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Background We have previously demonstrated that the administration of nerve growth factor (NGF) to guinea-pigs results in airway hyper-responsiveness within 1 h. Objective In the present study we document the involvement of NGF in the acute allergic airway response. Methods Guinea-pigs that are sensitized to ovalbumin show an acute bronchoconstriction directly after challenge with ovalbumin. Results Intratracheal application of 10 µg of antibodies directed against NGF (anti-NGF) 1 h before the challenge reduces the acute severe bronchoconstriction to approximately 40% and the sustained bronchoconstriction to approximately 20% of the reaction in controls. This shows a high potency of anti-NGF in diminishing the direct bronchoconstriction. Inhibition of the tyrosine kinases of the tyrosine kinase receptor A, the high-affinity receptor for NGF, has no effect on the bronchoconstriction. Therefore, we postulate that the p75, the low-affinity receptor for neurotrophins, is responsible for the acute bronchoconstriction. Our findings suggest a role for NGF in the induction of the acute asthmatic reaction. Conclusion These findings offer a new potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of allergic asthma.

In this study, the role for sensory neuropeptides in the induction of pulmonary inflammation associated with a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction in the mouse lung was investigated. Dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) was used as the sensitizing hapten and dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid was used as the intranasal challenge. Two hours after the challenge, no hapten-specific differences were observed between vehicle- and DNFB-sensitized mice. However, mucosal exudation and leukocyte accumulation (mononuclear leukocytes and neutrophils) were enhanced in the DNFB group 24 h after the challenge. In additional experiments we investigated whether the sensory nerves and specific sensory neuropeptides play a role in this pulmonary DTH reaction. The selective NK1 antagonist (RP 67580; 5.10(-9) mol/mouse), administered 5 min before and 1 h after the challenge, suppressed mucosal exudation and leukocyte accumulation in the airways 24 h after the challenge. In contrast, the selective calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist, CGRP8-37 (5.10(-9) mol/mouse) had no effect on the pulmonary DTH reaction. Surprisingly, the depletion of all sensory neuropeptides resulted in an enhancement of mucosal exudation in vehicle- and DNFB-sensitized mice 24 h after the challenge. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that the tachykinins are important in mediating mucosal exudation and leukocyte accumulation associated with the DTH reaction in mouse airways. However, the findings in neuropeptide-depleted mice suggest that the sensory nerves may also play a protective role in mouse airways.

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible role of capsaicin-sensitive nerves in a pulmonary delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction. Mice (Balb/c) were skin-sensitized with dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB; 0.5%, 100 microliters) on two consecutive days and challenged intranasally 5 days later with dinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (0.6%, 50 microliters). Sensitized mice exhibited tracheal hyperreactivity to carbachol 24 and 48 h after challenge; however, no hyperreactivity was observed 2 h after challenge. At 24 h, but not at 48 h, hyperreactivity was associated with antigen-specific lymphocyte accumulation in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Capsaicin pretreatment, resulting in the depletion of sensory neuropeptides, virtually abolished hyperreactivity to carbachol 24 and 48 h after challenge in sensitized mice. Although at 24 h after challenge the lymphocyte population was elevated in the BALF collected from capsaicin-pretreated mice, this accumulation was not antigen-specific. Additionally, there was an increase in polymorphonuclear leukocyte accumulation (neutrophils and eosinophils) in the BALF collected from capsaicin-pretreated mice at this time point, but this increase was more profound in the sensitized group. In summary, tracheal hyperreactivity and cellular accumulation are prominent features of the lymphocyte-associated DTH reaction induced by DNFB in the mouse lung. Evidence presented in this report highlights the possible importance of sensory neuropeptides in pulmonary inflammation and airways hyperreactivity.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic airway inflammation. Cigarette smoke has been considered a major player in the pathogenesis of COPD. The inflamed airways of COPD patients contain several inflammatory cells. Vitamin A metabolites have been implicated in the repair of lung damage. Exposure to cigarette smoke has been shown to depress levels of retinol in lungs of rats. The purpose of this study was to investigate if a low, but not deficient, vitamin A status potentiated susceptibility to the development of cigarette smoke-induced lung emphysema in mice. Mice were bred that were the offspring's of 3 generations of mice that were fed a purified diet containing low levels of vitamin A and exposed to cigarette smoke for 3 months, every weekday. Then, levels of 9-cis, 13-cis, and all-trans retinoic acid, retinol and retinyl palmitate were measured in plasma, liver and right lung lobe. The left lung lobe was used to assess mean linear intercept (Lm), as a measure of smoke-induced lung damage. Average feed intakes were not different between treatment groups. We show that both retinol and retinyl palmitate levels were dramatically decreased in the storage organs of mice on the low vitamin A diet (retinol 2-fold in both lung and liver, and retinyl palmitate 5- fold in lung) which shows that the depletion was successful. However, this treatment did not result in the development of lung emphysema. However, smoke exposure led to a significant increase in Lm in mice with a low vitamin A status compared to the room air-breathing controls. Lung levels of acid retinoids were similar in all mice, irrespective of diet or smoke exposure. Concluding, a low vitamin A status increases the susceptibility to the development of cigarette smoke-induced lung emphysema, possibly because of decreased anti-oxidant capacity in the lungs due to locally reduced retinol and retinyl palmitate levels. These observations indicate that human populations with a low vitamin A status and a high prevalence of smoking may be at increased risk of developing lung emphysema.

