Increased allergen sensitization following exposure to OS-oil

Abstract

In a patient with perennial nasal allergy, we observed an aggravation of nasal symptoms following exposure to OS-oil, a substance used as an abrasive for stainless steel. In order to understand the etiology of OS-oil-induced aggravation of nasal symptoms, we sensitized the nasal mucosa of guinea pigs by challenge with OS-oil. We also challenged the nasal mucosa with methacholine after a further interval of 3 days. Secondary challenge with OS-oil showed minimal symptoms, but post OS-oil methachoiine challenge induced nasal hypersecretion and hypersensitivity. In the control group, not sensitized to OS-oil, methacholine challenge produced minimal symptoms. Thus, the aggravation of nasal allergy was found to be associated with nasal hypersecretion and hypersensitivity caused by OS-oil.