Chronic Mixed-Allergen Exposure Induces Pulmonary Arterial Remodeling and Vascular Dysfunction in Mice

Chronic asthma can be associated with secondary pulmonary vascular dysfunction, however, the detailed functional profiling of the asthmatic pulmonary artery remains understudied. In this study, we characterized cardiopulmonary and vascular dysfunction in a chronic mixed allergen (MA) mouse model of asthma. Wild-type mice were intranasally challenged with MA or PBS for four weeks, followed by in vivo respiratory mechanics (flexiVent), ex vivo pulmonary artery wire myography, structural morphometry, and right ventricular analysis (Fulton Index). Chronic MA exposure induced significant airway hyperresponsiveness, evidenced by elevated airway resistance (Rrs) and elastance (Ers) with reduced compliance (Crs). Lung histology revealed increased pulmonary artery medial wall thickness and smooth muscle hyperplasia. Wire myography demonstrated enhanced serotonin (5-HT)-induced vasoconstriction and endothelial dysfunction in MA mice, evidenced by blunted endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh) with preserved endothelium-independent relaxation to sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Lastly MA mice had significant right ventricular hypertrophy by Fulton index. Collectively, chronic allergic airway inflammation drives vascular remodeling, endothelial dysfunction, and smooth muscle hyperreactivity in pulmonary arteries. This study demonstrates substantial structural and functional consequences of MA exposure to the pulmonary vasculature that models asthmatic pulmonary vascular dysfunction.