Long-Term Exposure to Sulfur Dioxide Before Sensitization Decreased the Production of Specific IgE in HDM-Sensitized Allergic Rhinitis Mice

BACKGROUND: Exposure to atmospheric pollutants is closely associated with the occurrence of allergic rhinitis (AR). However, the role of sulfur dioxide (SO(2)) in promoting allergic inflammation in AR is poorly understood. Our study aims to investigate the effect of SO(2) on allergic inflammation in house dust mite (HDM)-sensitized mice. METHODS: Thirty mice were randomly divided into five groups: the control, AR model, AR model exposed to SO(2), AR model with long-term SO(2) exposure, and SO(2)-treated control groups. Nasal symptom score was recorded. The serum HDM specific IgE (sIgE) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines in nasal mucosa was detected by immunohistochemistry and quantitative PCR. Expression of a low-affinity sIgE receptor (CD23) on B lymphocytes in nasal mucosa was assessed by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: SO(2) increased not only nasal symptom score but also the number of infiltrating eosinophils and expression of Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines in nasal mucosa of HDM-sensitized AR mice. Furthermore, SO(2) increased the serum sIgE level in AR mice. However, long-term SO(2) exposure decreased the serum sIgE level in AR mice. Moreover, long-term SO(2) exposure decreased CD23(+) B lymphocytes in the nasal mucosa. CONCLUSION: SO(2) exposure aggravated nasal symptom, serum sIgE level, eosinophil infiltration, and Th1/Th2/Th17 inflammation in AR mice. However, the serum sIgE level could be lowered by long-term SO(2) exposure. This inhibitory effect of SO(2) on IgE production may be suppressed by CD23(+) B lymphocytes.