Allergen challenge-induced acute exudation of IL-8, ECP and alpha(2)-macroglobulin in human rhinovirus-induced common colds

Rhinovirus infections cause exacerbations of eosinophilic airway disease. T he acute effects of allergen-challenge on nasal interleukin-8 (IL-8), eosin ophil cationic protein (ECP), and alpha(2)-macroglobulin were examined in a topic subjects with common cold symptoms. Twenty-three patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis were inoculated with human rhinovirus 16 outside the pollen season. Diluent and allergen challen ges, followed by nasal lavages, were carried out about 3 months before and 4 days after virus inoculation. Seventeen patients developed significant common cold symptoms with increase d nasal lavage fluid levels of alpha(2)-macroglobulin, IL-8, and ECP at bas eline (p<0.001-0.05 versus before inoculation), and were further increased by allergen challenge (p< 0.001-0.05); IL-8 and ECP levels were correlated (r=0.63, p<0.001). Before inoculation, the six patients who later did not d evelop common cold symptoms had high levels of IL-8 and myeloperoxidase (MP O), and exhibited strong allergen-induced plasma exudation responses (alpha (2)-macroglobulin). After inoculation, IL-8 and ECP did not increase in the se symptomless subjects. In conclusion, high nasal interleukin-8 and myeloperoxidase levels and exud ative hyperresponsiveness may protect against infection. The association be tween nasal interleukin-8 and eosinophil cationic protein in common cold, p articularly that observed in nasal lavage fluids after allergen-induced acu te exudation of plasma, suggests the involvement of interleukin-8 in exacer bation of airway mucosal eosinophil activity.