Lung responses in murine models of experimental asthma: Value of house dust mite over ovalbumin sensitization.

Ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization has limitations in modelling asthma. Thus, we examined the value of allergic sensitization using a purified natural allergen, house dust mite (HDM), over the sensitization performed with OVA. Mice were sham-treated, or sensitized with OVA- or HDM with identical chronology. Airway resistance, tissue damping and elastance were assessed under control conditions and after challenging the animals with methacholine (MCh) and the specific allergen. Inflammatory profile of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was characterized and lung histology was performed. While no difference in the lung responsiveness to the specific allergen was noted, hyperresponsiveness to MCh was observed only in the HDM-sensitized animals in the lung peripheral parameters. Lung inflammation differed between the models, but excessive bronchial smooth muscle remodelling occurred only with OVA. In conclusion, we demonstrate that a purified natural allergen offers a more relevant murine model of human allergic asthma by expressing the key features of this chronic inflammatory disease both in the lung function and structure.

Why otolaryngologists and asthma are a good match: the allergic rhinitis-asthma connection.

Consideration of the unified airway model when managing patients with rhinitis and or asthma allows a more comprehensive care plan and therefore improved patient outcomes. Asthma is linked to rhinitis both epidemiologically and biologically, and this association is even stronger in individuals with atopy. Rhinitis is not only associated with but is a risk factor for the development of asthma. Management of rhinitis improves asthma control. Early and aggressive treatment of allergic rhinitis may prevent the development of asthma. In patients with allergic rhinitis that is not sufficiently controlled by allergy medication, allergen-directed immunotherapy should be considered.

Assessment of airway hyperresponsiveness in mouse models of allergic lung disease using detailed measurements of respiratory mechanics.

This chapter provides an outline of the procedures necessary to measure airway hyperresponsiveness to inhaled methacholine in mouse models of allergic lung disease. We present a method for acquiring detailed measurements of respiratory mechanics using broadband low-frequency oscillatory waveforms applied at the subject's airway opening and analyzed using the constant phase model of the lung. We acknowledge that there are other methods of measuring airway responsiveness in allergic rodent models. However, a discussion of the merits and or detriments of these various methods have been vigorously debated in the primary literature and are beyond the scope of this chapter. The goal of this chapter is to provide a guide in how to begin these types of assays in laboratories which have little to no experience with these particular types of assessments.

Effects of oleanolic acid on pulmonary morphofunctional and biochemical variables in experimental acute lung injury.

We analysed the effects of oleanolic acid (OA) on lung mechanics and histology and its possible mechanisms of action in experimental acute lung injury (ALI). BALB/c mice were randomly divided into Control (saline, ip) and ALI (paraquat, 25 mg/kg, ip) groups. At 1 h, both groups were treated with saline (SAL, 50 µl ip), OA (10 mg/kg ip), or dexamethasone (DEXA, 1 mg/kg ip). At 24 h, lung static elastance, viscoelastic pressure, and alveolar collapse reduced more after OA compared to DEXA administration. Tumour necrosis factor-α, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, interleukin-6, interferon-γ, and transforming growth factor-ß mRNA expressions in lung tissue diminished similarly after OA or DEXA. Conversely, only OA avoided reactive oxygen species generation and yielded a significant decrease in nitrite concentration. OA and DEXA restored the reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio and catalase activity while increasing glutathione peroxidase induced by paraquat. In conclusion, OA improved lung morphofunction by modulating the release of inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress.

Role of Rho kinase isoforms in murine allergic airway responses.

Inhibition of Rho-associated coiled-coil forming kinases (ROCKs) reduces allergic airway responses in mice. The purpose of this study was to determine the roles of the two ROCK isoforms, ROCK1 and ROCK2, in these responses. Wildtype (WT) mice and heterozygous ROCK1 and ROCK2 knockout mice (ROCK1(+/-) and ROCK2(+/-), respectively) were sensitised and challenged with ovalbumin. ROCK expression and activation were assessed by western blotting. Airway responsiveness was measured by forced oscillation. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed and the lungs were fixed for histological assessment. Compared with WT mice, ROCK1 and ROCK2 expression were 50% lower in lungs of ROCK1(+/-) and ROCK2(+/-) mice, respectively, without changes in the other isoform. In WT lungs, ROCK activation increased after ovalbumin challenge and was sustained for several hours. This activation was reduced in ROCK1(+/-) and ROCK2(+/-) lungs. Airway responsiveness was comparable in WT, ROCK1(+/-), and ROCK2(+/-) mice challenged with PBS. Ovalbumin challenge caused airway hyperresponsiveness in WT, but not ROCK1(+/-) or ROCK2(+/-) mice. Lavage eosinophils and goblet cell hyperplasia were significantly reduced in ovalbumin-challenged ROCK1(+/-) and ROCK2(+/-) versus WT mice. Ovalbumin-induced changes in lavage interleukin-13, interleukin-5 and lymphocytes were also reduced in ROCK1(+/-) mice. In conclusion, both ROCK1 and ROCK2 are important in regulating allergic airway responses.

