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Chlamydophila pneumoniae induces a sustained airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in mice

Francesco Blasi1, Stefano Aliberti, Luigi Allegra

  • 1Institute of Respiratory Diseases, University of Milan, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Fondazione Policlinico-Mangiagalli-Regina Elena, Milano, Italy. francesco.blasi@unimi.it

Respiratory Research
|November 21, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection causes airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in mice. This finding suggests the bacterium may worsen respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD.

Area of Science:

  • Respiratory medicine
  • Infectious diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Chlamydophila pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) is implicated in asthma and COPD.
  • The impact of C. pneumoniae on airway function remains uninvestigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of C. pneumoniae infection on airway function in a mouse model.

Main Methods:

  • Mice were intranasally inoculated with C. pneumoniae (strain AR39).
  • Airway function, inflammation, and cellular changes were assessed on days 2, 7, 14, and 21 post-infection.

Main Results:

  • C. pneumoniae infection led to sustained airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation starting from day 7.
  • Elevated levels of Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and macrophage inflammatory chemokine-2 (MIP-2) were observed.
  • Epithelial damage and secretory cell hypertrophy were noted from day 7 to 21.

Conclusions:

  • C. pneumoniae infection modifies bronchial responsiveness.
  • These modifications, along with inflammation, may exacerbate or trigger breathlessness in asthma and COPD patients.

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