Increase of albumin, eosinophil cationic protein, histamine, leukotrienes and mast cell tryptase in nasal lavage fluid after challenge with inhalant allergen extract

Allergic rhinitis patients underwent nasal challenge with allergen extract. Before and up to 10 h after nasal provocation, nasal lavage was performed every hour. In about one-third of the patients a biphasic influx of albumin was observed: an initial increase of albumin within 30 min after provocation and a 2nd peak 6–8 h after provocation. Allergen-induced changes in histamine levels were less pronounced than those of albumin, but with some patients biphasic responses were also seen. Increased leukotriene formation mainly occurred within one hour after allergen provocation.