Role of tumor necrosis factor and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in the late allergic response in human nasal mucosa.

Abstract

Cytokines play an integral role in the allergic response of the nasal mucosa. The ideal model for analysis of this interaction has yet to be perfected. We present a model for such evaluation and present results of experiments on the release of several cytokines. Freshly harvested human nasal turbinate mucosa was placed on a Gelfoam (Upjohn Co., Kalamazoo, Mich.) raft in a liquid medium to simulate the in situ environment. The allergic response was initiated by exposing the nasal mucosa to various combinations and amounts of human immunoglobulin E and antihuman immunoglobulin E antibody. The supernatants were collected and analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques for various cytokines. Histopathologic evaluation of the mucosa was performed throughout the exposure period, confirming normal cellular and tissue architecture and viability. This model was used to monitor the release of interleukin-3, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors after exposure to immunoglobulin E and immunoglobulin E antibody. Interleukin-3 did not show significant increases during the experiment testing period of 48 hours. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors demonstrated time-dependent increases in concentration after immunoglobulin E stimulation. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor showed the greatest time-dependent increases. Their impact on the understanding of the allergic response will be discussed.