Arachidonic acid and prostaglandin E2 in allergic nasal tissues

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out on 60 persons, 40 of them were suffering from allergic rhinitis, while 20 were normal [control group]. Arachidonic acid and PGE2 levels were estimated in the nasal tissues by gas chromatography and radioimmunoassay methods. There was a marked increase in arachidonic acid and PGE2 levels in nasal tissues in cases of allergic rhinitis. There was significant positive correlation between arachidonic acid and PGE2 [r = 0.92]. In the allergic group, there was no sex variation in arachidonic acid and PGE2 levels. The increase in both arachidonic acid and PGE2 in nasal tissues of allergic rhinitis patients was explained by excessive nasal tissue uptake of arachidonic acid or excessive synthesis from linoleic acid, but not due to the decrease in the degradation of PGE2. These findings can help in the study and management of allergic rhinitis