Allergic Rhinitis in Rats Is Associated with an Inflammatory Response of the Hippocampus

Clinical significance of T helper-1/T helper-2 cytokines in peripheral blood of children with otitis media with effusion and allergic rhinitis

OBJECTIVE

Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a prevalent and costly disease, especially in children. This article analyzed the expression patterns and clinical significance of T helper-1 (Th1)/Th2 cytokines in the peripheral blood of children with OME and allergic rhinitis (AR).

METHODS

Subjects were assigned to the OME + AR group and the Control group (children with OME), with their clinical baseline data documented. The correlations between Th1/Th2 cytokines and between the total nasal symptom score (TNSS) and Th1/Th2 cytokines were analyzed. The risk factors and the predictive value of Th1/Th2 cytokines for OME + AR were analyzed using logistics multivariate regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve.

RESULTS

Significant differences were observed in tympanic pressure/speech frequency/air conduction valve/TNSS score/immunoglobulin E (IgE) level between both groups. The OME + AR children exhibited evidently elevated interleukin-2 (IL-2)/tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)/IL-4/IL-10/IL-6 levels and no significant difference in interferon-γ (IFN-γ) level. Th1/Th2 cytokines were remarkably positively-correlated with the TNSS score. IL-2/TNF-α/IL-4/IL-6 were risk factors for OME with AR. The area under the curves (AUCs) of IL-6/IL-2/IL-4/TNF-α levels in predicting the occurrence of OME + AR were 0.805/0.806/0.775/0.781, with sensitivities of 75.76 %/89.39 %/72.21 %/72.73 % and specificities of 74.29 %/61.34 %/72.86 %/70.00 %, and the cut-off values were 239.600/20.300/29.880/34.800 (pg/mL). The AUC of their combination in predicting OME + AR was 0.955 (93.94 % sensitivity, 85.71 % specificity).

CONCLUSION

Th1/Th2 cytokine levels were imbalanced and obviously positively-correlated with the TNSS score in OME + AR children. IL-2, TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-6 levels had auxiliary predictive value in the occurrence of OME + AR.

IL-6 mediates olfactory dysfunction in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Immune-inflammatory response is a key element in the occurrence and development of olfactory dysfunction (OD) in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). As one of the core factors in immune-inflammatory responses, interleukin (IL)-6 is closely related to the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. It may also play an important role in OD induced by diseases, such as Sjögren's syndrome and coronavirus disease 2019. However, there is no study has reported its role in OD in AR. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the role of IL-6 in AR-related OD, in an attempt to discover a new target for the prevention and treatment of OD in patients with AR.

METHODS

Differential expression analysis was performed using the public datasets GSE52804 and GSE140454 for AR, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by obtaining the intersection points between these two datasets. IL-6, a common differential factor, was obtained by intersecting the DEGs with the General Olfactory Sensitivity Database (GOSdb) again. A model of AR mice with OD was developed by sensitizing with ovalbumin (OVA) to verify the reliability of IL-6 as a key factor of OD in AR and explore the potential mechanisms. Furthermore, a supernatant and microglia co-culture model of nasal mucosa epithelial cells stimulated by the allergen house dust mite extract Derp1 was established to identify the cellular and molecular mechanisms of IL-6-mediated OD in AR.

RESULTS

The level of IL-6 in the nasal mucosa and olfactory bulb of AR mice with OD significantly increased and showed a positive correlation with the expression of olfactory bulb microglia marker Iba-1 and the severity of OD. In-vitro experiments showed that the level of IL-6 significantly increased in the supernatant after the nasal mucosa epithelial cells were stimulated by Derp1, along with significantly decreased barrier function of the nasal mucosa. The expression levels of neuroinflammatory markers IL-1β and INOS increased after a conditioned culture of microglia with the supernatant including IL-6. Then knockdown (KD) of IL-6R by small interfering RNA (siRNA), the expression of IL-1β and INOS significantly diminished.

CONCLUSION

IL-6 plays a key role in the occurrence and development of OD in AR, which may be related to its effect on olfactory bulb microglia-mediated neuroinflammation.

