[Cytokine production of peripheral mononuclear cells in HD-mite-allergic rhinitis patients].

ABSTRACT

To elucidate the role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis, the proliferative response and cytokine production of peripheral mononuclear cells (PMNC) following stimulation with mite-antigen were evaluated in HD-mite-allergic rhinitis patients (mite-allergy group), non-HD-mite pollinosis patients (non-mite-allergy group) and normal subjects (normal group). The proliferative response of PMNC to PHA stimulation was not different among the groups, whereas that to mite-antigen stimulation was significantly higher in the mite-allergy group than in the normal group. Production of both IL-4 and IL-5 from PMNC after stimulation with mite-antigen was significantly higher in the mite-allergy group than in the normal group. Production of IFN-gamma from PMNC after antigen stimulation was significantly increased in both the mite-allergy and normal groups. The ratio of IFN-gamma to IL-4 synthesis was significantly higher in the normal group than in the mite-allergy group. This study revealed cytokine synthesis from PMNC after the antigen-stimulation was predominantly Th2-cytokines in patients with HD-mite-allergic rhinitis.