The prevalence of asthma has increased worldwide. The reasons for this rise remain unclear. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma. Glutathione (GSH) is the major representative of the class of nonprotein thiols and plays a pivotal role in a variety of enzymatic and nonenzymatic reactions that protect tissues against oxidative stress. In antioxidative reactions, GSH is converted into its oxidized form, glutathione disulfide (GSSG) that in its turn is enzymatically reduced into GSH to maintain a physiological redox balance. We used a guinea pig model of asthma to assess whether the early asthmatic reaction is associated with decreased lung levels of glutathione, and whether decreased glutathione is implicated in the increased airway smooth muscle reactivity that is associated with exposure of the lungs to allergen. Lung glutathione levels were decreased immediately after the onset of the early asthmatic reaction in vivo and associated with the release of 8-iso-PGF(2alpha), an indicator for oxidative stress. Glutathione ethylester, a glutathione precursor, blunted the airway obstruction during an early asthmatic reaction in a perfusion model and glutathione depletion rendered the airways hyperreactive. Glutathione ethyl ester in the buffer prevented this hyperreactivity. These results indicate that glutathione can modulate the early asthmatic reaction as well as the airway hyperresponsiveness.

Summary This paper describes the influence of stress, immediately before a massive inoculation of a logphase P. haemolytica A 1 culture in brain-heart-infusion broth by fiberoptic bronchoscopy in 5 months old conventional calves. Differences in phagocytic cell function and numbers, lung function and lung tissue damage between stressed and non-stressed, infected calves were studied. Compared with the non-stressed calves before infection, the superoxide generation by blood polymorphonuclear leucocytes of the stressed animals was markedly reduced immediately after a 2 hours stress period, but it recovered within 3 days. The total numbers of phagocytic cells, harvested from lung lavage fluid 3 days after inoculation were twice as high in the non-stressed calves than in the stressed calves. In contrast, no differences in pulmonary lesions and functions were found between stressed or non-stressed calves. The role of several stress factors on infiltration and metabolic response of polymorphonuclear leucocytes in P. haemolytica infections and the effects of bacterial endotoxin and leukotoxin on alveolar and vascular injury are discussed.

The existence of a third B7-1/B7-2 receptor was postulated in a recent study using a novel mouse strain lacking both CD28 and CTLA4 (CD28/CTLA4-/-).In the present study, it was investigated if T cell co-stimulation via the putative B7-1/B7-2 receptor plays a role in the induction of Th2-mediated asthma manifestations in mice.BALB/c wild-type, CD28/CTLA4-/- and B7-1/B7-2-/- mice were sensitized and aerosol challenged with ovalbumin (OVA).At 24 h after the last aerosol, wild-type mice showed airway hyper-responsiveness in vivo and up-regulated levels of serum OVA-specific IgE compared with the situation shortly before OVA challenge. In addition, eosinophil numbers and IL-5 levels in the broncho-alveolar lavage fluid and Th2 cytokine production by lung cells upon OVA re-stimulation in vitro were observed. In agreement with an earlier study, we failed to induce any of the asthma manifestations in B7-1/B7-2-/- mice. Importantly, also CD28/CTLA4-/- mice showed no asthma manifestations upon OVA sensitization and challenge.These data clearly demonstrate that T cell co-stimulation via the putative B7-1/B7-2 receptor appears to have no role in the induction of Th2-mediated asthma manifestations in this murine model and, conversely, that CD28 signalling is crucial.

