[Effects of dexamethasone on IL-13-induced mCLCA3 and Muc5ac expressions in nasal mucosa of rats].

AIM

To study the effects of dexamethasone on the IL-13-induced mCLCA3 and Muc5ac expressions in nasal mucosa of rats, and the role in mucus secretion of allergic rhinitis.

METHODS

Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into control group, IL-13 group and dexamethasone group. Expressions of mCLCA3 mRNA and Muc5ac protein in nasal mucosa were detected by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively.

RESULTS

No mCLCA3 mRNA expression in the nasal mucosa was detected in the control group, while it was 0.319±0.121 in the IL-13 group (P<0.05 vs control group) and 0.144±0.105 in the dexamethasone group (P<0.05 vs IL-13 group). The expression of Muc5ac protein increased in the IL-13 group (1.389±0.499) as compared with the control group (0.300±0.145, P<0.05). After treatment with dexamethasone, the expression of Muc5ac protein was notably lower (0.901±0.390) than that in IL-13 group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

IL-13 up-regulates the expressions of mCLCA3 mRNA and Muc5ac protein in nasal mucosa, which may play a pivotal role in the mucus overproduction of nasal mucosa. Dexamethasone substantially down-regulates the expressions of mCLCA3 mRNA and Muc5ac protein, which may have an inhibiting effect on mucus overproduction of nasal mucosa.