Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
09:58
A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice
Published on: April 13, 2010
Human eosinophil major basic protein induces airway constriction and airway hyperresponsiveness in primates
R H Gundel1, L G Letts, G J Gleich
1Department of Pharmacology, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut 06877.
The Journal of Clinical Investigation
|April 1, 1991
Summary
Eosinophil major basic protein (MBP) directly increases airway hyperresponsiveness in primates, suggesting a key role in inflammatory lung diseases. This study highlights MBP
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary immunology
- Respiratory medicine
- Cellular biology
Background:
- Eosinophils are implicated in inflammatory lung diseases.
- The specific role of eosinophil granule proteins in airway hyperresponsiveness is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the direct effects of eosinophil granule proteins on primate pulmonary function and airway responsiveness.
Main Methods:
- Direct intratracheal instillation of purified eosinophil granule proteins (MBP, EPO, etc.) into primates.
- Assessment of pulmonary function and airway responsiveness to methacholine.
Main Results:
- Major basic protein (MBP) administration significantly increased airway responsiveness to methacholine in a dose-dependent manner.
- MBP and eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) caused transient bronchoconstriction.
- Other eosinophil granule proteins did not affect airway responsiveness or pulmonary function.
Conclusions:
- Eosinophil major basic protein (MBP) plays a direct role in the pathogenesis of airway hyperresponsiveness.
- MBP may interact with airway tissue cells, contributing to altered lung function in inflammatory conditions like asthma.
Related Concept Videos
02:06Allergic Reactions
Overview
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.
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
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...