Pavlovian conditioning of nasal tryptase release in human subjects with allergic rhinitis.

The role of Pavlovian conditioning in humans with perennial allergic rhinitis was investigated using release of tryptase from sensitised mast cells as an indicator of allergic responsiveness. Challenge with house dust mite allergen (unconditioned stimulus) was paired with a drink of novel taste and appearance (conditioned stimulus) in a single conditioning trial. Upon reexposure to the conditioned stimulus alone, levels of mast cell tryptase released in subjects who had received both the novel drink and allergen challenge on the conditioning trial was significantly greater than subjects who had received either the drink or the allergen alone. The results support the involvement of the central nervous system in mast cell degranulation in allergic rhinitis in humans.

A Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory profile of women with allergic rhinitis.

The aim of this study was to explore relationships among perennial allergic rhinitis and personality traits in a nonpsychiatric female population of proven allergic status. Female subjects were assigned to the allergic (N = 22) or nonallergic group (N = 18) on the basis of skin prick test and self-reported allergic status. Analysis of MMPI profiles showed that allergic subjects scored significantly higher on the Hypochondriasis (Hs) and Social Introversion (Si) scales and significantly lower on the Correction (K) and Ego Strength (Es) scales. The results suggested that women with perennial allergic rhinitis show poorer psychological functioning than nonallergic women. In addition, the number of allergies was positively correlated with T scores on the Hs, Depression (D), Hysteria (Hy), Psychasthenia (Pt), Schizophrenia (Sc), Si, and Conscious Anxiety (A) scales, and negatively correlated with T scores on the K and Es scales. Skin reactivity to house dust mite and grass pollen allergens were positively correlated with scores on Si, whereas skin reactivity to grass pollen and mold allergens was positively correlated with D and Pt (grass) and Pd and Sc (grass and mold). Two possible mechanisms explaining the link between psychological factors and allergic rhinitis include (1) the effect of cortisol on IgE production or (2) the production of mediators during an allergic reaction which travel from the nose to the brain.