The hygiene hypothesis suggests that a lack of bacterial infections would favour the development of allergic disease. For this reason, bacteria or their components can be used as potential treatment for allergic asthma. We investigated whether heat-killed Mycobacterium vaccae is either able to suppress the induction of allergic asthma or able to suppress already established allergic asthma.Mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA)/alum on days 0 and 14. Thereafter, mice were challenged on days 35, 39 and 42 by inhalation of either OVA or saline aerosols. M. vaccae-treated mice received an injection with 106, 107 or 108 CFU heat-killed M. vaccae on days 0 and 14 or 107 CFU on days 35 and 39. On day 43, the airway responsiveness of the mice to increasing concentrations of methacholine was assessed, blood was withdrawn to measure serum parameters, and lung lavage was performed to detect cytokines and inflammatory cell number.Treatment of OVA-sensitized mice with 107 CFU M. vaccae either during sensitization or challenge suppresses airway hyper-responsiveness, airway eosinophilia and IL-5 production after OVA challenge. The increases in OVA-specific serum IgE and in IL-4 by respiratory challenges with OVA were only diminished after M. vaccae treatment (107 CFU) during sensitization.Heat-killed M. vaccae prevents allergic and asthmatic manifestations in a mouse model and, more importantly, M. vaccae treatment during challenge suppresses features of asthma, which opens up possibilities for new therapeutic interventions.

IL-16 has been described as a natural soluble CD4-ligand with immunosuppressive effects in vitro. However, little is known about the effect of IL-16 on immune responses in vivo.In the present study, we examined the effect of IL-16 administration in a murine model of allergic asthma. Next, we determined whether these effects were mediated by modulation of CD4+ T lymphocytes.Intraperitoneal administration of IL-16 completely inhibits antigen-induced airway hyper-responsiveness and largely decreases the number of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (90%) and airway tissue of ovalbumin-sensitized and challenged mice. Firstly, it appears that thoracic lymph node cells isolated from in vivo IL-16-treated ovalbumin-challenged animals produce less IL-4 (77%) and IL-5 (85%) upon antigenic re-stimulation, when compared to vehicle-treated mice. Secondly, pre-incubation of lymphocytes with IL-16 in vitro reduces antigen-induced proliferation (55%) and Th2-type cytokine production (IL-4; 56%, IL-5; 77%). Thirdly, the presence of IL-16 during priming cultures of TCR transgenic T cells (DO11.10), reduces IL-4 (33%) and IL-5 (35%), but not IL-10 and IFNgamma levels upon re-stimulation.It can be concluded that IL-16 has potent immunosuppressive effects on a Th2dominated allergic airway response.

We have previously demonstrated that the administration of nerve growth factor (NGF) to guinea-pigs results in airway hyper-responsiveness within 1 h.In the present study we document the involvement of NGF in the acute allergic airway response.Guinea-pigs that are sensitized to ovalbumin show an acute bronchoconstriction directly after challenge with ovalbumin.Intratracheal application of 10 microg of antibodies directed against NGF (anti-NGF) 1 h before the challenge reduces the acute severe bronchoconstriction to approximately 40% and the sustained bronchoconstriction to approximately 20% of the reaction in controls. This shows a high potency of anti-NGF in diminishing the direct bronchoconstriction. Inhibition of the tyrosine kinases of the tyrosine kinase receptor A, the high-affinity receptor for NGF, has no effect on the bronchoconstriction. Therefore, we postulate that the p75, the low-affinity receptor for neurotrophins, is responsible for the acute bronchoconstriction. Our findings suggest a role for NGF in the induction of the acute asthmatic reaction.These findings offer a new potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of allergic asthma.

Peptoid-peptide hybrids are oligomeric peptidomimetics that contain one or more N-substituted glycine residues. In these hybrids, the side chains of one or several amino acids are "shifted" from the alpha-carbon atom to the amide nitrogen atom. A library of phosphorylated peptoid-peptide hybrids derived from the sequence pTyr-Glu-Thr-Leu was synthesized and tested for binding to the tandem SH2 domain of the protein tyrosine kinase Syk. A considerable influence of the side chain position was observed. Compounds 19-21, 24, and 25 comprising a peptoid NpTyr and/or NGlu residue did not show any binding. Compounds 22, 23, and 26 containing an NhThr (hThr=homothreonine) and/or NLeu peptoid residue showed binding with IC(50) values that were only five to eight times higher than that of the tetrapeptide lead compound 18. These data show that side chain shifting is possible with retention of binding capacity, but only at the two C-terminal residues of the tetramer. This method of a peptoid scan using peptoid-peptide hybrids appears to be very useful to explore to what extent a peptide sequence can be transformed into a peptoid while retaining its affinity.

