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An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
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Release of leukotriene C4 in respiratory tract during acute viral infection

B Volovitz1, H Faden, P L Ogra

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York at Buffalo.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|February 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Respiratory viruses elevate leukotriene C4 (LTC4) levels in wheezing children, suggesting a link between viral infections and inflammation. This mediator release may contribute to virus-induced bronchospasm in the respiratory tract.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
  • Immunology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Wheezing in children is often associated with respiratory illnesses.
  • The role of specific inflammatory mediators in virus-induced wheezing requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the concentration of leukotriene C4 (LTC4) in nasopharyngeal secretions of children with and without wheezing during respiratory illness.
  • To determine the association between respiratory viral infections and LTC4 levels in wheezing children.

Main Methods:

  • Nasopharyngeal secretions were collected from three groups of children: those with wheezing during respiratory illness, those without wheezing during respiratory illness, and healthy controls.
  • Leukotriene C4 (LTC4) concentration was measured using reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography and radioimmunoassay.

Main Results:

  • LTC4 was detected in most wheezing children.
  • Significantly elevated LTC4 levels were observed in wheezing children with respiratory viruses (mean 1520 pg/0.1 mL) compared to those without viral evidence (mean 709 pg/0.1 mL).
  • Healthy children showed minimal LTC4 activity (mean 106 pg/0.1 mL).

Conclusions:

  • Respiratory viruses appear to stimulate the release of inflammatory mediators like LTC4.
  • Virus-induced bronchospasm may involve direct mucosal cell-virus interactions and the release of LTC4 in the respiratory tract.

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