SB203580, a p38MAPK inhibitor, attenuates olfactory dysfunction by inhibiting OSN apoptosis in AR mice (activation and involvement of the p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase in olfactory sensory neuronal apoptosis of OVA‐induced allergic rhinitis)

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) signaling pathway on olfactory mucosa function and apoptosis of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) in an allergic rhinitis (AR) mouse model. METHOD: Fifty‐five BALB/c mice were used to establish AR models by ovalbumin, and their olfactory function was confirmed by the buried food pellet test. Then, 28 mice with hyposmia were selected. SB203580, a p38MAPK inhibitor, and normal saline (NS) were injected into mice with olfactory defects. The olfactory function, apoptosis of OSNs in olfactory mucosa, and the expression of the olfaction marker protein (OMP), p38MAPK, and p‐p38MAPK were detected after the intervention. RESULT: SB203580 treatment significantly upregulated OMP expression and significantly improved the olfactory function of AR mice by reducing the percentage of apoptotic OSNs. In addition, SB203580 attenuated the activation of the p38MAPK signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: SB203580 protected olfactory function in an AR mouse model. This protective effect may be associated with the antiapoptotic effects of SB203580 via the p38MAPK signaling pathway.