Ascaris Suum Antigen Research Articles

Eotaxin and Nitric Oxide Production as Markers of Inflammation in Allergic Cynomolgus Monkeys

Background: Cynomolgus monkeys have a natural hypersensitivity to Ascaris suum antigen. Inhalation of antigen produces immediate and delayed allergic reactions and an influx of inflammatory cells into the lungs. This study investigated the production of nitric oxide (NO) and the chemokine eotaxin during this allergic response. The effect of bronchoscopy alone on lung inflammatory cells was also investigated along with the time course of the eosinophil influx into the lung. Methods: Allergic cynomolgus monkeys were challenged with antigen. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed before and after challenge, and end–tidal NO was measured before and 24 h after challenge. Eotaxin was measured in the BAL fluid 6, 24 and 72 h after challenge. One group of animals was treated with dexamethasone before challenge to block the influx of cells into the lung. Results: BLA alone induced an influx of neutrophils, but not eosinophils, into the lung 24 h later. A single antigen challenge produced a marked increase in BAL eosinophils that was apparent at 6 h but increased at 72 h after challenge. The increase at 6 h was largely blocked by dexamethasone. Three antigen challenges produced elevated BAL eosinophil levels that persisted for at least 8 weeks. Eotaxin levels rose dramatically 6 h after challenge and remained the same after 24 h. By 72 h, the eotaxin levels had returned to baseline. The increase in eotaxin at 6 h was nonsignificantly reduced by dexamethasone. Exhaled NO levels doubled 24 h after challenge and were not affected by dexamethasone. Conclusions: Eotaxin and NO production were increased after airway challenge in allergic monkeys. The rise in NO was not blocked by dexamethasone. The effects of bronchoscopy on the BAL can be avoided by using alternate lungs on consecutive occasions. Eosinophils persist in the BAL for many weeks after antigen challenge.

Preparation of recombinant rat interleukin-5 by baculovirus expression system and analysis of its biological activities

Rat interleukin-5 (IL-5) cDNA was subcloned from peritoneal cells collected 4 h after intraperitoneal injection of Ascaris suum antigen solution into the immunized rats. Cysteine proteinase-deleted (CPd) rat IL-5 recombinant virus was constructed by inserting rat IL-5 cDNA into CPd virus having a deletion in the cysteine proteinase gene of the silkworm Bombyx mori nuclear polyhedrosis virus. On infection with the CPd rat IL-5 recombinant virus, the silkworm B. mori larvae produced rat IL-5 as a dimeric form in hemolymph. Recombinant rat IL-5 was purified more than 95.5% by anion-exchange chromatography and hydrophobic chromatography. The purified recombinant rat IL-5 promoted the proliferation of T88-M cells in a concentration-dependent manner, and its effect was inhibited by an anti-murine IL-5 neutralizing polyclonal antibody. When bone marrow cells from normal rats were incubated with recombinant rat IL-5 in medium containing methylcellulose, the colony formation by eosinophilic cells was induced. Furthermore, when rat peritoneal eosinophils were incubated with recombinant rat IL-5, the spontaneous decrease in the eosinophil viability was inhibited in time- and concentration-dependent manners. In addition, the recombinant rat IL-5-induced eosinophil survival was inhibited by an anti-murine IL-5 neutralizing polyclonal antibody. These findings suggest that rat IL-5 acts as B-cell growth factor II (BCGF-II), eosinophil differentiation factor (EDF), and eosinophil survival-enhancing factor.

Selectin blockade prevents antigen-induced late bronchial responses and airway hyperresponsiveness in allergic sheep.

