Hypergravity stimuli alleviate the Th2 allergic reaction: potential as an adjuvant anti-allergic therapy

Abstract

Recent studies suggest that changes in gravity can cause immunological effects. We investigated the changes of Th2 allergic inflammation in murine model of allergic asthma, after exposure to hypergravity. Group A (control group) was intraperitoneally and intranasally injected with physiological saline. Group B (allergic group) received intraperitoneal and nasal ovalbumin for the induction of allergic asthma. Mice in group C (normogravity control) were exposed to mild rotational stimulation (for rotational stimulus stress, but gravity itself 1G) while inducing allergy through ovalbumin administration. Finally, group D (hypergravity group) was exposed to 5 G of hypergravity through rotation throughout the period of allergic induction (4 weeks). To determine the effects of hypergravity on Th2 allergic inflammation, we measured total and OVA-specific IgE in serum. We also measured the number of inflammatory cells (eosinophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes and macrophages) in the broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL). We performed real-time PCR to detect the genetic expression of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 using lung homogenate tissue. We could find a significant decrease in serum total IgE in Group D compared to Groups B and C (p<0.05). Group D also showed significant decrease in eosinophil count in BAL fluid. Real-time PCR revealed that Th2 cytokine gene expression (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) was significantly inhibited in Group D, compared to Groups B and C (p<0.05). Moderate, proper hypergravity could have beneficial effect in individuals with allergy.