Neuroimmune communication in allergic rhinitis

The prevalence rate of allergic rhinitis (AR) is high worldwide. The inhalation of allergens induces AR, which is an immunoglobulin E-mediated and type 2 inflammation-driven disease. Recently, the role of neuroimmune communication in AR pathogenesis has piqued the interest of the scientific community. Various neuropeptides, such as substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), nerve growth factor (NGF), and neuromedin U (NMU), released via "axon reflexes" or "central sensitization" exert regulatory effects on immune cells to elicit "neurogenic inflammation," which contributes to nasal hyperresponsiveness (NHR) in AR. Additionally, neuropeptides can be produced in immune cells. The frequent colocalization of immune and neuronal cells at certain anatomical regions promotes the establishment of neuroimmune cell units, such as nerve-mast cells, nerve-type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s), nerve-eosinophils and nerve-basophils units. Receptors expressed both on immune cells and neurons, such as TRPV1, TRPA1, and Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor X2 (MRGPRX2) mediate AR pathogenesis. This review focused on elucidating the mechanisms underlying neuroimmune communication in AR.

[Neuroimmunology of allergic rhinitis part 2 : Interactions of neurons and immune cells and neuroimmunological units]

Allergic rhinitis is an IgE-mediated, type‑2 inflammatory disease. neuropeptides are released by neurons and interact with immune cells. Via colocalization, neuroimmune cell units such as nerve-mast cell units, nerve-type 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2) units, nerve-eosinophil units, and nerve-basophil units are formed. Markedly elevated tryptase levels were found in nasal lavage fluid and were strongly associated with neuropeptide levels. A close anatomical connection allows bidirectional communication between immune and neuronal cells. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and transient receptor potential ankyrin repeat 1 (TRPA1) are critically involved in immunological reactions in the setting of allergic rhinitis. Neuroimmunological communication plays an important role in the inflammatory process, so that allergic rhinitis can no longer be considered a purely immunological disease, but rather a combined neuroimmunological disease.

Brain response in allergic rhinitis: Profile and proposal

In addition to typical nasal symptoms, patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) will further lead to symptoms related to brain function such as hyposmia, anxiety, depression, cognitive impairment, memory loss, etc., which seriously affect the quality of life of patients and bring a heavy burden to the patient's family and society. Some scholars have speculated that there may be potential "nose-brain communication" mechanism in AR that rely on neuro-immunity. This mechanism plays an important role in AR-associated brain response process. However, no study has directly demonstrated which neural circuits will change in the connection between the nose and brain during the onset of AR, and the mechanism which underlines this question is also lack. Focusing on the topic of "nose-brain communication", this paper systematically summarizes the latest research progress between AR and related brain responses and discusses the mechanism of AR-related neurological phenotypes. Hope new diagnostic and therapeutic targets to ameliorate the brain function-related symptoms and improve the quality of life of AR patients will be developed.

Structural, functional and behavioral impact of allergic rhinitis on olfactory pathway and prefrontal cortex

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis (AR) has been identified as a cause of olfactory dysfunction. Beyond the classic symptoms, AR has been associated with altered sleep patterns, a decline in cognitive performance and higher likelihood of depression and anxiety. The olfactory pathway has been postulated to be a possible link between nasal inflammation and central nervous system (CNS) modifications. Thus, we aimed to investigate the structural, functional and behavioral changes in the olfactory pathway and related areas in an animal model of AR.

METHODS

AR was induced in adult Wistar rats by ovalbumin sensitization and challenge. Following olfactory and behavioral tests we investigated the synaptic structure of the olfactory bulb (OB), anterior olfactory nuclei (AON), piriform cortex and prefrontal cortex (PFC), by immunofluorescence detection of synaptophysin (Syn) and glutamatergic, GABAergic and dopaminergic neuronal markers.

