Hypersensitivity pneumonitis induced by Penicillium notatum antigens in guinea pigs

Data concerning the experimental induction of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in guinea pigs using a glycoprotein derived from Penicillium notatum are presented. This antigen was obtained from the mycelial and metabolic products of the cultures passed through a Sephadex G-50 column. It was aerosolized for inhalation by adult guinea pigs for 12 weeks to detect specific serum IgM, IgG and IgE antibodies as well as sensitized leukotriene CD4 cells. Histopathological studies of the lungs showed interstitial infiltrates of macrophages and leukotriene cells, cellular bronchiolitis and single non-necrotizing granulomas. The results from this animal model suggest that this hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a typical delayed-type reaction due to chronic contact with the heterologous glycoprotein of Penicillium.