Mucin 5 subtype AC expression and upregulation in the nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis rats.

ObjectiveTo elucidate the functions of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in mucin hypersecretion in allergic rhinitis (AR), we examined the in vivo effects of an NF-κB inhibitor, ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), on mucin 5 subtype AC (MUC5AC) expression in the nasal mucosa of ovalbumin-sensitized rats.Study DesignRandomized animal study.SettingAcademic medical center.Subjects and MethodsSprague Dawley rats were randomized into a control group (group A), an AR model group (group B), and an AR model treated with an NF-κB inhibitor (group C). Rats in groups B and C were sensitized systemically and locally by ovalbumin injection and inhalation, whereas group A was treated with normal saline in place of ovalbumin. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (100 mg/kg/d) was given to group C by intraperitoneal injection for 5 days. NF-κBp65, MUC5AC, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–α, and interleukin (IL)–6 were detected by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, or real-time polymerase ...