[The experimental research about relationship between neuropeptides and mast cell in allergic rhinitis].

Objective: To explore the relationship between neuropeptides and mast cell in the initiation and development of allergic rhinitis.

Method: Thirty healthy rats were randomly divided into three groups. The rat model of allergic rhinitis was established by using ovalbumin intraperitoneal immunization and nasal antigen challenge. After treating with capsaicin for two weeks, the counts of mast cells and the density of SP distribution were observed routinely in the nasal mucosa obtained from each models by HE, toluidine blue and immunohistochemical staining.

Result: The counts of mast cells in AR were greatly more than them in normal controls (P < 0.01). After treating with capsaicin the mast cells were rare and significantly fewer than the normals (P < 0.01); The expression of SP was lower than the AR (P < 0.01), but no difference between the capsaicin group and normal group (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: Capsaicin can decrease the infiltration of mast cells, down regulate the SP expression, and improve the symptoms of AR greatly.