title: Evaluating the effects of testing period on pollinosis symptoms using an allergen challenge chamber.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We previously built a pollen challenge test unit (allergen challenge chamber: ACC) to collect objective data about Japanese cedar pollinosis. In this study, we investigated adequate conditions for pollen challenge using the ACC.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study consisted of two parts. The first part was conducted in November, which is not in pollen season. Subjects were exposed to Japanese cedar pollen at a concentration of 50,000 grains/m3 in the chamber for 120 min each day over the course of three consecutive days. The second part was conducted in April, which is just after pollen season. Subjects were exposed to Japanese cedar pollen at the same concentration (50,000 grains/m3) in the chamber for 90 min on a single day. Subjects recorded nasal and ocular symptoms before challenge and every 15 min after challenge initiation. The minimum cross-sectional area in the nasal cavity was measured using acoustic rhinometry before and after challenge as an indicator of nasal obstruction. Inflammatory markers in nasal lavage fluid and serum were also measured before and after challenge.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nasal and ocular symptoms were significantly exacerbated after challenge on all days of the single and 3-consecutive-day challenge tests, particularly on the third day of the consecutive challenge test. Nasal and ocular symptoms were also quickly induced with challenge immediately after the end of pollen season. No significant changes in inflammatory markers were seen.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Care is needed with regard to pollen challenge conditions in the ACC, including timing of the challenge, to induce pollinosis symptoms that accurately reflect chronic inflammation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Osaka Medical College, Osaka, Japan.
authors.forename: Ayumi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yuki
authors.forename: Tetsuya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Terada
authors.forename: Takahiro
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ichihara
authors.forename: Kanako
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fujii
authors.forename: Sawako
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hyo
authors.forename: Ryo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kawata
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Takenaka
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D032485:Cryptomeria / Q000276:immunology; D004804:Eosinophils / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D017817:Nasal Lavage Fluid / Q000276:immunology; D011058:Pollen / Q000276:immunology*; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology*; D023842:Rhinometry, Acoustic; D012621:Seasons; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens