therapeutic role of sodium cromoglycate 4% in perennial allergic rhinitis: an ultrastructural and morphometrical study

ABSTRACT

Fifteen patients with perennial allergic rhinitis [PAR] were treated for a month with intranasal sodium cromoglycate [SCG]. The ultrasturctural changes of the nasal mucosa, were studied by transmission electron microscope [TEM], and were compared to those of five normal controls. Particular attention was focused on tracing the degranulation process implemented by the mast cell and basophil. After the treatment period, the allergic mucosa restored mast cell and basophil. After the treatment period, the allergic mucosa restored most of its normal features. This was referred to the stabilizing effect of SCG on mast cells and probably its same ability on basophils. Both of these cells showed quiescent state as defined by retention of their cytoplasmic granules. Also, the study demonstrated the of migration of the mast cells from the epithelium to lamina propria under the effect of SCG. SCG induced true decrease in the number of eosinophils and basophils and false decrease of the mast cells in the allergic nasal mucosa. The resulted improvement in the patient's allergic rhinitis was verified both clinically and by light microscopy