Antigen challenge can elicit an allergic inflammatory response in the airways that involves eosinophils, basophils, and neutrophils and that is expressed physiologically as a late airway response (LAR) and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Although previous studies have suggested that E-selectin participates in these allergic airway responses, there is little information concerning the role of L-selectin. To address this question, we examined the effects of administering an L-selectin-specific monoclonal antibody, DU1-29, as well as three small molecule selectin binding inhibitors, on the development of early airway responses (EAR), LAR and AHR in allergic sheep undergoing airway challenge with Ascaris suum antigen. Sheep treated with aerosol DU1-29 before antigen challenge had a significantly reduced LAR and did not develop postchallenge AHR. No protective effect was seen when sheep were treated with a nonspecific control monoclonal antibody. Treatment with DU1-29 also reduced the severity of the EAR to antigen. Similar results were obtained with each of the three small molecule selectin inhibitors at doses that depended on their L-, but not necessarily E-selectin inhibitory capacity. The inhibition of the EAR with one of the inhibitors, TBC-1269, was associated with a reduction in histamine release. Likewise, treatment with TBC-1269 reduced the number of neutrophils recovered in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) during the time of LAR and AHR. TBC-1269, given 90 min after antigen challenge also blocked the LAR and the AHR, but this protection was lost if the treatment was withheld until 4 h after challenge, a result consistent with the proposed time course of L-selectin involvement in leukocyte trafficking. These are the first data indicating that L-selectin may have a unique cellular function that modulates allergen-induced pulmonary responses.

Molecular-weight-dependent effects of nonanticoagulant heparins on allergic airway responses.

We have hypothesized that antiallergic activity of inhaled heparin is molecular weight dependent and mediated by "nonanticoagulant fractions" (NAF-heparin). Therefore, we studied comparative effects of high-, medium-, and ultralow-molecular-weight (HMW, MMW, and ULMW, respectively) NAF-heparins on acute bronchoconstrictor response (ABR) and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in allergic sheep. Specific lung resistance was measured in 23 allergic sheep, before and immediately after challenge with Ascaris suum antigen, without and after pretreatment with inhaled NAF-heparins. Airway responsiveness was estimated before and 2 h postantigen as the cumulative provocating dose of carbachol in breath units, which increased specific lung resistance by 400%. NAF-heparins attenuated ABR and AHR in a molecular-weight-dependent fashion. HMW NAF-heparin (n = 8) was the least effective agent: it attenuated ABR [inhibitory dose causing 50% protection (ID50) = 4 mg/kg] but had no effect on AHR. MMW NAF-heparin (n = 8) showed intermediate efficacy (ABR ID50 = 0.8 mg/kg, AHR ID50 = 1.4 mg/kg), whereas ULMW NAF-heparin (n = 7) was the most effective agent (ABR ID50 = 0.4 mg/kg, AHR ID50 = 0.2 mg/kg). ULMW NAF-heparin was 3.5 times more potent in attenuating antigen-induced AHR when administered "after" antigen challenge and failed to inhibit the bronchoconstrictor response to carbachol and histamine. In 15 additional sheep, segmental antigen challenge caused a marked increase in histamine in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid that was not prevented by any of the inhaled NAF-heparins. These data indicate that antiallergic activity of inhaled heparin is independent of its anticoagulant action and resides in the <2,500 ULMW chains. The antiallergic activity of NAF-heparins is mediated by an unknown biological action and may have therapeutic potential.

Prevalence of anti-Toxocara antibodies in a random sample of inpatients at a children's hospital in Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil.

In the streets of Vitória, in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil, are large number of stray dogs, many of which are infected with Toxocara canis, suggesting a high risk for human infection. In order to investigate the prevalence of Toxocara infection in children in Espírito Santo we studied the prevalence of anti-Toxocara antibodies in 100 random inpatients over one year of age, at the Children's Hospital N.S. da Glória, the reference children's hospital for the State. All the sera were collected during the period between October 1996 and January 1997. The mean age was 6.6 +/- 4.1 yrs. (1 to 14 yrs., median 6 yrs.) and there were patients from all of the different wards of the hospital. Sixty-eight patients came from the metropolitan area of Vitória and the other 32 from 17 other municipalities. The anti-Toxocara antibodies were investigated by ELISA-IgG using a secretory-excretory antigen obtained from second stage larvae. All sera were adsorbed with Ascaris suum antigen before the test. Thirty-nine sera (39%) were positive, predominantly from boys, but the gender difference was not statistically significant (boys: 25/56 or 44.6%; girls: 14/44 or 31.8%; p = 0.311). The prevalence of positive sera was higher, but not statistically significant, in children from the urban periphery of metropolitan Vitória (formed by the cities of Vitória, Cariacica, Vila Velha, Serra and Viana) than in children from 17 other municipalities (44.1% and 28.1% respectively, p = 0.190). Although the samples studied do not represent all children living in the State of Espírito Santo, since the Children's Hospital N.S. da Glória admits only patients from the state health system, it is probable that these results indicate a high frequency of Toxocara infection in children living in Espírito Santo. Further studies of population samples are necessary to ascertain the prevalence of Toxocara infection in our country.

Differential effects of cyclosporine A after acute antigen challenge in sensitized cats in vivo and ex vivo.

1. We determined the effect of cyclosporine A (CsA) treatment on mast cell degranulation and lung resistance (R(L)) in vivo, and tracheal smooth muscle (TSM) contraction ex vivo after antigen challenge in sensitized cats. We also determined the direct effects of addition of CsA to the tissue bath on antigen-induced responses of TSM in vitro. 2. Cats (n=10) were sensitized by i.m. injection of Ascaris suum antigen (AA); 5 cats (CsA+) received CsA twice daily for 2 weeks before acute antigen challenge in doses sufficient to suppress interleukin-2 secretion from feline peripheral blood mononuclear cells ex vivo. 3. Lung resistance increased comparably within 10 min of exposure to AA (P<0.03). Histamine content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from both groups increased comparably within 30 min of antigen challenge, from undetectable levels to 542+/-74 pg ml(-1) post AA for CsA+ and from 74+/-19 pg ml(-1) at baseline, to 970+/-180 pg ml(-1) post AA CsA- (P<0.05; P=NS vs CsA+). 4. In excised TSM, active tension elicited by exposure to AA in vitro was 107+/-38% KCl in the CsA+ group vs 144+/-56% KCl in the CsA- group (P=NS). However, contraction of TSM (n=4) harvested from both groups was abolished or greatly diminished after AA challenge when tissues were pre-incubated with 1 microM CsA in vitro (8+/-8% KCl, P<0.05 vs CsA+ and CsA-). This was associated with inhibited release of 5-hydroxytryptamine into the organ bath fluid of tissues treated with CsA in vitro only. 5. We demonstrated that CsA treatment in vivo does not inhibit the early phase asthmatic response or mast cell degranulation following antigen challenge in sensitized cats. Additionally, the effects of CsA on mast cell function ex vivo do not reflect lack of effects of CsA on mast cell function in vivo in this animal model of atopic asthma.

Inhibition of antigen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness by ultralow molecular-weight heparin.

Unfractionated heparin (UF-heparin) has been shown to prevent antigen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), but it is ineffective when administered after the antigen challenge. We hypothesized that the failure of UF-heparin to modify postantigen AHR might depend on molecular weight. We therefore studied the effects of UF-heparin and three low-molecular-weight heparin fractions (medium-molecular-weight heparin [MMWH]; low-molecular-weight heparin [LMWH]; and ultralow-molecular-weight heparin [ULMWH]) on antigen-induced AHR and histamine release in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Specific lung resistance (SRL) was measured in 20 allergic sheep before, immediately after, and up to 2 h after challenge with Ascaris suum antigen. Airway responsiveness was expressed as the cumulative provocative dose of carbachol, in breath units, that increased SRL by 400% (PD400). PD400 was determined before and 2 h after antigen, both without and after treatment with aerosolized UF-heparin (1,000 U/kg) and various heparin fractions (0.04 mg/kg to 5 mg/kg) administered after the antigen challenge. Inhaled UF-heparin (n = 4), MMWH (n = 4), and LMWH (n = 6) failed to modify postantigen AHR when administered after the challenge. Only ULMWH (n = 6) inhibited postantigen AHR in a dose-dependent manner (percent protection ranged from 31% to 139%). In eight additional sheep, histamine in BALF was measured with a radioimmunoassay (RIA) before and after the segmental antigen challenge, without and after pretreatment with inhaled UF-heparin, LMWH, or ULMWH. Inhaled UF-heparin and LMWH inhibited antigen-induced histamine release as measured in BALF by 81% and 75%, respectively; whereas ULMWH was ineffective in this respect. We conclude that: (1) modification of antigen-induced AHR by fractionated heparins is molecular-weight dependent; and (2) only ULMWH attenuates AHR when administered after antigen challenge, via an unknown mast-cell-independent action.

Inhibition of allergic airway responses by inhaled low-molecular-weight heparins: molecular-weight dependence.

Inhaled heparin prevents antigen-induced bronchoconstriction and inhibits anti-immunoglobulin E-mediated mast cell degranulation. We hypothesized that the antiallergic action of heparin may be molecular weight dependent. Therefore, we studied the effects of three different low-molecular-weight fractions of heparin [medium-, low-, and ultralow-molecular-weight heparin (MMWH, LMWH, ULMWH, respectively)] on the antigen-induced acute bronchoconstrictor response (ABR) and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in allergic sheep. Specific lung resistance was measured in 22 sheep before and after airway challenge with Ascaris suum antigen, without and after pretreatment with inhaled fractionated heparins at doses of 0.31-5.0 mg/kg. Airway responsiveness was estimated before and 2 h postantigen as the cumulative provocating dose of carbachol in breath units that increased specific lung resistance by 400%. All fractionated heparins caused a dose-dependent inhibition of ABR and AHR. ULMWH was the most effective fraction, with the inhibitory dose causing 50% protection (ID50) against ABR of 0.5 mg/kg, whereas ID50 values of LMWH and MMWH were 1.25 and 1.8 mg/kg, respectively. ULMWH was also the most effective fraction in attenuating AHR; the ID50 values for ULMWH, LMWH, and MMWH were 0.5, 2.5, and 4.7 mg/kg, respectively. These data suggest that 1) fractionated low-molecular-weight heparins attenuate antigen-induced ABR and AHR; 2) there is an inverse relationship between the antiallergic activity of heparin fractions and molecular weight; and 3) ULMWH is the most effective fraction preventing allergic bronchoconstriction and airway hyperresponsiveness.

Cross-reactions between Toxocara canis and Ascaris suum in the diagnosis of visceral larva migrans by western blotting technique.

Visceral larva migrans (VLM) is a clinical syndrome caused by infection of man by Toxocara spp, the common roundworm of dogs and cats. Tissue migration of larval stages causes illness specially in children. Because larvae are difficult to detect in tissues, diagnosis is mostly based on serology. After the introduction of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the larval excretory-secretory antigen of T. canis (TES), the diagnosis specificity was greatly improved although cross-reactivity with other helminths are still being reported. In Brazil, diagnosis is routinely made after absorption of serum samples with Ascaris suum antigens, a nematode antigenically related with Ascaris lumbricoides which is a common intestinal nematode of children. In order to identify T. canis antigens that cross react to A. suum antigens we analyzed TES antigen by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting techniques. When we used serum samples from patients suspected of VLM and positive result by ELISA as well as a reference serum sample numerous bands were seen (molecular weight of 210-200 kDa, 116-97 kDa, 55-50 kDa and 35-29 kDa). Among these there is at least one band with molecular weight around 55-66 kDa that seem to be responsible for the cross-reactivity between T. canis and A. suum once it disappears when previous absorption of serum samples with A. suum antigens is performed.

Blockade of late-phase airway responses and airway hyperresponsiveness in allergic sheep with a small-molecule peptide inhibitor of VLA-4.

The leukocyte integrin very late antigen-4 (VLA-4) (alpha 4 beta 1, CD49d/CD29) is an adhesion receptor predominantly expressed on lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils, but not on neutrophils. Recent studies with monoclonal antibodies against VLA-4 suggest that antigen-induced late responses and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) may depend on the recruitment and/or activation of VLA-4-expressing leukocytes. To further test this hypothesis, we administered by aerosol either a potent small-molecule inhibitor of VLA-4, which prevents VLA-4-mediated binding to fibronectin (CS-1 ligand mimic), or an inactive control (30 mg twice daily for 3 d, and on the fourth day 0.5 h before and 4 h after antigen challenge) to six sheep with airway hypersensitivity to Ascaris suum antigen. Treatment with the small-molecule VLA-4 inhibitor resulted in a significant decrease in the early antigen-induced bronchial response (40%, p < 0.05), and almost complete blockade of the late-phase airway response (88%, p < 0.05). Moreover, at 24 h after antigen challenge, AHR to inhaled carbachol was not observed when the animals were dosed with the small-molecule VLA-4 inhibitor. In accord with protection against the functional abnormalities associated with antigen challenge, analysis of biopsy specimens taken 24 h after challenge indicated that the total numbers of VLA-4-positive cells (lymphocytes, eosinophils, and metachromatic-staining cells) in the group treated with the VLA-4 inhibitor did not increase, whereas these cells increased in the control group. The active agent, but not the inactive control, significantly blocked macrophage adherence to fibronectin (FN), indicating that the CS-1 ligand interfered with VLA-4-mediated adhesion in sheep cells. These results support our previous findings with a monoclonal antibody to VLA-4, and demonstrate that a small-molecule VLA-4 inhibitor, when given by aerosol, has a protective effect against antigen-induced late responses and AHR in allergic sheep.