Obesidad infantil y asma: ¿una relación de causa y consecuencia? / Childhood obesity and asthma: is there a cause and effect relationship?

El incremento de la prevalencia de obesidad en niños y en modo paralelo una incidencia cada vez mayor en los mismos de asma han motivado el planteamiento de que ambos procesos pudieran estar relacionados. Diversos estudios han demostrado un efecto de temporalidad entre estados obesogénicos y el posterior desarrollo de asma. Por otra parte, se ha descrito igualmente un efecto de dosis-respuesta, estableciéndose una relación directa entre el grado de obesidad y la severidad con la que cursa el asma en éstos sujetos. Asimismo, se ha podido comprobar cómo la pérdida de peso (por dieta) mejora y reduce los síntomas del asma. Ello parece tener su explicación en numerosos procesos orgánicos de naturaleza inmune, inflamatorios, hormonales, genéticos, dietéticos, mecánicos y de actividad física. El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido ofrecer un análisis profundo sobre los principales mecanismos implicados en la génesis del asma en el paciente pediátrico obeso(AU)

The increasing prevalence of obesity in children and the parallel increasing incidence of asthma has led us to propose that the two processes could be related. Several studies have shown a time effect between obesogenic states and the subsequent development of asthma. A dose - response effect has also been reported, establishing a direct relationship between the degree of obesity and the severity of asthma in these subjects. It has also been demonstrated that weight loss (dieting) reduces asthma symptoms. This relationship appears to be explained by immune, inflammatory, hormonal, genetic, nutritional and mechanical factors as well as physical activity. The aim of this study is to provide a thorough analysis of the main mechanisms involved in the onset of asthma in the obese pediatric patient(AU)

Role of estrogen receptor- α in an experimental model of bronchial asthma.

BACKGROUND: Use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may increase the risk of adult-onset asthma in women. Various in vitro studies have reported that estradiol stimulates human mast cell lines causing release of allergic mediators which was not observed in estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-alpha) knockout mice. Thus, estrogen might be a key element in occurrence of asthma. In the present study, we proposed to determine the role of ER-alpha in an experimental model of bronchial asthma. METHODS: Trypsin and egg albumin induced chronic model of asthma were used. On the 28th day, various parameters such as pO2 level, serum bicarbonate level, tidal volume, respiratory rate, air flow rate, differential white blood cells count in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and serum cholesterol level were measured as well as lung histopathological examination and uterine weight measurement were carried out. RESULTS: Estradiol treatment resulted in lower pO2 level, tidal volume and air flow rate. Also, serum bicarbonate level, respiratory rate and eosinophil rate and eosinophil count in BAL fluid were higher as compared to asthmatic control group. These effects were not observed in methyl-piperidino-pyrazole (MPP) co-treated group. Histopathological data suggested that the destruction of alveolar and muscular layers was more prominent in estradiol-treated group than asthmatic control and MPP co-treated groups. Estradiol-treated group showed lower total serum cholesterol levels and higher uterine weight as compared to asthmatic control group which was not observed in MPP co-treated group; indicating antagonism of estradiol by MPP at ER-alpha receptor. CONCLUSION: Estrogen seems to have a strong promoting effect on pathogenesis of bronchial asthma via ER-alpha receptors.

Allergic inflammation in the upper respiratory tract of the rat upon repeated inhalation exposure to the contact allergen dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB).

Previously, the contact allergen dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) was identified as a sensitizer by inhalation in BALB/c mice; in addition, DNCB induced a lymphocytic infiltrate in the larynx of dermally sensitized Th1-prone Wistar rats upon a single inhalation challenge. In the present study, repeated inhalation exposures to DNCB were investigated using the same protocol as the single-challenge study: female Wistar rats were dermally sensitized with DNCB and subsequently challenged by inhalation exposure to 7 or 15 mg/m(3) DNCB twice a week for 4 weeks. Allergy-related apnoeic breathing was not observed. DNCB-specific IgG antibodies were found in the serum and--predominantly lymphocytic--inflammations were found in the nasal tissues and larynx. Similar effects were observed in animals repeatedly exposed by inhalation without previous dermal contact, indicating sensitization by inhalation. The inflammation may be the upper respiratory tract analogue of hypersensitivity pneumonitis/allergic alveolitis. Possible progression of the airway inflammation upon long-term exposure should be investigated to support or dismiss discrimination between contact and respiratory allergens in relation to respiratory allergy.

