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Allergic rhinitis is characterized by mast cell degranulation induced by antigen cross-linking of IgE. It has been proposed that some patients with rhinitis show nasal allergy in the absence of systemic markers of atopy, termed entopy. Recent murine studies suggest the existence of an IgE-independent hypersensitivity response involving antigen-induced mast cell activation, mediated by immunoglobulin free light chains (FLCs).

To determine whether FLC is associated with mast cell–mediated nasal hypersensitivity and its relationship with eosinophilic activity in allergic and nonatopic rhinitis.

Patients with allergy and nonallergic rhinitis with eosinophilia syndrome (NARES) had levels of soluble FLC measured in nasal secretions and serum. In addition, levels of the nasal inflammatory mediators mast cell tryptase and eosinophil cationic protein were quantified. Cellular …