Fibroblast Heterogeneity of Nasal Polyps in Non-Allergic and Allergic Rhinitis

Background & Objectives：Some components of ground substances are known to be involved in developing nasal polyp. The fibroblasts are a major component of the ground substances in nasal polyp and have many immunologic roles. Heterogeneityof fibroblasts has been observed in other anatomical sites including the nasal mucosa. The aim of this study was to investigatethe heterogeneity of fibroblasts of nasal polyps in non-allergic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis. Materials & Methods：Using thethird passage of the fibroblasts taken from polyps of allergic and non-allergic patients, we measured the proliferating potentialby comparing the cell growth in the culture system of fibroblasts and calculated the doubling time of the cell growth. We alsocompared the proliferating potentials between the two groups after stimulation with histamine or IL-4. Results：Morphologicdifferences were examined by transmission electron microscopy. In the non-stimulated experiment, proliferation of fibroblastswas increased in the non-allergic polyp group (NAPG). When the fibroblasts were stimulated with histamine, the proliferationwas not significantly changed on day 6 in both groups. When the fibroblasts were stimulated with IL-4, the proliferation wassignificantly increased in NAPG. Morphologic differences were demonstrated between the NAPG and the APG. Conclusion：The differences in cell proliferation potentials and morphological changes between both groups suggest that there is a heterogeneityof fibroblasts between them. KCI Citation Count: 0