Acid aspiration-induced airways hyperresponsiveness in mice.

The role of gastroesophageal reflux and micro-aspiration as a trigger of airways hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in patients with asthma is controversial. The role of acid reflux and aspiration as a direct cause of AHR in normal subjects is also unclear. We speculated that aspiration of a weak acid with a pH (1.8) equivalent to the upper range of typical gastric contents would lead to AHR in naive mice. We further speculated that modest reductions in aspirate acidity to a level expected during gastric acid suppression therapy (pH 4.0) would impede aspiration-induced AHR. BALB/c female mice were briefly anesthetized with isoflurane and allowed to aspirate 75 microl of saline with HCl (pH 1.8, 4.0, or 7.4) or underwent sham aspiration. Mice were re-anesthetized 2 or 24 h later, underwent tracheostomy, and were coupled to a mechanical ventilator. Forced oscillations were used to periodically measure respiratory impedance (Zrs) following aerosol delivery of saline and increasing doses of methacholine to measure for AHR. Values for elastance (H), airways resistance (R(N)), and tissue damping (G) were derived from Zrs. Aspirate pH of 1.8 led to a significant overall increase in peak R(N), G, and H compared with pH 4.0 and 7.4 at 2 and 24 h. Differences between pH 7.4 and 4.0 were not significant. In mice aspirating pH 1.8 compared with controls, airway lavage fluid contained more neutrophils, higher protein, and demonstrated higher permeability. We conclude that acid aspiration triggers an acute AHR, driven principally by breakdown of epithelial barrier integrity within the airways.

Different strains of mice present distinct lung tissue mechanics and extracellular matrix composition in a model of chronic allergic asthma.

The impact of genetic factors on asthma is well recognized but poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that different mouse strains present different lung tissue strip mechanics in a model of chronic allergic asthma and that these mechanical differences may be potentially related to changes of extracellular matrix composition and/or contractile elements in lung parenchyma. Oscillatory mechanics were analysed before and after acetylcholine (ACh) in C57BL/10, BALB/c, and A/J mice, subjected or not to ovalbumin sensitization and challenge. In controls, tissue elastance (E) and resistance (R), collagen and elastic fibres' content, and alpha-actin were higher in A/J compared to BALB/c mice, which, in turn, were more elevated than in C57BL/10. A similar response pattern was observed in ovalbumin-challenged animals irrespective of mouse strain. E and R augmented more in ovalbumin-challenged A/J [E: 22%, R: 18%] than C57BL/10 mice [E: 9.4%, R: 11%] after ACh In conclusion, lung parenchyma remodelled differently yielding distinct in vitro mechanics according to mouse strain.

Oral tolerance attenuates airway inflammation and remodeling in a model of chronic pulmonary allergic inflammation.

We investigated the effects of oral tolerance (OT) in controlling inflammatory response, hyperresponsiveness and airway remodeling in guinea pigs (GP) with chronic allergic inflammation. Animals received seven inhalations of ovalbumin (1-5mg/mL-OVA group) or normal saline (NS group). OT was induced by offering ad libitum ovalbumin 2% in sterile drinking water starting with the 1st ovalbumin inhalation (OT1 group) or after the 4th (OT2 group). The induction of OT in sensitized animals decreased the elastance of respiratory system (Ers) response after both antigen and methacholine challenges, peribronchial edema formation, eosinophilic airway infiltration, eosinophilopoiesis, and airways collagen and elastic fiber content compared to OVA group (P<0.05). The number of mononuclear cells and resistance of respiratory system (Rrs) responses after antigen and methacholine challenges were decreased only in OT2 group compared to OVA group (P<0.05). Concluding, our results show that inducing OT attenuates airway remodeling as well as eosinophilic inflammation and respiratory system mechanics.

Gamma-delta T cell is essential for allergen-induced late asthmatic response in a murine model of asthma.

