Background and objectives : Platelet activating factor(PAF), a biologically active phospholipid, has been known to be a potent inflammatory mediator especially in allergic inflammation. However, the exact role of PAF in the pathogenesis of
rhinosinusitis has not been established yet. The aim of this study was to develop a rat model of rhinosinusitis induced by PAF. Materials and Methods : Rats (4∼6 week-old) were applied intranasally with 50 ㎕ of 16 ㎍/㎖ PAF, while the control
rats
were applied with 50㎕ of 0.9% normal saline. After 1, 3 or 5 days, the rats were killed. The nasal sinuses were prepared for histological investigation. The histological section of the nasal sinuses were examined in a blind manner for the number
of
nasal sinus cavity occupied by neutrophil clusters, and for the number of eosinophils, goblet cells, epithelial loss and iNOS positive inflammatory cells per high power field (×400) of sinus mucosa.
Results : Infected rats killed at 3days had significantly more sinus area
occupied by neutrophil clusters, and significantly more eosinophils, goblet cells,
epithelial loss and iNOS positive inflammatory cells within the mucosa.
Conclusion : Topically applied PAF induces acute rhinosinusitis in rats
as measured by neutrophil clusters, eosinophils, goblet cells, epithelial loss
and iNOS positive inflammatory cells. This study proves a rat model of
acute rhinosinusitis.
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