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Blood eosinophils, leukotriene C4 generation, and bronchial hyperreactivity in formerly preterm infants

U Schauer1, S Alefsen, R Jäger

  • 1Universitäts Kinderklinik, Philipps Universität, Marburg.

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|December 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Bronchial hyperreactivity in preterm infants is linked to eosinophils generating more leukotriene C4. This suggests eosinophil prestimulation plays a role in their airway hyperresponsiveness.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Preterm infants often exhibit persistent bronchial hyperreactivity, a condition whose underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown.
  • Eosinophils are implicated in the pathogenesis of bronchial hyperreactivity, particularly in asthma.
  • This study investigates the link between bronchial hyperresponsiveness and markers of eosinophilic inflammation in children born prematurely.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the relationship between bronchial hyperresponsiveness and specific markers of eosinophilic inflammation in the peripheral blood of formerly preterm children.
  • To compare eosinophil function in preterm children with and without bronchial hyperreactivity, healthy controls, and children with asthma.

Main Methods:

  • Evaluated eosinophil count, serum eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) concentration, and the capacity of purified eosinophils to generate leukotriene C4 (LTC4).
  • Assessed bronchial reactivity in 24 non-atopic children born prematurely, 12 healthy controls, and 12 children with asthma (aged 6-9 years).
  • Investigated eosinophil LTC4 generation with and without prestimulation by platelet-activating factor (PAF).

Main Results:

  • No significant differences were observed in serum ECP concentrations or peripheral blood eosinophil counts among the groups.
  • Eosinophils from preterm children with significant bronchial hyperreactivity produced markedly higher amounts of LTC4 compared to healthy controls and preterm children without hyperreactivity.
  • LTC4 generation by eosinophils from hyperresponsive preterm children was comparable to that of children with asthma.
  • Notably, eosinophils from hyperresponsive preterm children did not show enhanced LTC4 generation upon PAF prestimulation, unlike cells from other groups.

Conclusions:

  • Bronchial hyperreactivity in children born prematurely is associated with prestimulated eosinophils.
  • The findings suggest a specific activation state of eosinophils contributes to airway hyperresponsiveness in this population.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise role of eosinophil activation pathways in post-prematurity respiratory issues.

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