Pollutant Altered Allergic Responses

This study is designed to investigate whether exposure to particulate air pollution increases the allergic response to allergens. Research studies suggest that symptoms in individuals with allergies may be aggravated by exposure to particulate air pollution. We sought to experimental determine this by exposing human volunteers to combustion particles, a component of air pollution, and then challenge them with an allergen such as ragweed or oak tree pollen. Using biological tests we can measure whether the allergen response is magnified by prior particulate exposure.

Completed

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Key information

Conditions

Allergic Rhinitis Allergy Hypersensitivity Hypersensitivity, Immediate Immune System Diseases Inflammation Nose Diseases Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Respiratory Hypersensitivity Respiratory Tract Diseases Rhinitis Rhinitis, Allergic

Age range

18 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Harvard School of Public Health

Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

About this study

To study whether particulates enhance the allergic response, we chose the upper airway as a model of allergic inflammation and nasal lavage as a non-invasive method for obtaining samples. The nasal cavity is both an excellent model of allergic inflammation and provides an easily accessible site for study. We measured inflammatory cells and cytokines in the nasal lavage fluid. Our specific hypothesis was that particulate exposure prior to allergen challenge would enhance inflammatory cell recruitment and expression of inflammatory cytokines.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Adult without a history of asthma or respiratory disease.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)

Nih

Registry information

Official study title

Markers of Pollutant Altered Allergic Responses

Important dates

Study start: 1998
Study completion: 2002
First posted: Feb 21, 2001
Registry last updated: Mar 23, 2006

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Completed