.forename: L C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Lau
authors.forename: A F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Walls
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Walters
authors.forename: I H
authors.initials: IH
authors.lastname: Feather
authors.forename: S T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Holgate
authors.forename: P H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Howarth
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000403:Airway Resistance; D002199:Capillary Permeability; D053818:Chymases; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced; D008297:Male; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000201:enzymology; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000098:blood supply / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009299:Nasal Provocation Tests; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases / Q000032:analysis; D053802:Tryptases
chemical_list: D012697:Serine Endopeptidases; C083294:chymase 2; D053818:Chymases; D053802:Tryptases