Hypothesis for induction and propagation of chemical sensitivity based on biopsy studies.

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

William J. Meggs (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: The reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS), the reactive upper airways dysfunction syndrome (RUDS), the sick building syndrome (SBS), and the multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome (MCS) are overlapping disorders in which there is an intolerance to environmental chemicals. The onset of these illnesses is often associated with an initial acute chemical exposure. To understand the pathophysiology of these conditions, a study of the nasal pathology of individuals experiencing these syndromes was undertaken. Preliminary data indicate that the nasal pathology of these disorders is characterized by defects in tight junctions between cells, desquamation of the respiratory epithelium, glandular hyperplasia, lymphocytic infiltrates, and peripheral nerve fiber proliferation. These findings suggest a model for a relationship between the chronic inflammation seen in these conditions and an individual's sensitivity to chemicals. A positive feedback loop is set up: the inflammatory response to low levels of chemical irritants is enhanced due to the observed changes in the epithelium, and the epithelial changes are propagated by the inflammatory response to the chemicals. This model, combined with the concept of neurogenic switching, has the potential to explain many aspects of RADS, RUDS, SBS, and MCS in a unified way. Originally published Environ Health Perspect 105(Suppl 2):473-478 (1997)

Additional Information

Publication

Environmental Health Perspectives. 105:Suppl 2(March, 1997) p. 473-478.

Language: English

Date: 1997

Keywords

neurogenic switching, neurogenic inflammation, reactive upper airways dysfunction syndrome, reactive airways dysfunction syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome, sick building syndrome, asthma, rhinitis

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