Local Production of IgE in Nasal Polyp

ABSTRACT

Among the several possible etiologic factors for the development of nasal polyp, localized nasal allergy had been insisted to be one of the major factors. This study aims to explore the existence of local production of IgE within nasal polyp, which can be the indirect evidence of localized nasal allergy. Fifty-two patients, who underwent nasal polypectomies between April 1993 and December 1995, were selected. The levels of total IgE and specific IgE of serum and polyp fluids were assessed. By using Donovan's equation, the percentage of local production of IgE in nasal polyp were calculated. Local production of total IgE was demonstrated in 18 cases of 28 polyp patient group (64.3%). Local production of specific IgE for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae were demonstrated in 6 cases of 24 polyp patient group (25%). These results suggest the existence of local production of IgE in nasal polyp.