RESULTS

We detected a significant decrease in Syn in the glomerular layer (GL) of OB and in the PFC of the AR group. Additionally, the optical density of GAD67 and VGLUT2 was reduced in the OB, AON and PFC, compared to controls. The behavioral tests demonstrated olfactory dysfunction and reduced male aggressiveness in AR rats, but we did not find any difference in the cognition and anxiety-like behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirmed olfactory dysfunction in a rat model of AR and we identified modifications in synaptic activity by reduction of Syn optical density in the GL of the OB and in the PFC. This was accompanied by structural changes in glutamatergic and GABAergic activity in essential components of the olfactory pathway and PFC.

Association Between Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma in Adults With Loss of Interest in Sex

BACKGROUND

The alterations of sexual desire in allergy respiratory diseases have seldom been analyzed. This paper aims to evaluate the association of allergic rhinitis and asthma among adults with the loss of interest in sex.

METHODS

Through a cross-sectional study, we compared three groups of subjects: one with patients with allergic rhinitis, another with allergic asthma, and a control group. The loss of interest in sex was assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory-II, which includes a scale that evaluates this characteristic.

RESULTS

The prevalence of loss of interest in sex in patients with allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, and controls was 48.8%, 39.5%, and 20.2%, respectively. In multivariate models, a positive association between a loss of interest in sex and allergic asthma (OR =2.4, p =0.005) and allergic rhinitis (OR =2.1, p =0.03) was found independently. In both models, other associated factors included being female (p <0.001) and living as a couple (p <0.001). In contrast, no significant association was found with age (≥40 years), smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, or excess weight.

CONCLUSION

Loss of interest in sex is highly prevalent and is notoriously associated with allergic respiratory diseases; similarly, it is associated with living as a couple and being female.

Developing of SiO2 Nanoshells Loaded with Fluticasone Propionate for Potential Nasal Drug Delivery: Determination of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines through mRNA Expression

Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles (MSN) are porous inorganic materials that have been extensively used for drug delivery due to their special qualities, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-toxicity. MSN is a promising drug delivery system to enhance the efficacy and safety of drug administration in nasal diseases like chronic rhinitis (CR). In this study, we used the sol-gel technique for MSN synthesis and incorporate fluticasone propionate (FP) for intranasal drug administration for the treatment of chronic rhinitis (CR). In order to confirm the particle size, shape, drug release, and compatibility, various instruments were used. MSN was effectively prepared with average sizes ranging between 400 ± 34 nm (mean ± SD) as measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS), while zeta potential verified in all cases their positive charged surface. To investigate MSN features, the Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurement were used. The loaded compound was submitted to in vitro dissolution tests, and a remarkable dissolution rate improvement was observed compared to the crystalline drug in both pH conditions (1.2 and 7.4 pH). By using an MTT assay cell viability was assessed. The expression levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-5 were also measured using mRNA extraction from rat blood. Other characterizations like acute toxicity and hemolytic activity were also performed to confirm loaded MSN safety. Loaded MSN was incorporated in nasal spray prepared by using innovator excipients including poloxamer. After this, its nasal spray's physical characteristics were also determined and compared with a commercial product (Ticovate).

Increased Risk of Postpartum Depression in Women With Allergic Rhinitis During Pregnancy: A Population-Based Case-Control Study

OBJECTIVES

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is associated with increased risk of major depression in the general population, however, no previous study has evaluated its role among pregnant women. We aimed to investigate the potential impact of AR during pregnancy on the development of postpartum depression (PPD).

METHODS

This is a population-based case-control study. Data were retrieved from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Medical records of a total of 199 470 deliveries during 2000 and 2010 were identified. Among which, 1416 women with PPD within 12 months after delivery were classified as the case group, while 198 054 women without PPD after delivery formed the control group. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to determine the associations between AR during pregnancies and other study variables with PPD.

RESULTS

AR during pregnancy was found in 9.53% women who developed PPD and 5.44% in women without PPD. After adjusting for age at delivery, income level, various pregnancy and delivery-related conditions, asthma, atopic dermatitis and other medical comorbidities in the multivariate analysis, AR was significantly associated with increased odds of PPD (aOR: 1.498, 95% CI: 1.222-1.836).

