RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Role of the parasympathetic nervous system in the allergen-induced airway sensitization and lung responsiveness
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP P3525
VO 44
IS Suppl 58
A1 Iliona Malaspinas
A1 Camille Doras
A1 Aurélie Baudat
A1 Xavier Belin
A1 Ferenc Petak
A1 Walid Habre
YR 2014
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/P3525.abstract
AB Rational:While atropine pretreatment enhances allergen-induced bronchial hyperreactivity, the role of parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) on sensitization and lung responsiveness remains unclear. We characterized effects of chronic inhibition of the PNS on the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced lung inflammation and responsiveness to OVA challenge.Methods:Brown Norway rats (31) were randomly assigned to 5 groups summarized in figure. A subcutaneous pump for continuous infusion of atropine during 21 days was placed in two groups. Airway responsiveness to iv administration of 2 mg OVA was established at day 21 by forced oscillations following bilateral vagotomy. Lung cellularity was determined from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF).Results:Percentage increase in airway resistance (Raw) following iv OVA was significantly higher in groups receiving atropine (fig.). Magnitude of airway responsiveness was lower in sensitized animals. While percentage of eosinophils in BALF increased in all sensitized animals with OVA aerosol, pretreated animals with atropine exhibited an increase in neutrophils (48% and 35% in groups 3 and 5, respectively, p=0.001).Conclusion:Inhibition of the PNS-related pathway potentiated inflammatory cell infiltration and allergen-induced bronchoconstriction. However, repeated sensitization may have diminished the immune response to allergen challenge.Supported by SNSF grant 332003B-143331/1.