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In this study, cytological examination of nasal secretions of 17 patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) was combined with quantitative determination of common inflammatory mediators. Results showed a normal cytogram in these patients. However, obvious mucosal inflammation is evidenced by significantly higher concentrations of leukotriene C4 (LTC4) and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP). The activation of other common inflammatory cells such as mast cells (or basophils) and neutrophils could not be demonstrated since their mediators (histamine, tryptase and myeloperoxidase) are not raised. Increased concentrations of LTC4 and ECP indicate the active participation of eosinophils, and can contribute to the new concept of non-infectious inflammatory involvement of the nasal epithelium of patients with CF.

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