Effect of sex hormones on eosinophilic inflammation in nasal mucosa.

We examined the effects of sex hormones on the functions of eosinophils. Treatment of eosinophils with beta-estradiol significantly enhanced the eosinophil adhesion to human mucosal microvascular endothelial cells (HMMEC), and eosinophils stimulated by a combination of beta-estradiol and progesterone showed significant induced degranulation. On the other hand, testosterone significantly reduced the eosinophil adhesion to HMMEC and eosinophil viability. The experiments from the series of studies might provide a partial explanation for the aggravation of asthma and some forms of rhinitis that occurs during pregnancy.