In allergic rhinitis, the late-phase reaction beginning 4 to 6 hours after allergen exposure is characterised chiefly by tissue infiltration of which cell, sustaining symptoms such as congestion?
- A Neutrophils
- B Eosinophils ✓
- C Basophils
- D Plasma cells
Correct answer: B. Eosinophils
Explanation
After the immediate IgE-mast cell mediated phase driven by histamine, chemokines such as eotaxin recruit eosinophils into the nasal mucosa over 4 to 24 hours. Eosinophil mediators including major basic protein damage epithelium and sustain blockage and hyperreactivity. This explains why intranasal corticosteroids, which suppress eosinophilic inflammation, control congestion better than antihistamines, which mainly target the early phase.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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