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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
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Dissecting the inflammatory twitch in allergically inflamed mice
Joshua J Pothen1, Matthew E Poynter1, Lennart K A Lundblad1
1Department of Medicine, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont.
Summary
This study found that allergic lung inflammation has a refractory period, meaning it cannot be immediately re-initiated. This refractory period, lasting about a month, is crucial for understanding the self-limited nature of allergic responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Allergy Research
Background:
- Allergic inflammatory responses in the lungs were previously hypothesized to be self-limited.
- A key prediction is the existence of a refractory period post-inflammation, preventing re-initiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that allergic lung inflammation is followed by a refractory period.
- To determine the duration of refractory periods for various inflammatory mediators and lung function parameters.
Main Methods:
- Ovalbumin-sensitized BALB/c mice were challenged with aerosolized ovalbumin for varying durations (3-31 days).
- Airways responsiveness, cell counts, and cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were measured.
- Measurements were also taken after rest periods and a recall antigen challenge to assess refractoriness.
Main Results:
- Refractory periods for GM-CSF, KC, and IL-5 were ≤10 days; IFNγ and IL-10 were ≤28 days.
- Refractory periods for total leukocytes and neutrophils were ≤28 days; eosinophils were >28 days.
- Airways resistance had a refractory period <17 days, while lung elastance was >28 days.
Conclusions:
- Components of allergic lung inflammation exhibit finite refractory periods.
- The overall refractory period for the complete allergic inflammatory response is approximately one month.
