Objective: To evaluate the role of human calcium-activated chloride channel 1 (hCLCA1) and mucin MUC5AC in allergic rhinitis.
Method: The expression of hCLCA1 and MUC5AC were determined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemical assay in nasal mucosa on 20 patients with allergic rhinitis and 7 normal persons.
Result: The expression of hCLCA1mRNA in allergic rhinitis group was positive, whereas in normal control group was absent (P<0.01). The expression of MUC5AC mRNA and MUC5AC protein in the allergic rhinitis group were higher than that in the control, respectively (both P<0.01). The increased expression of hCLCA1mRNA in allergic rhinitis group were well correlated with the expression of MUC5ACmRNA and MUC5AC protein and the correlation coefficients were 0.752 and 0.694(both P<0.05).
Conclusion: Upregulation of hCLCA1 mRNA expression may play a pivotal role in mucus overproduction in allergic rhinitis group. The inhibition of HCLCA1 expression may provide a new strategy for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.