1. Nerve growth factor induces an airway hyperresponsiveness in vivo in guinea-pigs, as we have shown previously. Since antagonizing the neurokinin-1 (NK(1)) receptor can prevent this NGF-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and since sensory nerves release tachykinins, we investigated the role of sensory nerves in the NGF-induced airway hyperresponsiveness. 2. We used isolated tracheal rings from guinea-pigs to measure tracheal contractility. In these rings sensory nerve endings are present, but these endings lack any contact with their cell bodies. 3. In this in vitro system, NGF dose-dependently induced a tracheal hyperresponsiveness to histamine. The NK(1) receptor antagonist SR140333 could block the induction of tracheal hyperresponsiveness. 4. To further investigate the involvement of sensory nerve endings we used the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB(1)) agonist R-methanandamide to inhibit excitatory events at the nerve terminal. The CB(1) receptor agonist was capable of blocking the tracheal hyperresponsiveness to NGF in the isolated system, as well as the airway hyperresponsiveness to NGF in vivo. 5. This indicates that NGF can induce an increase in airway responsiveness in the absence of sensory nerve cell bodies. NGF may act by increasing substance P release from sensory nerve endings, without upregulation of substance P in the neurons. Substance P in its turn is responsible for the induction of the NGF-induced airway hyperresponsiveness.

1. The contribution of reactive nitrogen species to the development of airway hyperresponsiveness in a mouse model of allergic inflammation was investigated by the use of selective inhibitors of nitric oxide and superoxide formation. 2. Sensitized mice, repeatedly challenged with ovalbumin showed a significant (P0.001, n=9) increase in airway responsiveness measured using whole body plethysmography. This hyperresponsiveness was accompanied by an influx of eosinophils into the airway lumen and increased levels of ovalbumin-specific serum IgE. 3. Treatment of mice with the iNOS inhibitor 1400 W or the NADPH-oxidase inhibitor apocynin did not significantly alter cellular influx into the airway lumen nor serum ovalbumin specific IgE. In contrast, apocynin as well as 1400 W inhibited ovalbumin-induced airway hyperresponsiveness (P0.001 and P0.05 respectively, n=9). Furthermore, the airways of allergen challenged animals showed clear 3-nitrotyrosine staining, which was mainly located in eosinophils. Remarkably, treatment with apocynin or 1400 W did not alter 3-nitrotyrosine staining. 4. These data suggest that the development of airway hyperresponsiveness during the airway inflammation upon ovalbumin challenge is dependent on the release of both superoxide and nitric oxide and is therefore likely to be dependent on reactive nitrogen species. This mechanism, however, is not reflected by 3-nitrotyrosine formation in the airways.

Peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) the highly reactive coupling product of nitric oxide and superoxide, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of an increasing number of (inflammatory) diseases. At present, however, selective peroxynitrite antagonizing agents with therapeutic potential are not available. Therefore, the NADPH-oxidase inhibitor apocynin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-acetophenone) was tested for its ability to inhibit peroxynitrite formation in vitro The murine macrophage cell-line J774A.1, stimulated with IFNgamma/LPS, was used as a model. Conversion of 123-dihydrorhodamine (123-DHR) to its oxidation product 123-rhodamine was used to measure peroxynitrite production. Stimulated peroxynitrite formation could be completely inhibited by apocynin, by the superoxide scavenger TEMPO as well as by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor aminoguanidine. Apocynin and aminoguanidine specifically inhibited superoxide and nitric oxide formation respectively as confirmed by measuring lucigenin enhanced chemiluminescence and nitrite accumulation. It is concluded that J774A.1 macrophages produce significant amounts of peroxynitrite, which is associated with nitric oxide production and NADPH-oxidase dependent superoxide formation. The NADPH-oxidase inhibitor apocynin proved to be a potent inhibitor of both superoxide and peroxynitrite formation by macrophages, which may be of future therapeutic significance in a wide range of inflammatory disorders.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a universal signalling molecule, involved in many physiological and pathophysiological processes, including asthmatic airway inflammation. Nitric oxide synthases (NOS) are newly identified enzyme systems active in airway epithelial cells, macrophages, neutrophils, mast cells, non-adrenergic non-cholinergic neurons, smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells. Two functional classes of NOS can be identified: the inducible form temporarily leading to large amounts of NO, and the constitutive form continuously leading to small amounts of NO. Large amounts of NO contribute to airway inflammation and killing of micro-organism, whereas small amounts of NO lead to smooth muscle relaxation. Asthmatic airway obstruction is induced by various bronchoconstricting factors (like allergens, pharmacological spasmogens, physical stimuli, infectious disease state) and is inhibited by NO. The development of specific inhibitors for the inducible form of NOS might open up a new era of antiasthmatic drugs.

