ABSTRACT
Objective To detect the expression of substance P(SP)and NK1 receptor(NK1R)in eosinophils of patients with allergic rhinitis complicated with asthma(AR+ AS)and elucidate their roles in the pathogenesis. Methods Levels of SP and NK1R in eosinophils were detected by flow cytometry after stimulation with crude extracts of Artemisia pollen,dust mite and Platanus pollen,respectively.Results The proportion of SP+cells in patients with AR+AS was 1.5 folds higher than that of healthy controls(HCs)(Z= -2.041,P= 0.041).The ratio of NK1R+cells and the mean fluorescent intensity were increased by 26.4%(Z= -3.207,P=0.001)and 85.9%(Z= -4.774,P＜ 0.001),respectively.In addition,0.1 μg/mL of Artemisia pollen extract induced an increase of SP+eosinophils in AR+AS patients by approximately 68.1%(Z= -2.637,P=0.008).However,no significant difference was detected in the expressions of SP and NK 1R in blood eosinophils of HCs when stimulated with allergens.Conclusion Eosinophil-derived SP and NK1R may play an important role in the development of AR+AS.SP and NK1R may be the potential targets for AR+AS treatment.