BACKGROUND: Gamma-delta (gamma-delta) T cells regulate immune responses at mucosal surfaces. Whether they can modify allergen-induced early (EAR) and late airway responses (LAR) is unknown. OBJECTIVE: We have tested the hypothesis that the gamma-delta T cells enhance allergen-induced airway responses in mice. METHODS: BALB/c wild-type (WT) mice and gamma-delta T cell-deficient (gamma-delta T-cell KO) mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA) on days 1 and 15, immunized with 1% OVA aerosol on days 29-31, and challenged with 5% OVA or saline on day 33. Enhanced pause (Penh) was measured and BAL fluid was collected after challenge. Serum IgE was measured before challenge. The percentage of interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-gamma producing T cells in splenocytes from sensitized animals was determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Both EAR and LAR were observed in OVA-challenged WT mice. LAR but not EAR was inhibited in OVA-challenged gamma-delta T-cell KO mice. Gamma-delta T-cell KO mice showed less eosinophilia in BALF and serum OVA-specific IgE. In the sensitization period, the percentage of IFN-gamma producing alpha-beta T cell in gamma-delta T-cell KO mice was higher than that in WT mice. CONCLUSION: gamma-delta T cells enhance LAR and airway inflammation but not EAR in this model of asthma.

The induced prostaglandin E2 pathway is a key regulator of the respiratory response to infection and hypoxia in neonates.

Infection during the neonatal period commonly induces apnea episodes, and the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1beta may serve as a critical mediator between these events. To determine the mechanism by which IL-1beta depresses respiration, we examined a prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2))-dependent pathway in newborn mice and human neonates. IL-1beta and transient anoxia rapidly induced brainstem-specific microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) activity in neonatal mice. Furthermore, IL-1beta reduced respiratory frequency during hyperoxia and depressed hypoxic gasping and autoresuscitation in mPGES-1 wild-type mice, but not in mPGES-1 knockout mice. In wild-type mice, PGE(2) induced apnea and irregular breathing patterns in vivo and inhibited brainstem respiratory rhythm generation in vitro. Mice lacking the EP3 receptor (EP3R) for PGE(2) exhibited fewer apneas and sustained brainstem respiratory activity, demonstrating that PGE(2) exerts its respiratory effects via EP3R. In human neonates, the infectious marker C-reactive protein was correlated with elevated PGE(2) in the cerebrospinal fluid, and elevated central PGE(2) was associated with an increased apnea frequency. We conclude that IL-1beta adversely affects breathing and its control by mPGES-1 activation and PGE(2) binding to brainstem EP3 receptors, resulting in increased apnea frequency and hypoxia-induced mortality.

Gender differences in murine airway responsiveness and lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation.

The roles of gender and sex hormones in lung function and disease are complex and not completely understood. The present study examined the influence of gender on lung function and respiratory mechanics in naive mice and on acute airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness induced by intratracheal LPS administration. Basal lung function characteristics did not differ between naive males and females, but males demonstrated significantly greater airway responsiveness than females following aerosolized methacholine challenge as evidenced by increased respiratory system resistance and elastance (p < 0.05). Following LPS administration, males developed more severe hypothermia and greater airway hyperresponsiveness than females (p < 0.05). Inflammatory indices including bronchoalveolar lavage fluid total cells, neutrophils, and TNF-alpha content were greater in males than in females 6 h following LPS administration (p < 0.05), whereas whole-lung TLR-4 protein levels did not differ among treatment groups, suggesting that differential expression of TLR-4 before or after LPS exposure did not underlie the observed inflammatory outcomes. Gonadectomy decreased airway inflammation in males but did not alter inflammation in females, whereas administration of exogenous testosterone to intact females increased their inflammatory responses to levels observed in intact males. LPS-induced airway hyperresponsiveness was also decreased in castrated males and was increased in females administered exogenous testosterone. Collectively, these data indicate that airway responsiveness in naive mice is influenced by gender, and that male mice have exaggerated airway inflammatory and functional responses to LPS compared with females. These gender differences are mediated, at least in part, by effects of androgens.

