Evaluation of Cysteinyl Leukotriene-Induced Contraction of Human Cultured Bronchial Smooth Muscle Cells

Abstract

Background: Cysteinyl leukotrienes (cysLTs) are major mediators involved in bronchial asthma, particularly bronchial constriction. However, a contractile response of human bronchial smooth muscle cells (hBSMCs) to cysLTs has not been well characterized at cellular level. Methods: A contraction assay using collagen gel embedded with cultured hBSMCs was established to analyze contractile responses at cellular level. Contractile responses to several constrictors including cysLTs were evaluated in 6-day cultured gels with varying fetal bovine serum (FBS) concentrations. Results: Removal of FBS from the culture for the designated time periods resulted in increased contractile responses. CysLT-induced contraction of the gel became more pronounced and reproducible. CysLT₁R expression on the hBSMCs was significantly increased by the removal of FBS. Conclusion: Contractile responses of hBSMCs to cysLTs can be evaluated at cellular level for the first time. This experimental system may be useful for the in vitro evaluation and future development of cysLTs antagonists.