CONCLUSION

AR during pregnancy was independently and significantly associated with an approximately 50% increased risk of PPD among women giving birth. Closely monitoring of AR is warranted in the future in order to optimize mother and child outcomes after delivery.

Local (but not systemic) photobiomodulation treatment reduces mast cell degranulation, eicosanoids, and Th2 cytokines in an experimental model of allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory disorder of the nasal mucosa, and is a worldwide health problem with a significant impact on the quality of life. The main goal of AR treatment is to relieve symptoms. However, standard treatments have considerable side effects or are not effective. Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy has emerged as an alternative treatment. Here, we evaluated the effects of transcutaneous systemic (tail) or local (skin over nostrils) PBM using a 660-nm light-emitting diode (LED) array. Adult rats were assigned into 4 groups: basal, as non-manipulated animals; Sham, as rats sensitized with 7 intradermal injections of ovalbumin (OVA) plus alum followed by intranasal instillation with OVA (2%) daily for 7 days; and the LPBM and SPBM groups, in which the animals were treated with PBM (local or systemic) immediately after the last instillation of OVA (1%) daily for 3 days. Our results showed that local PBM treatment reduced mast cell degranulation in the nasopharynx and nostrils; levels of leukotriene B4, thromboxane A2, and interleukin 4 (IL-4) in the nasopharynx; and gene expression of IL-4. Moreover, we showed higher levels and gene expression of IL-10 after local PBM treatment. Systemic PBM treatment did not change any of the evaluated parameters. In conclusion, our data showed that local (but not systemic) treatment with PBM could improve parameters related to AR in an animal model, and should be tested clinically.

Activation of Dopamine D2 Receptor Alleviates Neuroinflammation in a Mouse Model of Allergic Rhinitis With Olfactory Dysfunction

PURPOSE

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common otolaryngology disease and one of the clinical causes of olfactory dysfunction (OD). The olfactory bulb serves as a transfer station for olfactory information transmission, and alleviating its neuroinflammation may be expected to improve AR-induced OD. Recent studies have suggested that the dopamine D2 receptor acts as a key target in regulating immune functions and neuroinflammatory reaction. However, the effect of dopamine D2 receptor on AR-induced neuroinflammation is still unknown.

METHODS

An AR mouse model with OD induced by ovalbumin were constructed. The buried food pellet test was to evaluate the olfactory function of the mice. Immunofluorescence staining, hematoxylin and eosin staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blotting were also used to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of the dopamine D2 receptor in AR-induced OD.

RESULTS

We found that AR-induced OD has a relationship with inflammatory responses in the olfactory bulb. Nasal administration of quinpirole (Quin, a dopamine D2 receptor agonist, 3 mg/kg) improved olfactory function in mice, inhibited the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signalings and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in the olfactory bulb. In vitro, Quin (20 μmol/L) inhibited the release of TLR4/NF-κB signalings-dependent inflammatory cytokines in cultured microglia.

CONCLUSIONS

Activation of the dopamine D2 receptor inhibits the release of inflammatory cytokines through TLR4/NF-κB signaling in the olfactory bulb microglia, and protects olfactory function.

A Biomedical Knowledge Graph System to Propose Mechanistic Hypotheses for Real-World Environmental Health Observations: Cohort Study and Informatics Application

BACKGROUND

Knowledge graphs are a common form of knowledge representation in biomedicine and many other fields. We developed an open biomedical knowledge graph-based system termed Reasoning Over Biomedical Objects linked in Knowledge Oriented Pathways (ROBOKOP). ROBOKOP consists of both a front-end user interface and a back-end knowledge graph. The ROBOKOP user interface allows users to posit questions and explore answer subgraphs. Users can also posit questions through direct Cypher query of the underlying knowledge graph, which currently contains roughly 6 million nodes or biomedical entities and 140 million edges or predicates describing the relationship between nodes, drawn from over 30 curated data sources.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to apply ROBOKOP to survey data on workplace exposures and immune-mediated diseases from the Environmental Polymorphisms Registry (EPR) within the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

METHODS

We analyzed EPR survey data and identified 45 associations between workplace chemical exposures and immune-mediated diseases, as self-reported by study participants (n= 4574), with 20 associations significant at P<.05 after false discovery rate correction. We then used ROBOKOP to (1) validate the associations by determining whether plausible connections exist within the ROBOKOP knowledge graph and (2) propose biological mechanisms that might explain them and serve as hypotheses for subsequent testing. We highlight the following three exemplar associations: carbon monoxide-multiple sclerosis, ammonia-asthma, and isopropanol-allergic disease.

