Hayfever is a major irritation for up to 20% of the population in most economically developed countries. Pollen is the cause of this allergic reaction but what causes it and why? Dr Jo Bright and Dr John Hancock of the University of the West of England have found evidence that nitric oxide (NO) and nitrite is released by pollen grains, and they suggest that this could be what triggers the allergic response in the nose. Their research will be presented at the Society for Experimental Biology’s Annual Main Meeting in Glasgow on Tuesday 3 April. >>> Discuss This Story
