Histopathological and immunohistochemical studies on experimental asthmatic model induced by aerosolized ovalbumin...

To establish an animal model of asthma, fully sensitized guinea pigs inhaled aerosolized ovalbumin after booster treatments. At 0, 1, 3, 6, 24 and 48 hr after provocation (hap), histopathological and immunohistochemical changes in the airways of guinea pigs were examined. From 1 to 6 hap, anaphylactic changes such as perivascular edema and bronchoconstriction were detected. After that, intensive infiltration of eosinophils appeared and lasted until 48 hap. Temporal increases in the number of apoptotic cells and proliferating cell nuclear antigen positive cells were detected in the alveoli after the provocation. These findings suggest that this animal model showing both immediate and late asthmatic responses may be useful as an asthmatic model.