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A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice
Published on: April 13, 2010
The Temporal Evolution of Airways Hyperresponsiveness and Inflammation.
Erik Riesenfeld1, Gilman B Allen, Jason Ht Bates
1Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown, NY, USA.
Journal of Allergy & Therapy
|April 9, 2013
Summary
Airways hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in mouse asthma models changes over time. Studying this dynamic AHR response offers insights into varying asthma symptoms in humans.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Allergy Research
Background:
- Airways hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is a hallmark of asthma.
- AHR in mouse models typically develops rapidly after antigen exposure.
- AHR can resolve with continued antigen challenge, mirroring human asthma variability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal evolution of AHR in an allergic mouse model.
- To characterize the distinct AHR phenotypes at different time points after antigen challenge.
- To correlate AHR changes with inflammatory profiles and cytokine levels.
Main Methods:
- Mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) and challenged at different time points (days 21, 25, and 55).
- Airway resistance (R), lung elastance (H), and tissue damping (G) were measured to assess AHR.
- Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was analyzed for inflammatory cells, cytokines, and protein levels.
Main Results:
- Early AHR (Short Challenge) showed increased R and neutrophils.
- Later AHR (Standard Challenge) exhibited increased H and G with eosinophilic inflammation.
- Late AHR (Recall Challenge) displayed increased G and H with mixed inflammation and elevated cytokines.
Conclusions:
- The AHR phenotype in allergic mice evolves distinctly over time.
- Both the nature of inflammation and the location of AHR response change dynamically.
- Understanding temporal AHR variation is crucial for accurate modeling of human asthma.
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