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Updated: Sep 24, 2025
Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
Ouabain modulates airway remodeling caused by Th2-high asthma in mice
José Guilherme Ferreira Marques Galvão1, Luiz Henrique Agra Cavalcante-Silva1, Éssia de Almeida Lima1
1Laboratório de Imunobiotecnologia, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, Brazil.
Objective:
Ouabain, an inhibitor of Na+/K+-ATPase, is a type of endogenous hormone synthesized in the adrenal cortex and hypothalamus. Previous studies found that ouabain potently inhibited acute inflammatory reactions such as type 2 inflammation and regulated immunological processes. In this study, we aimed to investigate ouabain effect on allergic asthma.
Methods:
BALB/c mice were submitted to chronic airway allergic inflammation induced by an ovalbumin (OVA) protocol. The animals were treated with ouabain or standard drug, budesonide. The following parameters were evaluated: cell migration, cytokine profile, IgE levels, lung histological modifications and MAPK activation.
Results:
At first, it was observed that ouabain reduced OVA-induced cell migration into the lung, observed by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell counting and lung histological analysis (HE stain). Additionally, ouabain negatively modulated alarmins (IL-33 and TSLP), Th2 high cytokines levels (IL-1β and IL-4) and tissue remodeling markers such as TNF-α and TGF-β. Treatment with ouabain also reduced OVA-specific IgE titers in BALF and serum, respectively, when compared to the OVA group. Lung histological parameters, including collagen deposition and mucus production induced by OVA were also attenuated by ouabain treatment. Finally, our results showed that p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were suppressed by ouabain in this model. All these parameters were reduced by budesonide, a steroidal anti-inflammatory standard drug.
Conclusion:
These data together suggest that, in addition to its acute anti-inflammatory action, ouabain is also able to modulate allergic asthma.
Insights
Ouabain, an endogenous hormone, effectively reduces allergic asthma symptoms by decreasing airway inflammation, immune cell migration, and IgE production. This study highlights ouabain
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Ouabain, a Na+/K+-ATPase inhibitor, is an endogenous hormone with known anti-inflammatory properties.
- Previous research indicates ouabain modulates acute inflammation and immunological responses, including type 2 inflammation.
- The potential therapeutic effects of ouabain in allergic asthma remain largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of ouabain on chronic allergic airway inflammation in a mouse model.
- To evaluate ouabain's impact on key asthma-related parameters, including cellular infiltration, cytokine profiles, and immunological markers.
Main Methods:
- Chronic allergic airway inflammation was induced in BALB/c mice using an ovalbumin (OVA) protocol.
- Mice were treated with either ouabain or budesonide (a standard anti-inflammatory drug).
- Evaluated parameters included bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell counts, cytokine levels (IL-33, TSLP, IL-1β, IL-4, TNF-α, TGF-β), OVA-specific IgE, lung histology, and MAPK pathway activation.
Main Results:
- Ouabain significantly reduced OVA-induced inflammatory cell migration into the lungs and attenuated lung tissue damage.
- Ouabain treatment decreased levels of alarmins (IL-33, TSLP), Th2 cytokines (IL-1β, IL-4), tissue remodeling markers (TNF-α, TGF-β), and OVA-specific IgE.
- Ouabain suppressed p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling and improved lung histology, including reduced collagen deposition and mucus production, similar to budesonide.
Conclusions:
- Ouabain demonstrates significant anti-allergic asthma effects beyond its acute anti-inflammatory actions.
- Ouabain modulates key pathways involved in allergic airway inflammation, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for asthma.
- The findings support further investigation into ouabain's role in managing allergic respiratory diseases.
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