PM₁₀ exposure induces bronchial hyperresponsiveness by upreguating acetylcholine muscarinic 3 receptor

Exposure to particulate matter (PM₁₀) can induce respiratory diseases that are closely related to bronchial hyperresponsiveness. However, the involved mechanism remains to be fully elucidated. This study aimed to demonstrate the effects of PM₁₀ on the acetylcholine muscarinic 3 receptor (CHRM3) expression and the role of the ERK1/2 pathway in rat bronchial smooth muscle. A whole-body PM₁₀ exposure system was used to stimulate bronchial hyperresponsiveness in rats for 2 and 4 months, accompanied by MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 injection. The whole-body plethysmography system and myography were used to detect the pulmonary and bronchoconstrictor function, respectively. The mRNA and protein levels were determined by Western blotting, qPCR, and immunofluorescence. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the inflammatory cytokines. Compared with the filtered air group, 4 months of PM₁₀ exposure significantly increased CHRM3-mediated pulmonary function and bronchial constriction, elevated CHRM3 mRNA and protein expression levels on bronchial smooth muscle, then induced bronchial hyperreactivity. Additionally, 4 months of PM₁₀ exposure caused an increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation and increased the secretion of inflammatory factors in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Treatment with the MEK1/2 inhibitor, U0126 inhibited the PM₁₀ exposure-induced phosphorylation of the ERK1/2 pathway, thereby reducing the PM₁₀ exposure-induced upregulation of CHRM3 in bronchial smooth muscle and CHRM3-mediated bronchoconstriction. U0126 could rescue PM₁₀ exposure-induced pathological changes in the bronchus. In conclusion, PM₁₀ exposure can induce bronchial hyperresponsiveness in rats by upregulating CHRM3, and the ERK1/2 pathway may be involved in this process. These findings could reveal a potential therapeutic target for air pollution induced respiratory diseases.