RESULTS

ROBOKOP successfully returned answer sets for three queries that were posed in the context of the driving examples. The answer sets included potential intermediary genes, as well as supporting evidence that might explain the observed associations.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate real-world application of ROBOKOP to generate mechanistic hypotheses for associations between workplace chemical exposures and immune-mediated diseases. We expect that ROBOKOP will find broad application across many biomedical fields and other scientific disciplines due to its generalizability, speed to discovery and generation of mechanistic hypotheses, and open nature.

Changes in Resting-State Spontaneous Brain Activity in Patients With Allergic Rhinitis: A Pilot Neuroimaging Study

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory disorder of the nose caused by immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated immune response to allergens. Apart from the typical symptoms of sneezing, itching, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion, behavioral complications were also reported to be associated with the progression of AR, such as cognitive deficits, mood changes, memory decline, attention deficiency, poor school performance, anxiety, and depression. Recent human studies have suggested that alterations in brain function caused by allergen exposure may precipitate high levels of anxiety and emotional reactivity in asthma patients. But until now, there is no direct evidence of the relationship between brain activity and allergic rhinitis.

METHODS

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) was used to excavate whether there remain functional changes of brain activity in AR patients. We measured the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and the z conversion of ALFF (zALFF) in 20 patients with AR and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) using the rs-fMRI data.

RESULTS

Compared with healthy controls, AR patients exhibited lower ALFF values in the precuneus (PCUN) and higher ALFF values in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). The ALFF values of these features were significantly correlated with the visual analog scale (VAS) scores, the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) scores, the subscales of RQLQ, and specific IgE, partly.

CONCLUSION

We found changes in resting-state spontaneous brain activity in AR patients with hypoactivity in the PCUN and hyperactivity of the ACC. The brain-related symptoms of AR might be another potential clinical intervention target for improving the life quality of AR patients. Further attention to brain activity is essential for a deeper understanding of AR.

TAK-242 ameliorates olfactory dysfunction in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis by inhibiting neuroinflammation in the olfactory bulb

OBJECTIVE

Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is a common symptom of allergic rhinitis (AR) that can seriously affect patient quality of life; however, the associated pathogenesis remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the relationship between OD and damage of the olfactory bulb (OB) in allergic rhinitis (AR). The therapeutic potential of TAK-242, a selective TLR4 inhibitor, was evaluated for OD.

METHOD

An AR mouse model was established with ovalbumin (OVA) to test the olfactory function of AR mice using the buried food pellet test (BFPT). Mice with OD were intraperitoneally injected with TAK-242 or 1% DMSO (vehicle). Immunohistochemistry was used to detect microglia and astrocyte activation in the OB. TUNNEL staining was performed to detect apoptosis in the OB. Proteins in the TLR4 signaling pathway were detected by Western blot. The level of proinflammatory factor mRNA in the OB was determined by RT-PCR.

RESULT

Neuroinflammation was observed in the OB of the OD group, as evidenced by glial cell activation and increased proinflammatory factor expression. The number of apoptotic cells was significantly increased in the OB of the OD group. The expression of TLR4, MyD88, and p-NF-κBp65 was significantly up-regulated in the OB of the OD group. TAK-242 treatment significantly reduced the level of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α mRNA expression, as well as activation of microglia and astrocytes in the OB tissues.

