LOCAL CORTICOSTEROID TREATMENT - THE EFFECT ON CELLS AND CYTOKINES INNASAL ALLERGIC INFLAMMATION

Regular and prophylactic use of topical corticosteroids is a well tole rated and effective treatment for allergic rhinitis. The symptomatolog y of allergic rhinitis is considered to be the result of the accumulat ion and activation of infiltrating inflammatory cells, releasing media tors, and cytokines. Corticosteroids can suppress many stages of the a llergic inflammatory process. This may explain their potent effect on allergic symptomatology. The reduction in cell numbers and probably al so cytokines by local corticosteroid therapy differs from cell to cell . Some cells, such as antigen presenting (Langerhans) cells and eosino phils, are highly sensitive to corticosteroid treatment. Others, like T cells, are only significantly reduced in exaggerated situations, far instance offer provocation with a high allergen dose or after treatme nt with a high dose of corticosteroids. Some cells, like macrophages, are not influenced at all.