Inhibition of antigen-induced acute bronchoconstriction, airway hyperresponsiveness, and mast cell degranulation by a nonanticoagulant heparin: comparison with a low molecular weight heparin.

Inhaled heparin prevents antigen-induced bronchoconstriction and inhibits anti-IgE-mediated mast-cell degranulation. We hypothesized that the antiallergic action of heparin may be dependent on molecular weight and related to its nonanticoagulant properties. Therefore, in the present investigation we studied the effects of a nonanticoagulant fraction of heparin (LA-heparin) on antigen-induced bronchoconstriction, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), and mast-cell degranulation, and compared its antiallergic activity with that of a low molecular weight heparin (LMW-heparin, fragmin). Specific lung resistance (SRL) was measured in 15 sheep before, immediately after, and serially for as long as 2 h after airway challenge with Ascaris suum antigen, without and after pretreatment with inhaled fractionated heparins at doses of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg. Airway responsiveness was estimated before, and 2 h after antigen as the cumulative provocating dose (PD400) of carbachol in breath units, which increased SRL by 400% (one breath unit was defined as one breath of 1% carbachol solution). LA-heparin caused a dose-dependent inhibition of antigen-induced bronchoconstriction, and a 5-mg/kg nebulized dose caused a 67% inhibition of allergic bronchoconstriction, whereas a 2.5-mg/kg dose was ineffective (20% inhibition). Inhaled fragmin was more potent than LA-heparin, as shown by 84% (2.5 mg/kg) and 82% (5 mg/kg) inhibition of allergic bronchoconstriction. Fragmin (5 mg/kg) also attenuated the postantigen AHR, whereas LA-heparin was ineffective. In vitro, preincubation with both LA-heparin and fragmin inhibited the anti-IgE-induced degranulation of rat peritoneal mast-cells in a dose-dependent fashion. LA-heparin was fourfold more potent than fragmin, with IC50 of 80 and 320 microg/ml, respectively. These data suggest that: (1) fractionated heparins attenuate antigen-induced acute bronchoconstriction, (2) nonanticoagulant fractions mediate the antiallergic activity of inhaled heparin, and (3) antiallergic activity of nonanticoagulant heparin and LMW-heparin may be related to prevention of mast-cell degranulation.

Elastase contributes to antigen-induced mucociliary dysfunction in ovine airways.

Antigen-induced bronchoconstriction is associated with impairment of mucociliary clearance with a time course that is consistent with the initial influx of neutrophils into the airway. In this study we tested the hypothesis that elastase released from activated neutrophils contributes to the acute (0 to 6-hr) antigen-induced mucociliary dysfunction. Tracheal mucous velocity CTMV), an index of mucociliary function, was measured with a roentgenographic technique before and serially after airway challenge with Ascaris suum antigen alone, or after pretreatment with aerosolized alpha1-protease inhibitor (alpha1-PI, 10 mg) or the specific neutrophil elastase inhibitor ICI 200,355 (10 mg). Antigen alone significantly decreased TMV. Treatment with either alpha1-PI or ICI 200,355, given either at 30 min before antigen challenge or 1 h after challenge, significantly attenuated the antigen-induced reduction in TMV at 6 h after challenge, whereas sheep treated with inactivated alpha1-PI were not protected from this antigen-induced event. Inhalation of ovine elastase (obtained from stimulated neutrophils) significantly decreased TMV, and this effect was also blocked by pretreatment with alpha1-PI. Both alpha1-PI and ICI 200,355 inhibited the activity of elastase obtained from stimulated ovine neutrophils. To verify that the neutrophil numbers and elastase activity increased in sheep airways after antigen challenge, nine animals underwent bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) at 2 h and 4 h after instillation of A. summ antigen. Four hours after challenge, the number of neutrophils had increased by 50-fold, and free elastase activity in lavage fluid had increased. These data indicate that the antigen-induced impairment of mucociliary clearance is partly dependent on increased elastase activity, and that elastase inhibitors may be useful in protecting against mucociliary dysfunction.

