Expression of NF-K B and I-K B in Allergic Rhinitis / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: K B is a transcription factor in immune and inflammatory reactions, and exerts its effect by expressing cytokines and chemokines, enzymes, receptors and adhesion molecules. Many of the inflammatory proteins that are expressed in respiratory airways are also regulated, at least in part, by NF-K B. The purpose of this study is to investigate the NF-K B and its inhibitory protein, I-K B expression in normal nasal mucosa and allergic rhinitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have evaluated 20 allergic rhinitis mucosa and 7 normal inferior turbinate. Immunohistochemical study and RT-PCR were done for NF-K B and I-K B expression. RESULTS: NF-K B and I-K B were localized at the epithelium, and in the subepithelial inflammatory cells, vascular endothelial cells, and glandular endothelial cells in both normal nasal mucosa and allergic rhinitis. Compared to normal nasal mucosa, both activated and inactivated forms of NF-K B were significantly increased in the epithelial cell layer of allergic rhinitis. However, for the I-K R expression, no difference could be observed. RT-PCR revealed a significant difference in the expression level of NF-K B mRNA between nasal mucosa and allergic rhinitis, but I- K B expression showed no difference. CONCLUSIONS: This results show that NF-K B is usually activated in the nasal epithelial cell layer and NF-K B may play a role in the inflammatory reaction of allergic rhinitis. But further study is required for the role of I-K B.