SerumIgE levels were significantly higher in group 4 than in group 3 (P<0.05). IL-4 and IL-5 in BALF were significantly higher in group 4 than in group 3 (P<0.05, respectively). Based on H&E staining, inflammatory cell numbers were significantly greater in group 4 than in the other groups (P<0.05). The number of PAS-positive cells was also significantly greater in groups 3 and 4 than in groups 1 and 2 (P<0.05). The numbers of IL-4 and IL-5-positive cells were higher in group 4 than in group 3 (P<0.05). The number of MUC5AC and TGF-alpha-positive cells were also higher in group 4 than in group 3 (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS:
Our data suggest that ASD increases cytokine expression and mucinproduction in an allergic murine model. The increased inflammatory reactions were related to cytokineproduction.