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Updated: Apr 5, 2026
A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice
Published on: April 13, 2010
[Effects of chitin micro-particles on airway inflammation in a mouse neutrophilic asthmatic model]
Objective:
To investigate the impact of chitin micro-particles ( CMPs) on the airway inflammation and the cytokine levels of IL-10 and IL-17 in mice with neutrophilic asthma (NA).
Methods:
Thirty 4- to 6-week-old BALB/c mice were divided into 5 groups based on random number table: healthy control group, CMP control group (CMP intervention, PBS sensitization and PBS challenge), NA group (PBS intervention, OVA + LPS sensitization and OVA challenge), CMP treatment group (CMP intervention, OVA + LPS sensitization and OVA challenge) , and DXM treatment group ( DXM intervention, OVA + LPS sensitization and OVA challenge). Each group included 6 mice. Twenty four hours (24 h) after the last challenge, airway resistance was measured, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum were collected, and lung tissue was taken for HE staining. Wright's staining was performed on BALF for white blood cell differential count. The ELISA method was used to determine the content of cytokine IL-17 in BALF and lung tissue homogenate and the content of cytokine IL-10 in serum.
Results:
A large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated the surroundings of bronchus and blood vessel in the NA group. The airway inflammation in the CMP treatment group was significantly milder than that in the NA group and the DXM treatment group, but more severe than that in the healthy control group and the CMP control group. The number of BALF neutrophils in the CMP treatment group [(5.1 ± 2.0) x 10(5)/ml] was significantly lower than that in the NA group [(9.2 ± 2.0) x 10(5)/ml] and the DXM treatment group [(7.9 ± 2.3) x 10(5)/ml], but higher than that in the healthy control group [(1.4 ± 0.4 ) x 10(5)/ml] and the CMP control group [(1.5 ± 0.7) x 10(5)/ml], the difference being statistically significant (F = 27.1, P < 0.05). The content of IL-10 in serum in the CMP treatment group increased significantly [(80 ± 16) ng/L], and was higher than that in the NA group [(15 ± 8) ng/L], the healthy control group [(29 ± 10) ng/L], the CMP control group [(28 ± 7) ng/L] and the DXM treatment group [(18 ± 10) ng/L] (F = 37.1, P < 0.05). The content of IL-17 in BALF in the CMP treatment group [(86 ± 10) ng/L] was significantly lower than that in the NA group [(111 ± 11) ng/L] and the DXM treatment group [(101 ± 9) ng/L], but higher than that in the healthy control group [(63 ± 10) ng/L] and the CMP control group [(65 ± 8) ng/L] (F = 32.2, P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
CMP may alleviate the airway inflammation of mice with neutrophilic asthma by reducing IL-17 in airways.
Insights
Chitin micro-particles (CMPs) reduced airway inflammation in a mouse model of neutrophilic asthma. CMPs decreased the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17 while increasing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.
Area of Science:
- Immunology and Respiratory Medicine
- Biomaterials and Nanotechnology
Background:
- Neutrophilic asthma (NA) is characterized by airway inflammation and elevated levels of specific cytokines.
- Chitin micro-particles (CMPs) are being investigated for their potential therapeutic effects in inflammatory conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of chitin micro-particles (CMPs) in mitigating airway inflammation in a mouse model of neutrophilic asthma (NA).
- To assess the impact of CMPs on the levels of key cytokines, specifically IL-10 and IL-17, in the context of NA.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice were divided into five groups: healthy control, CMP control, NA model, CMP treatment, and dexamethasone (DXM) treatment.
- The NA model was induced using ovalbumin (OVA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) sensitization and challenge.
- Airway resistance, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) analysis (cell counts, IL-17), serum IL-10, and lung tissue histology were assessed.
Main Results:
- Chitin micro-particle (CMP) treatment significantly reduced airway inflammation and neutrophil infiltration in NA mice compared to the NA and DXM groups.
- CMP treatment led to a significant increase in serum IL-10 levels and a significant decrease in BALF IL-17 levels.
- While CMPs alleviated inflammation, the airway inflammation remained more severe than in healthy or CMP control groups.
Conclusions:
- Chitin micro-particles (CMPs) demonstrate a therapeutic potential in ameliorating airway inflammation associated with neutrophilic asthma (NA) in mice.
- The anti-inflammatory effects of CMPs appear to be mediated, at least in part, by modulating IL-17 and IL-10 cytokine profiles.