CONCLUSION

TAK-242 improve olfactory function in AR mice mainly by reducing neuroinflammation and apoptosis in the OB, which may be related to blocking the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Allergic Rhinitis and Depression: Profile and Proposal

In addition to nasal symptoms, patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) often experience mental and psychological disorders such as depression. Depression not only makes the treatment of AR more difficult and expensive but also poses a serious impact on the patients' daily activities and quality of life, thus bringing additional burden to the families and the society. Here we systematically review the recent research advances in the correlation between AR and depression, analyze the possible causes and mechanisms of depression in AR, summarize the current diagnosis and treatment strategies, and provide our insights into the AR-related depression; in addition, we introduce briefly the basic research status on AR-related depression. We hope that this review article will provide evidence for future studies.

Montelukast use over the past 20 years: monitoring of its effects and safety issues

Montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, was launched 20 years ago in Korea. It is recommended as an alternative treatment for asthma in children with mild persistent symptoms or as an add-on treatment to existing low-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) in children who require additional treatment. However, in the real-world setting, many doctors and patients prefer montelukast over ICSs despite their lower efficacy. Although montelukast is considered to be a safe drug, there are concerns regarding adverse drug reactions, including the rare occurrence of Churg-Strauss syndrome and, despite insufficient data, the possibility of neuropsychiatric events such as anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, and suicidality. This review identified that montelukast has significantly contributed to asthma control over the past 20 years in Korea and has been critical for reducing asthma severity, especially early wheezing and disease control. Our findings suggest that the effects of montelukast treatment can be monitored by measuring serum eosinophilderived neurotoxin levels.

Allergen-induced anxiety-like behavior is associated with disruption of medial prefrontal cortex - amygdala circuit

Anxiety is prevalent in asthma, and is associated with disease severity and poor quality of life. However, no study to date provides direct experimental evidence for the effect of allergic inflammation on the structure and function of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and amygdala, which are essential regions for modulating anxiety and its behavioral expression. We assessed the impact of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic inflammation on the appearance of anxiety-like behavior, mPFC and amygdala volumes using MRI, and the mPFC-amygdala circuit activity in sensitized rats. Our findings exhibited that the OVA challenge in sensitized rats induced anxiety-like behavior, and led to more activated microglia and astrocytes in the mPFC and amygdala. We also found a negative correlation between anxiety-like behavior and amygdala volume. Moreover, OVA challenge in sensitized rats was associated with increases in mPFC and amygdala activity, elevation of amygdala delta-gamma coupling, and the enhancement of functional connectivity within mPFC-amygdala circuit – accompanied by an inverted direction of information transferred from the amygdala to the mPFC. We indicated that disrupting the dynamic interactions of the mPFC-amygdala circuit may contribute to the induction of anxiety-related behaviors with asthma. These findings could provide new insight to clarify the underlying mechanisms of allergic inflammation-induced psychiatric disorders related to asthma.

Distraction of olfactory bulb-medial prefrontal cortex circuit may induce anxiety-like behavior in allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the upper respiratory tract, which is associated with high incidence of anxiety symptom. There is evidence that medial prefrontal cortex modulates anxiety-related behaviors and receives projections from olfactory bulb. Since olfactory dysfunction has been reported in allergic rhinitis, we aimed to evaluate anxiety-like behavior and oscillations of olfactory bulb-medial prefrontal cortex circuit in an animal model of allergic rhinitis. The number of open arm entries in elevated zero maze was significantly reduced in sensitized rats exposed to intranasal ovalbumin compared to the control group, which was indicating the enhancement of anxiety-like behavior in allergic rhinitis animals. Analysis of local field potentials in olfactory bulb and medial prefrontal cortex during immobility and exploration state showed that anxiety-like behavior induced by allergic rhinitis was in association with increased activity of medial prefrontal cortex and enhancement of olfactory bulb-medial prefrontal cortex coupling in delta and theta bands. Moreover, in allergic rhinitis animals, theta strongly coordinates local gamma activity in olfactory bulb and medial prefrontal cortex, which means to have a strong local theta/gamma coupling. We suggested that disruption of olfactory bulb-medial prefrontal cortex circuit due to allergic reactions might have a governing role for inducing anxiety-like behavior in the allergic rhinitis experimental model.