Epidermal growth factor receptor – but not histamine receptor – is upregulated in seasonal allergic rhinitis

Background: We were interested in exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed difference in histamine (H) responsiveness between seasonal allergic rhinitic (SAR) and nonrhinitic (NR) subjects. We hypothesized that SAR subjects express higher nasal mucosal histamine receptor 1 (H1R) and 2 (H2R) levels than do NR subjects. In addition, we examined expression of genes involved in regulating the glandular response, including epidermal growth factor (EGF), EGF receptor (EGFR), and mucins (Muc5Ac and Muc5B). Methods: Fourteen subjects, seven SAR and seven NR, were provoked during pollen season with doubling doses of H (0.125–8.0 mg/ml). Nasal airway resistance (NAR) was measured by active posterior rhinomanometry. Provocation was halted when NAR exceeded 150% of baseline. Prior to provocation, nasal scrapings were obtained and mRNA quantified using two‐step real‐time PCR. Results: The mean PD50 (concentration of H producing a 50% increase in NAR) was significantly lower in the SAR than NR group (0.36 vs 1.32 mg/ml; P