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Influence of age on the development of immunological lung response in intrauterine undernourishment

Maristella A Landgraf1, Richardt G Landgraf, Sonia Jancar

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. mvitta@usp.br

Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)
|March 4, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Intrauterine undernourishment significantly reduced allergic lung inflammation in rat offspring, impacting immunoglobulin E production and mucus secretion. This effect was age-dependent, highlighting early nutrition

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Early life nutrition profoundly influences immune system development.
  • Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by airway inflammation.
  • Intrauterine growth restriction is a risk factor for adverse health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of intrauterine undernourishment on allergic lung inflammation in a rat model.
  • To evaluate the age-dependent effects of intrauterine undernourishment on asthma features.

Main Methods:

  • Rats were subjected to intrauterine undernourishment or normal nutrition.
  • Offspring were immunized and challenged at 5 and 9 weeks of age.
  • Assessed immunoglobulin E (IgE) titers, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cell counts, leukotriene levels, airway reactivity, mucus production, corticosterone, and leptin.

Main Results:

  • Intrauterine undernourishment reduced IgE production, inflammatory cell infiltration, mucus secretion, and leukotriene levels.
  • Airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine was not affected by undernourishment.
  • Undernourished offspring exhibited elevated corticosterone levels, independent of age and challenge, and blunted leptin response to challenge.

Conclusions:

  • Intrauterine undernourishment significantly reduces allergic lung inflammation in offspring.
  • The observed effects are age-dependent, suggesting critical developmental windows.
  • Early nutritional deficits can alter immune responses and hormonal profiles, impacting asthma development.
Abstract

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