Nasal treatment with a microemulsion reduces allergen challenge-induced symptoms and signs of allergic rhinitis.
CONCLUSIONS
Intranasal microemulsion treatment can attenuate allergen challenge-induced nasal symptoms and plasma exudation in allergic rhinitis. We hypothesize that the mechanism of action involves modification of the allergen-mucosa interaction. The present observation suggests a novel principle for prevention in allergic rhinitis.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate a specific microemulsion as a treatment for allergic rhinitis in an acute allergen challenge model.


METHODS
Patients with allergic rhinitis were examined out of the pollen season. Treatment with a single dose of a specific microemulsion was given in a single-blind, placebo-controlled, and crossover design using a nasal pool device. Nasal allergen challenges were carried out and symptoms of allergic rhinitis were scored. Furthermore, nasal lavages were performed and levels of the plasma protein alpha 2-macroglobulin were measured as an index of exudative inflammation.


RESULTS
The allergen challenges produced significant increases in nasal symptoms (p=0.007) and in nasal lavage fluid levels of alpha 2-macroglobulin (p=0.008). The challenge-induced symptoms as well as the plasma exudation were attenuated by treatment with the microemulsion (p=0.016 and 0.012, respectively, compared with placebo).
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Lund University Hospital, Lund/Malm, Sweden. morgan.andersson@skane.se
Morgan
M
Andersson
Lennart
L
Greiff
Per
P
Wollmer
D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000276:immunology; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic; D004655:Emulsions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017817:Nasal Lavage Fluid / Q000737:chemistry; D011058:Pollen / Q000276:immunology*; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D000511:alpha-Macroglobulins / Q000032:analysis
D000485:Allergens; D004655:Emulsions; D000511:alpha-Macroglobulins