Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 21, 2026
09:58
A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice
Published on: April 13, 2010
Bronchoprovocation: effect on priming and desensitization phenomenon in the lung
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|November 1, 1975
Summary
This study investigated antigen priming in asthma patients. Researchers found no evidence of increased airway sensitivity to ragweed antigen after repeated challenges or during natural pollen exposure.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary immunology
- Allergy and immunology
- Respiratory medicine
Background:
- Antigen priming, or heightened sensitivity, has not been established in lung tissue.
- Understanding priming is crucial for asthma symptomology during seasonal pollen exposure.
- It impacts experimental designs involving serial antigen bronchoprovocations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether repeated bronchial antigen challenges induce priming in asthma patients.
- To determine if natural pollen exposure during the pollen season leads to increased bronchial sensitivity.
- To assess the day-to-day variability in antigen sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- Thirteen patients with seasonal asthma and ragweed allergy underwent daily bronchial challenges with ragweed antigen.
- Airway conductance was measured using body plethysmography to determine the Provocation Dose 35 (PD35).
- Nine patients were rechallenged during the pollen season to assess natural exposure effects.
Main Results:
- No consistent trend towards priming or desensitization was observed with repeated daily antigen challenges.
- Daily fluctuations in antigen sensitivity did not correlate with baseline pulmonary function.
- Rechallenge during the pollen season did not reveal a significant increase in bronchial sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- Repeated bronchial antigen challenges did not demonstrate priming in asthma patients.
- Natural pollen exposure did not significantly increase bronchial sensitivity to ragweed.
- Significant day-to-day variability exists in antigen sensitivity, necessitating consideration in bronchial challenge evaluations.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:17Gross Anatomy of the Lungs
The lungs are a pair of vital organs connected to the trachea via the left and right bronchi. The base of these organs meets the dome-shaped muscle known as the diaphragm. Encased by the pleurae, the lungs contact the mediastinum. The right lung is shorter yet wider, and has a larger volume than the left lung. The left lung has an indentation known as the cardiac notch. The superior region of the lungs is referred to as the apex, whereas the base is the lower region near the diaphragm. The...
01:19Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Besides the pressure difference between the external environment and the lungs, the airflow rate and ease of pulmonary ventilation are also influenced by three other factors: surface tension of the fluid in the alveoli, compliance of the lungs, and airway resistance.
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...