Increase in eosinophilic cell population in bone marrow of rats by immunization with ascaris suum antigen

Immunization of rats with the antigen, Ascaris suum extract, increased the number of peripheral eosinophils. Analysis by Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction revealed that the levels of major basic protein and its mRNA in the bone marrow were also increased, suggesting that eosinophilic cell population in the bone marrow is increased by the immunization. These findings indicate that immunization with this antigen stimulates differentiation of progenitor cells to eosinophils in the bone marrow, and induces blood eosinophilia.

Delivery of Nebulized Budesonide Liposomes to the Respiratory Tract of Allergic Sheep

ABSTRACT Inhaled budesonide has been shown to be an effective therapy for asthma. In a previous study in a sheep model, acute treatment with budesonide delivered by pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) modified the late bronchoconstrictor response to inhaled antigen. In the present study, we utilized the same sheep model to assess whether the delivery of budesonide in a liposome preparation would modify the late asthmatic response and the associated airway hyperresponsiveness that is detectable 24 hours after challenge. In a crossover trial, six conscious intubated sheep were pretreated with 1 mg of budesonide/dilauroyl phosphatidylcholine (DLPC), or DLPC alone, 16 hours and again 1 hour prior to the administration of aerosolized Ascaris suum antigen. Using esophageal and tracheal pressure measurements and plethysmography, specific lung resistance (sRL) was measured over an 8-hour period following administration of the antigen. In addition, airway responsiveness to carbachol (as assessed by potential d...

Granulocyte function in the airways of allergen‐challenged pigs: effects of inhaled and systemic budesonide

Late airways obstruction and eosinophil infiltration after allergen challenge are often seen in human asthma and animal models of allergy. This inflammatory reaction, which may be a link between acute and chronic asthma, is blocked by glucocorticoid pretreatment. However, the role of eosinophils in late airways obstruction and the primary site of action of glucocorticoids, i.e. locally or systemically, have not been fully determined. This study was initiated to find out the role of eosinophils and neutrophils in allergen-induced late airways obstruction in the pig. The effect of pretreatment with budesonide (BUD) given locally or systemically on cellular responses seen within 8 h after allergen challenge was also studied. Twenty-five minipigs were actively sensitized with Ascaris suum antigen and challenged under anaesthesia with antigen in the lower airways. Pigs were given BUD as an aerosol (10 micrograms/kg) or an intravenous infusion (5 micrograms/kg) 1 h before allergen challenge. In one group, high doses of BUD (50 micrograms/kg) were infused twice with a 3-h interval before allergen challenge. As a positive control, one group was given the BUD vehicle as an infusion and as a negative control, one group not treated with BUD was given the irrelevant antigen ovalbumin. Eosinophils and neutrophils in lung tissue specimens were detected and levels of eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were measured using specific antibodies against porcine EPO and MPO. The number of eosinophils in lung tissue and BAL fluid and the level of EPO in BAL fluid were significantly increased 8 h after A. suum challenge in pigs not treated with BUD. With regard to possible recruitment and activation of neutrophils the only significant finding was an increase in the number of cells in BAL fluid. The eosinophil numbers and the level of EPO in BAL fluid were shown to be decreased by all BUD treatments in all the compartments studied compared to the positive control. However, the number of eosinophils in lung tissue and EPO levels in BAL fluid did not correlate with the magnitude of the late airways obstruction. Although eosinophils are present in the bronchial wall and lumen and are apparently activated, a causative relationship between this granulocyte and the late bronchial obstruction could not be established in this model.

Heterogeneity of allergic airway responses in sheep: differences in signal transduction?

