ABSTRACT
The role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor [MIF] was studied in patients with house dust nasal allergy. Macrophage migration inhibition test [MIT] was done for 30 patients with house dust nasal allergy. In 43% of the patients; nasal allergy was associated with other atopic diseases as bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis and allergic conjunctivitis. Patients were clinically classified into: seasonal, perennial allergic rhinitis and perennial with seasonal exacerbation groups. 20 healthy subjects served as a control group. Eosinophilia was detected in all patients. 80% of the patients had positive MIT as compared to 60% in healthy individuals. The difference between the two groups was statistically insignificant [p > 0.05], while there was a significant difference in the mean value of MIT results between the two groups [p < 0.05]. In addition, there was significant association between the production of MIF and the severity of allergic manifestations and the presence of other atopic disease. On the other hand there was no significant association between the production of MIF and the type of nasal allergy. It is concluded that the production of MIF by allergen-stimulated T-Iymphocytes may be a useful laboratory parameter to comprehend the clinical course of the disease