Nasal Provocation with Bradykinin Induces Symptoms of Rhinitis and a Sore Throat

Abstract

Kinins are generated in nasal secretions during allergic reactions and during induced rhinovirus colds. To determine if kinins may contribute to the symptomatology of these inflammatory reactions, 8 subjects were challenged with increasing doses of bradykinin or with placebo. Levels of albumin, histamine, and N-alpha-tosyl-L-arginine methyl ester (TAME)-esterase were measured in nasal lavages, and symptom scores were noted. No symptoms or increases in mediators or protein were observed after placebo challenge. Symptom scores increased in a dose-dependent manner, however, in response to bradykinin challenge. Increased symptoms were associated with significant increases in albumin and TAME-esterase activity, but no increases in histamine were observed. Nasal conductance measurements confirmed that bradykinin induces dose-dependent unilateral obstruction in the challenged nostril. Other common symptoms were rhinorrhea and, of particular relevance to rhinovirus infections, a persistent sore throat. We conclude that bradykinin causes increased vascular permeability and rhinitis, which are independent of mast cell mediator release. Kinins may, therefore, contribute to the symptomatology of inflammatory reactions of the upper airways, including the common cold.

Zinc Gluconate and the Common Cold: A Controlled Clinical Study

“…It has been shown in histological studies that rhinovirus causes little damage to the nasal mucosa. 8 The pathogenesis of rhinovirus colds may be via host response, especially the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system 9,10 and the release of inflammatory mediators, such as kinins 11,12 and interferon. 13 In developing a placebo that matched the ZGG lozenge in astringency, there was concern that the placebo might, because of its astringency, not be entirely devoid of activity.…”

Efficacy of flurbiprofen 8.75 mg spray in patients with sore throat due to an upper respiratory tract infection: A randomised controlled trial

“…[1][2][3] Inflammatory mediators are thought to be responsible for sore throat, as demonstrated in studies where nasal or oropharyngeal challenge with bradykinin and prostaglandins caused sore throat symptoms, [3][4][5][6] and stimulation of the pharyngeal mucosa with cold dry air increased inflammatory mediators and caused pain. [7] Most adult cases ($85-95%) are caused by viral upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), [1,2] although other causes include bacterial infections (including group A bhaemolytic streptococcus [GABHS], $10% of cases) and non-infectious factors including smoking and air pollution.…”

Pharmacology of Bradykinin-Evoked Coughing in Guinea Pigs

“…Kinins have been implicated in inflammatory responses of the airways and lungs initiated by allergen, airway acidification, cold, dry air inhalation, viral infections, and gram negative bacterial infections, and in other inflammatory conditions promoting recruitment of neutrophils and/or eosinophils to the airways (Proud et al, 1983(Proud et al, , 1988Bertrand et al, 1993;Ricciardolo et al, 1994aRicciardolo et al, , 1999Coyle et al, 1995;Featherstone et al, 1996;Yoshihara et al, 1996;Grünberg et al, 1997;Folkerts et al, 2000;Scuri et al, 2000;Turner et al, 2001;Abraham et al, 2006;Arndt et al, 2006;Broadley et al, 2010;Hewitt and Canning, 2010;Taylor et al, 2013;Sahoo et al, 2014). The bronchospasm, mucus secretion, airway microvascular dilatation, and plasma exudation evoked by exogenously administered bradykinin are primarily mediated by bradykinin B 2 receptor activation (Nakajima et al, 1994;Abraham et al, 2006;Broadley et al, 2010).…”