The role of thymidine phosphorylase in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis

The activity and distribution of thymidine phosphorylase (TP) in the nasal mucosa of patients with nasal allergy was examined and compared with those in healthy subjects. TP activity was analyzed by spectrophotometry and expr ession was examined by immunoblotting and immunohistochemical staining usin g a monoclonal antibody specific to TP. The expression level of TP detected by immunoblotting showed a correlation with the activity detected by spect rophotometry. In nasal mucosa obtained from patients with nasal allergy, th e level of TP was significantly higher than that from normal subjects. Eosi nophils, basal cells in mucosal epithelium and fibroblasts in nasal mucosa obtained From patients with nasal allergy were stained with anti-TP monoclo nal antibody. Strong staining of eosinophils present in nasal discharge was observed. The present results indicate that an increased number of TP-expr essing cells, especially eosinophils in nasal mucosa, might be associated w ith the pathogenesis of nasal allergy.