INCREASE IN EPITHELIAL MAST-CELL NUMBERS IN THE NASAL-MUCOSA OF PATIENTS WITH PERENNIAL ALLERGIC RHINITIS

The aim of the study was to compare the numbers and distribution of ma st cells in the nasal mucosa of perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) pati ents and controls, as demonstrated by different staining methods for l ight microscopy. Biopsies of inferior turbinate mucosa were taken from 10 patients with PAR and 10 patients undergoing septoplasty or septor hinoplasty (control group). Sections for light microscopy were stained with azure A, chloroacetate esterase and an ABC immunohistochemical t echnique using antibody to tryptase. Three times more mast cells were found in the epithelium of PAR patients compared to controls using the immunohistochemical technique (p = 0.0074). This method demonstrated considerably more mast cells than the other stains. The increase in ep ithelial mast cells is consistent with the migration of mast cells see n in seasonal allergic rhinitis, and this may be important in the phen omenon of nasal priming seen after repeated antigen exposure.