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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
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Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
Passive transfer of methacholine sensitivity from man to monkey
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|March 1, 1987
Summary
Serum from allergic humans can cause airway hyperreactivity in primates, mimicking asthma. This suggests a serum factor contributes to the airway issues seen in allergic asthma.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Allergology
Background:
- Asthma is characterized by hyperreactive airways.
- The role of serum factors in allergic airway hyperreactivity is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if serum from allergic humans can induce airway hyperreactivity in a nonhuman primate model.
- To identify potential serum-mediated mechanisms contributing to asthma-like symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Nonhuman primates were infused with serum from allergic or nonallergic humans.
- Animals were challenged with methacholine aerosol to assess airway reactivity.
- Pulmonary function and apnea thresholds were measured.
Main Results:
- Infusion of unheated serum from allergic humans significantly increased airway reactivity.
- Infusion of nonallergic or heated allergic serum did not induce similar hyperreactivity.
- The model demonstrated increased airway responsiveness to methacholine after exposure to allergic serum.
Conclusions:
- A factor present in the serum of allergic humans appears to play a role in inducing airway hyperreactivity.
- This finding supports the hypothesis that serum factors contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma.
- The study provides a model for investigating allergic airway diseases.
