Effects of acute hypochlorite exposure in OVA-sensitized and challenged mice

Abstract

Background: Work-exacerbated asthma (WEA) is defined as the preexisting asthma that worsens by exposure to irritants substances at work place, such as cleaning products composed by chlorine derivatives. Aim: Investigate the impact of a single exposure of hypochlorite (NaClO) on the lung function, inflammation and remodelingin a murine model of asthma. Methods: BALB/c mice were divided in 6 groups (n=6 each): Control (Saline), NaClO 0.03%, NaClO 0.3%, OVA+NaClO 0.03% and OVA+NaClO 0.3%. Twenty-four hours after last Saline or OVA challenge, mice were submitted to an exposure of 2 minutes of NaClO at 0.03 or 0.3% and lung mechanic measurements were taken. In addition, BAL cells and cytokines (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-17) levels in lung homogenate were analysed, beyond nasal and airway mucus production. Results: NaClO exposure at 0.3% resulted in an increase of elastance and resistance of respiratory system in OVA groups (p Conclusion: Our findings suggest that this experimental model is useful to provide some experimental evidence related to WEA, since that it pointed out that a single exposure to NaClO results in increased lung inflammation, Th2 and Th17 response, remodeling and impaired lung function in mice with chronic allergic lung inflammation.