Effect of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin on the Development of Allergic Rhinitis in Mice

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate the role of staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) in the development of allergic rhinitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nasal mucosa and serum were obtained from sensitized mice and control groups, and the frequencies of allergic symptoms, such as sneezing and nasal rubbing, were counted. Eosinophil counts in the nasal mucosa were compared between the study groups. The serum levels of ovalbumin-specific IgE were measured by ELISA. Differences between the sensitized and control groups were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: The frequencies of sneezing and serum levels of ovalbumin-specific IgE were significantly higher in the groups locally sensitized with SEB than in the control group. On the other hand, they sneezed less frequently and showed lower serum levels of ovalbumin-specific IgE than those in the group locally sensitized with ovalbumin. CONCLUSION: SEB may participate in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis although it is a less potent inducer than ovalbumin.