RESUMO
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 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Capsaicin can decrease the infiltration of mast cells, down regulate the SP expression, and improve the symptoms of AR greatly.