[Relationship between pollen allergy and oral allergy syndrome].

We recently evaluated the relationship between pollen allergy and oral and pharyngeal hypersensitivity to fruits and vegetables (oral allergy syndrome) over 8 years (1995 approximately 2002) in Sapporo. 1. Of 843 patients with birch pollen (BP) allergy (CAP score 2 or more), 378 patients (37%) had episodes of oral allergy syndrome (OAS), and the rate in BP allergy was higher than in other allergies.

Effects of cetirizine on substance P release in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis.

To evaluate the effect of cetirizine hydrochloride on substance P release in allergic rhinitis, we performed a single-blind placebo-controlled study of 14 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (7 treated with cetirizine and 7 with placebo). After an initial nasal allergen challenge with lavages, the subjects received treatment with placebo or cetirizine hydrochloride (10 mg by mouth daily) for 1 week, followed by the second nasal allergen challenge with lavages. The levels of albumin, histamine, and substance P in nasal lavages before and after allergen challenge were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

[Oral allergy syndrome among patients with birch pollinosis in Sapporo].

We evaluated the relationships between oral and pharyngeal hypersensitivity to fruits and vegetables (oral allergy syndrome) and birch pollinosis in 2003 in Sapporo. 1. Of 153 patients with birch pollinosis (seasonal nasal or ocular symptom and CAP positive [birch pollen CAP score 2 or more]), 65 patients (42%) have episode of oral allergy syndrome (OAS).

[Relationship between birch pollen counts and meteorological factors for 8 years in Sapporo].

Occurrence of airborne pollen in Sapporo was studied for the 8 years between 1995 and 2002. Observations on pollen seasons of cedar, birch, grass, and mugwort are presented. There are wide year-to-year variations in quantities of birch pollens.

Tumor necrosis factor increases MUC1 mRNA in cultured human nasal epithelial cells.

Objective: Mucins are high molecular weight glycoproteins which are normally expressed on the surface of a variety of epithelia. It is possible that shedding of such molecules from the epithelium could play a role in preventing bacterial colonization at the mucosal surface. Immunohistochemical and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) analyses of human inferior turbinates have shown the existence of MUC1 mucin in nasal mucosa.