Is loaded breathing an inflammatory stimulus?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize recent data indicating that loaded breathing generates an inflammatory response. RECENT FINDINGS: Loaded breathing initiates an inflammatory response consisting of elevation of plasma cytokines and recruitment and activation of lymphocyte subpopulations. These cytokines do not originate from monocytes but are instead produced within the diaphragm secondary to the increased muscle activation. Oxidative stress is a major stimulus for the cytokine induction secondary to loaded breathing. The production of cytokines within the diaphragm may mediate the diaphragm muscle fiber injury that occurs with strenuous contractions, or contribute to the expected repair process. These cytokines may also compromise diaphragmatic contractility or contribute to the development of muscle cachexia. They may also have systemic effects, mobilizing glucose from the liver and free fatty acids from the adipose tissue to the strenuously working respiratory muscles. At the same time, they stimulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, leading to the production of adrenocorticotropic hormone and beta-endorphins. The adrenocorticotropic hormone response may represent an attempt of the organism to reduce the injury occurring in the respiratory muscles through the production of glucocorticoids and the induction of the acute-phase response proteins. The beta-endorphin response would decrease the activation of the respiratory muscles and change the pattern of breathing, which becomes more rapid and shallow, possibly in an attempt to reduce and/or prevent further injury to the respiratory muscles. SUMMARY: Loaded breathing is an immune challenge for the body, initiating an inflammatory response. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of this response in the development of ventilatory failure.

Roles for early response cytokines during Escherichia coli pneumonia revealed by mice with combined deficiencies of all signaling receptors for TNF and IL-1.

During infection, inflammation is essential for host defense, but it can injure tissues and compromise organ function. TNF-alpha and IL-1 (alpha and beta) are early response cytokines that facilitate inflammation. To determine the roles of these cytokines with overlapping functions, we generated mice deficient in all of the three receptors mediating their effects (TNFR1, TNFR2, and IL-1RI). During Escherichia coli pneumonia, receptor deficiency decreased neutrophil recruitment and edema accumulation to half of the levels observed in wild-type mice. Thus these receptors contributed to maximal responses, but substantial inflammation progressed independently of them. Receptor deficiency compromised antibacterial efficacy for some infectious doses. Decreased ventilation during E. coli pneumonia was not affected by receptor deficiency. However, the loss of lung compliance during pneumonia was substantially attenuated by receptor deficiency. Thus during E. coli pneumonia in mice, the lack of signaling from TNF-alpha and IL-1 decreases inflammation and preserves lung compliance.

Respiratory hypersensitivity to trimellitic anhydride in Brown Norway rats: analysis of dose-response following topical induction and time course following repeated inhalation challenge.

Trimellitic anhydride (TMA) is a low-molecular-weight chemical known to cause occupational asthma. The dose-response study was designed to determine whether respiratory responses during a single inhalation challenge with TMA (25-30 mg/m3 for 30 min, 3 weeks after the initial induction), the ensuing non-specific airway hyperresponsiveness (AH) to methacholine (MCh) aerosol, and infiltration of eosinophilic granulocytes into the lungs of sensitized Brown Norway (BN) rats are associated and dependent on the concentration of TMA used for topical induction. The initial topical exposure concentrations were 1, 5, and 25% TMA in acetone:olive oil (AOO) followed by a booster induction 1 week later. In the time course study BN rats received AOO alone or were sensitized to the minimal sensitizing topical concentration of TMA (5%) and were the subsequently challenged with TMA on Days 17, 24, 41, 47, 55, and 66, followed by a MCh challenge 1 day later. One additional group of rats was sensitized to 5% TMA but were repeatedly challenged with MCh without prior TMA challenge. In the dose-response study the rats sensitized topically to TMA (5 and 25% in AOO) displayed unequivocal changes in breathing patterns upon challenge with TMA, including an increased responsiveness to MCh aerosol. These findings were associated with a sustained pulmonary eosinophilic inflammation. All endpoints demonstrated consistently that 5% TMA in AOO constitutes the minimal sensitizing concentration. When rats were topically sensitized with this concentration and repeatedly challenged with TMA over a time period of 7 weeks, it became apparent that challenge exposures in BN rats may be false negative when performed at time periods less than 3 weeks after the initial induction. Despite the time-related increased responsiveness elicited by the repeated TMA challenge exposures, the MCh challenge revealed increased non-specific airway hyperreactivity exclusively on Day 17. After the sixth TMA-challenge, the respiratory response and lung weights of rats sensitized topically were essentially similar to those observed in the repetitively re-challenged control group (induction: vehicle only; repeated booster challenge exposures with TMA). Thus, it appears, that in this animal model the effective concentration for successful topical sensitization must be at least approximately 5%. The repeated low-dose re-challenge with TMA in topically sensitized rats resulted in similar or slightly aggravated time-related responses over a period of 7 weeks. An over-proportionally increased susceptibility of rats receiving a topical priming dose prior to repeated inhalation challenge exposures was not observed. In summary, this study shows that the analysis of functional changes in breathing patterns is suitable to identify respiratory allergy. Repeated short-term inhalation exposures to mildly irritant concentrations (but low doses) of chemical asthmagens may be of higher concern than topical exposures.