In preliminary studies we have observed that inhaled heparin blocks antigen-induced airway responses in sheep that develop only acute responses to inhaled antigen (acute responders), but not in sheep that develop both acute and later responses (dual responders). Because heparin is an antagonist of inositol triphosphate (IP3) (one of the pathways involved in stimulus-secretion-coupling in mast cells), the differential effect of inhaled heparin in acute responders and dual responders might indicate the involvement of different signaling pathways during IgE-mediated mast cell reactions. Therefore, in this study we compared the effects of heparin on antigen-induced bronchconstriction, allergic cutaneous reaction, and histamine release into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) in sheep that develop only acute responses or dual responses to inhaled Ascaris suum antigen. Specific lung resistance (SRL) was measured in 21 sheep (eight acute responders; 13 dual responders) before and after inhalation challenge with antigen, without and after pretreatment with inhaled heparin (1,000 units/kg). Histamine in BAL was measured by RIA before and after segmental antigen challenge, without and after pretreatment with inhaled heparin (eight acute responders; eight dual responders). In acute responders, mean +/- SE SRL increased by 197 +/- 21% with antigen; this was prevented by inhaled heparin (deltaSRL = 15 +/- 7%; p < 0.05). In dual responders, inhaled heparin had no effect on antigen-induced early (deltaSRL = 328 +/- 51% versus 305 +/- 76%) or late (deltaSRL = 201 +/- 33% versus 163 +/- 15%) responses. After segmental antigen challenge, BAL mean +/- SE histamine increased from 2.09 +/- 0.8 nM to 75.4 +/- 21.1 nM in acute responders and 1.58 +/- 0.7 nM to 66.8 +/- 27.3 nM in dual responders (p < 0.01). Inhaled heparin inhibited the increase in BAL histamine by 81% in acute responders (p < 0.05) and by only 19% in dual responders (p = NS). As was seen in the airways, heparin attenuated the allergic cutaneous reaction in acute responders by 46% (p < 0.05), but it was ineffective in dual responders. In contrast, H-7, a nonspecific protein kinase C inhibitor, attenuated the cutaneous reaction in dual responders by 28% (p < 0.05), but it was ineffective in acute responders. These data suggest that heterogeneity of allergic airway response is related to difference in mast cell signal transduction; IP3 is the predominant second messenger in acute responders, whereas non-IP3 pathways may be involved in dual responders.

Participation of nitric oxide in the sympathetic response to anaphylactic hypotension in anesthetized dogs

The role of nitric oxide (NO) was determined using a NO synthase inhibitor, N G-nitro-arginine methyl ester ( l.-NAME; 20 mg/kg bolus and 0.05 mg/kg per min) in the renal sympathetic and hypotensive response to systemic anaphylaxis induced by Ascaris suum antigen (10 mg, i.v.) in naturally sensitized anesthetized dogs. Renal nerve activity (RNA) in animals pretreated with D-NAME, the biologically inactive enantiomer ( n = 7), showed an initial increase (192 t 32%, (mean ± SE)) followed by a decrease (61 ± 14%) after antigen. Pretreatment with 1.-NAME ( n = 7) did not affect the initial sympathoexcitation but abolished the secondary sympathoinhibition (110 ± 13%). However, the depressor response to antigen was not different between the l.-NAME and d-NAME groups (−87 ± 13 mmHg and −84 ± 12 mmHg). In conclusion, NO is involved in the anaphylaxis-induced renal sympathoinhibitory response but not hypotension in anesthetized dogs.

The interaction of alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor and tissue kallikrein in controlling allergic ovine airway hyperresponsiveness.

We reported previously that the development of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) 24 h after antigen challenge in allergic sheep was associated with increased tissue kallikrein activity (TK) and decreased alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha 1-PI) activity in bronchoalveolar fluid (BAL). The inverse correlation between TK and alpha 1-PI in these experiments suggested that administration of alpha 1-PI might reduce TK activity and block AHR. To test this hypothesis, airway responsiveness, as determined by calculating the cumulative carbachol breath units (BU) that increased specific lung resistance by 400% (PC400), was measured before and 24 h after aerosol challenge with Ascaris suum antigen in seven sheep hypersensitive to this antigen. On the next day, 30 min before the 24 h PC400 measurement, the sheep were treated with either aerosol alpha 1-PI (Prolastin, 10 mg/5 ml) or denatured (DN) prolastin (10 mg/5 ml), which had only 10% of its original activity. BAL was also performed before and 24 h after challenge for the measurement of TK and alpha 1-PI activity. Treatment with DN-Prolastin at 24 h after antigen challenge did not block antigen-induced AHR: PC400 fell from a baseline (mean +/- SE) of 26.0 +/- 3.2 BU to 11.2 +/- 1.5 BU after challenge (p < 0.05). This AHR was associated with increased TK (363%, p < 0.05) and decreased alpha 1-PI activity (65%, p < 0.05). Prolastin treatment at 24 h blocked the AHR: PC400 was 21.0 +/- 2.8 before and 23.2 +/- 3.7 after challenge (p < 0.05 versus DN-Prolastin) and the changes in BAL TK (28% increase) and alpha 1-PI activities (15% increase) were not different from baseline (both p < 0.05 versus DN-Prolastin). There was a significant inverse correlation between alpha 1-PI activity and TK activity in BAL, as well as the changes between baseline and 24 h in alpha 1-PI activity and TK activity in BAL Pretreatment (30 min before antigen challenge) with Prolastin also protected against the antigen-induced AHR. The effect of Prolastin was also seen against aerosol challenge with high-molecular-weight kininogen (HMWK), a substrate of TK. HMWK caused bronchoconstriction which was blocked by Prolastin (p < 0.05), and the bradykinin B2 antagonist, NPC-567 (indicating that kinins were generated), but not DN-Prolastin or the elastase inhibitor, ICI 200, 355. Although the negative association between alpha 1-PI activity and TK activity identified in this study does not prove cause and effect, our findings do raise the possibility that in vivo alpha 1-PI may regulate TK activity and allergen-induced AHR.

