Epithelial changes in seasonal allergic rhinitis throughout the year: evidence of coexistent air pollution and local secretory IgA deficiency?

To determine possible epithelial changes in seasonal allergic rhinitis, we examined epithelial cells in cytology swab preparations of 38 non-smoking patients, exclusively sensitized to grass pollen, throughout the year, and surgical material of 8 patients. Cytologically, we found a marked goblet cell hyperplasia during the period of grass pollen exposure, while meta- and dysplasia were found throughout the year. Immunohistochemically, a lack of secretroy IgA in the altered epithelium was detected. These results were not obtained in the control group of 60 healthy non-smokers. Since we have recently found the same epithelial changes of meta- and dysplasia in smokers, these findings may point to non-specific toxic damage of the nasal epithelium possibly caused by other air pollutants. The altered epithelium may lead to an impairment of the local secretory IgA defence system and thereby to an increased allergen uptake. Copyright 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel