Methods: Human turbinates were obtained by turbinectomy from 12 patients with nasal obstruction refractory to medical therapy. CysLT2 receptor expression on nasal mucosa was studied by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Also, to investigate the possible modulation of CysLT2 receptor expression, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were stimulated with IL-4 or IL-13, and CysLT2 receptor expression were evaluated by Western blot analysis.
Results: About 40kDa band was detected in human turbinates by western blot analysis using anti-CysLT2 receptor antibody. The expression level of CysLT2 receptor protein was marked in patients with nasal allergy than in patients with non-allergic rhinitis. The immunohistochemical study revealed that both vascular endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscles showed intense immunoreactivity for CysLT2 receptor. IL-13 enhanced the levels of CysLT2 receptor protein in HUVECs.
Conclusions: The results suggest a primary role for CysLT2 receptor as the vascular responses in upper respiratory tract,and vascular CysLT2receptor expression can be regulated by Th2 cytokines.