Objective: In this study, we aimed to experimentally investigate the effects of nasal corticosteroids on the levels of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in nasal mucosa in rats.
Study design: Prospective, randomized control trial.
Setting: Research laboratory.
Subject and methods: Twenty-four male Sprague Dawley rats were included in our study. The rats were randomized into 3 groups. In group 1, nasal mometasone furoate was applied to the rats for 30 days. Saline was applied to group 2 for 30 days. Group 3 was the control group and received no treatment throughout the study period. Nasal lavage was conducted on both nasal openings of all rats in the 3 groups at the beginning of the study and on days 15 and 30, and the lavage solution (distilled water) was collected by aspiration.
Results: In group 1, the sIgA value was significantly higher at day 15 than at baseline. No significant difference was found between the sIgA values on day 15 and day 30. In groups 2 and 3, there were no significant differences in sIgA values at baseline, day 15, and day 30. The sIgA value of group 1 on day 15 was significantly higher than the values of groups 2 and 3. The sIgA value of group 1 on day 30 was significantly higher than the values of groups 2 and 3.
Conclusion: Topical corticosteroids (mometasone furoate) applied to the nasal mucosa significantly increase nasal sIgA levels.
Keywords: mometasone furoate; nasal lavage; rat; secretory immunoglobulin A.
© American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation 2015.