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Abstract
Objective—Potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser turbinectomy is an established treatment for hypertrophied inferior turbinates that do not respond to other medical treatments. KTP laser surgery is usually performed with the aim of reducing the size of hypertrophied inferior turbinates. We hypothesized that laser vaporation may also inhibit the allergic reaction in the nasal mucosa of inferior turbinates. Material and Methods—We examined the effect of KTP laser therapy on T-cell responses using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Results—Levels of T-cell proliferation after stimulation with Staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB) were higher in post- than pre-surgery patients. Levels of interferon-gamma and IL-2 produced by PBMCs after stimulation with SEB appeared to be higher in post- than pre-surgery patients. Serum levels of house dust-specific IgE were lower in post- than pre-surgery patients. These results indicate that KTP laser therapy modulates T-cell responses and probably tilts the Th1/Th2 balance towards the Th1-dominant state. Conclusions—KTP laser surgery eases or cures allergic rhinitis not only by reducing the volume of the inferior turbinates but also by modulating T-cell functions.