Effect of ventilatory rate on airway cytokine levels and lung injury.

BACKGROUND: Controversy exists regarding the effect of large-volume mechanical ventilation (MV), as a sole stimulus, on the pulmonary cytokine milieu. We used a well described experimental model of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) to examine the impact of large volume ventilation on pulmonary cytokines in vivo and to study the effect of respiratory rate (RR) variation on these levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty rats (410 +/- 47 g) were randomized to: 1) non ventilated control; 2) V(t) = 40 ml/kg, RR = 40 bpm; 3) V(t) = 40 ml/kg, RR = 20 bpm; 4) V(t) = 7 ml/kg, RR = 40 bpm; or 5) V(t) = 7 ml/kg, RR = 20 bpm. After 1 h of MV, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and serum were collected. BAL was analyzed for urea, protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)alpha and interleukin (IL)-6. Epithelial lining fluid volume (ELF) was calculated. RESULTS: Regardless of RR, animals ventilated at 7 ml/kg did not differ from control in any outcome. In contrast, MV at 40 ml/kg V(t) with 40 bpm produced lung injury characterized by significant elevations of BAL TNFalpha, IL-6, protein, ELF, and LDH. At 40 ml/kg V(t), RR reduction (20 bpm) significantly reduced all injury measures. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that large-volume MV, as a sole stimulus, produces lung injury and cytokine release. Whereas increasing RR at low V(t) has little impact on injury parameters, RR reduction under VILI-promoting conditions significantly limits lung injury.

Meconium aspiration produces airway hyperresponsiveness and eosinophilic inflammation in a murine model.

Meconium aspiration syndrome is a cause of significant morbidity and mortality in the perinatal period and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of airway dysfunction. In this study, we developed a murine model to evaluate the effects of meconium aspiration on airway physiology and lung cellular responses. Under light anesthesia, BALB/c mice received a single intratracheal instillation of meconium or physiological saline. Respiratory mechanics were measured in unrestrained animals and expressed as percent increase in enhanced pause to increasing concentrations of methacholine (MCh). Furthermore, we assessed the changes in cells and cytokines into the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). We found meconium aspiration produced increased airway responsiveness to MCh at 7 days. These functional changes were associated with lymphocytic/eosinophilic inflammation, goblet cell metaplasia, and increased concentrations of IL-5 and IL-13 in the BALF. Our findings suggest meconium aspiration leads to alterations of airway function, lung eosinophilia, goblet cell metaplasia, and cytokine imbalance, thus providing the first evidence of meconium-induced airway dysfunction in a mouse model.

Temporal correlation of measurements of airway hyperresponsiveness in ovalbumin-sensitized mice.

Airway hyperresponsiveness, airway inflammation, and reversible airway obstruction are physiological hallmarks of asthma. These responses are increasingly being studied in murine models of antigen exposure and challenge, using whole body plethysmography to noninvasively assess airway hyperresponsiveness. This approach infrequently has been correlated with indexes of airway hyperresponsiveness measured by invasive means. Furthermore, correlation with quantitative histological data for tissue infiltration by inflammatory and immune cells, particularly in the wall of airways, during daily airway challenge is lacking. To address these uncertainties, we used C57BL/6 mice that were immunized with ovalbumin or vehicle (saline) and sensitized to aerosolized ovalbumin or vehicle 8 days later. The mice were subsequently exposed to aerosolized ovalbumin or vehicle, respectively, on days 14-22. We assessed airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine noninvasively on days 14, 15, 18, or 22; we studied the same mice 24 h later while they were anesthetized for invasive analyses of airway hyperresponsiveness. Plasma total IgE concentration was significantly higher in the ovalbumin-treated mice compared with the vehicle-treated mice, but this did not correlate with eosinophil number. Peak airway hyperresponsiveness measured by either approach correlated early during daily antigen challenge (days 14 and 15), but this correlation was lost later during subsequent daily antigen challenges (days 18 and 22). On days 14 and 15, peak airway hyperresponsiveness correlated with transmigration of neutrophils and macrophages, but not lymphocytes, in the peribronchovascular connective tissue sheaths. This extravascular accumulation was found to be focal by three-dimensional microscopy. We conclude that, although ovalbumin treatment changed lung function in mice, correlation between noninvasive and invasive measures of peak airway hyperresponsiveness was inconsistent.