Plasma Thrombospondin Levels in Sheep With Allergic Asthma

In search of a better universal marker of tissue inflammation in allergic reactions, we studied platelet activation and its relation to allergic asthma in sheep. University research laboratory. Twenty-three allergic sheep. We serially measured plasma thrombospondin (TSP), a glycoprotein secreted from activated platelets, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with a monoclonal antibody. We validated the assay by establishing a standard curve that closely matches that of humans. Of the 23 allergic sheep tested, 10 demonstrated early airway response (ER group) and 13 had early and late dual airway responses (DR group) to inhaled Ascaris suum antigen. TSP was measured before, and at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 24 h postantigen challenge. Both groups showed an increase in plasma TSP level after antigen challenge, but only the DR group showed a significant increase in TSP at I h (threefold) and 8 h (sixfold) postchallenge. The two sheep that received carbachol challenge showed a slight rise in TSP at 8 h postchallenge. There was a significant correlation between the TSP level at I h and the peak early airway response in the DR group. These results suggest that the two groups of allergic sheep may have two distinct induction processes leading to airway obstruction. The dual peak rise in TSP level that coincided with the airway response also suggests that an early priming effect exists in the DR group, which might have led to the late response. We conclude that intravascular platelet activation often occurs in mast cell-mediated allergic disorders. Therefore, plasma TSP may be useful for monitoring the course of allergic disorders.

Influence of endogenous cortisol on eosinophil function in sensitized pigs: direct measurements of eosinophil peroxidase.

Eosinophils are associated with bronchial asthma, but the role of the eosinophil is not fully understood. This study was initiated in order to study the influence of endogenous cortisol on eosinophil recruitment and activation in allergic inflammation in the lower airways in the pig. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against porcine eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) were raised. Detection of eosinophils in blood smears and lung biopsy specimens was achieved using the polyclonal antibody. For determination of porcine EPO in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with a detection limit of 0.15 micrograms/L was developed. No cross-reactivity with porcine myeloperoxidase was found. Pigs that had been actively sensitized with repeated subcutaneous injections of Ascaris suum antigen were acutely challenged with antigen in the lower airways under pentobarbitone anaesthesia. Control animals with plasma cortisol levels of approximately 400 nM did not exhibit infiltration of eosinophils into lung parenchyma or EPO-release in the bronchial lumen within 8 h after challenge. However, in pigs treated with a cortisol-synthesis inhibitor (metyrapone), resulting in plasma cortisol levels of approximately 40 nM, there was a marked eosinophil infiltration into lung tissue at 8 h. Furthermore, EPO levels in BAL fluid were increased in some, although not all, low-cortisol animals. There was no infiltration of eosinophils into skin tissue in these animals. It is concluded that, after allergen challenge in the lower airways of metyrapone-treated pigs, newly recruited eosinophils infiltrate lung tissue specifically. Furthermore, a cortisol-sensitive release of the eosinophil-derived cationic protein EPO, into the bronchial lumen was established. This is, to our knowledge, the first description of direct measurements of the release of an eosinophil granule protein in a large animal model of allergy.