In this study the effect of betamethasone was investigated in guinea pigs that demonstrate airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness after a viral respiratory tract infection with parainfluenza-3 (PI3) virus. Guinea pigs were pretreated with saline or betamethasone 8 mg/kg intraperitoneally twice a day for five consecutive days, starting on day 0 and ending on day 4. On day 1, the guinea pigs were inoculated with either control solution (medium) or PI3 virus. On day 5, airway responsiveness was measured. Furthermore, a blood sample was taken, lungs were lavaged, blood leucocytes were counted, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells were counted and differentiated. Accordingly, the activity of the bronchoalveolar cells was measured by lucigenin-amplified chemiluminescence. In virus-infected guinea pigs the total bronchoalveolar cell number was increased by 44% compared with medium-treated guinea pigs. This was mainly due to the increase in macrophages (70%, P0.05) and eosinophils (344%, P0.001). The increase in both total and differential (macrophages and eosinophils) cell numbers in virus-infected guinea pigs was completely abolished in animals treated with betamethasone. Moreover, betamethasone prevented the decrease in number of blood leucocytes in virus-infected guinea pigs. In contrast, betamethasone did not prevent the increase in airway responsiveness to both histamine (200%) and methacholine (100%) after the virus infection. In conclusion, betamethasone treatment prevents virus-induced airway inflammation but not airway hyperresponsiveness in guinea pigs.

In previous studies we found that guinea pigs demonstrate an increase in airway reactivity and eosinophil numbers 4 days after a respiratory infection with parainfluenza-3 (PI3) virus. Clinical data support the possible involvement of eosinophils in virus-induced airway hyperresponsiveness. Eotaxin, a newly discovered chemokine, could be involved in eosinophil migration to the airways. In this study, eosinophil numbers were counted in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and related with eotaxin concentrations in BAL fluid 1, 2, 3, and 4 days after intratracheal PI3 virus administration. On day 1, blood eosinophils increased by more than 200% (P0.01). The number of eosinophils were only slightly enhanced from day 2 to day 4 (40%-70%). BAL fluid eosinophils were not increased on day 1 but were significantly elevated on day 2 (180%) and remained high on days 3-4 (300%, P0. 05). This increase in lung eosinophils correlated well with eotaxin levels measured in BAL fluid. There was no significant increase in eotaxin on day 1 following PI3 infection; however, on days 2-4 eotaxin levels in BAL fluid were significantly elevated (four-sixfold increase) when compared with medium inoculated controls. Eotaxin appears to play an important role in eosinophil accumulation in guinea pig lung following PI3 infection.

There is increasing evidence that in allergic asthma the inflammatory process is regulated by T lymphocytes. In BALB/c mice the majority of ovalbumin responsive T lymphocytes express the Vbeta8.1+ and Vbeta8.2+ T-cell receptor.We analysed the contribution of Vbeta8+ T lymphocytes during the sensitization and challenge phase in the regulation of antigen-specific IgE, airway hyperresponsiveness and cellular infiltration in the airways in a murine model of allergic asthma.Mice strains genetically lacking (SJL/J and SJA/9) and expressing (BALB/c) the Vbeta8+ T cell receptor were used. In addition, prior to the sensitization and prior to the challenge BALB/c mice were treated with antibodies to Vbeta8. Mice were sensitized with ovalbumin, followed by repeated challenge with ovalbumin or saline aerosols.In ovalbumin challenged BALB/c mice treated with control antibody a significant increase in eosinophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage, airway hyperresponsiveness and increased serum levels of ovalbumin-specific IgE were observed compared to control mice. Treatment of BALB/c mice with antibodies to Vbeta8 prior to the sensitization or prior to the challenge period completely inhibited the ovalbumin induced infiltration of eosinophils and airway hyperresponsiveness, while ovalbumin-specific IgE was slightly decreased. In SJA/9 and SJL/J mice ovalbumin challenge did not induce eosinophilic infiltration and airway hyperresponsiveness. In SJL/J mice ovalbumin challenge induced an upregulation of ovalbumin-specific IgE, however, in SJA/9 mice no upregulation was observed.It is demonstrated that Vbeta8+ T lymphocytes are essential for infiltration of eosinophils in the airways and development of airway hyperresponsiveness in a murine model of allergic asthma. In contrast, although Vbeta8+ T lymphocytes seem to be important for the extent of IgE levels, no essential role for Vbeta8+ T lymphocytes in the induction of antigen-specific IgE was observed.

Allergic asthma is thought to be regulated by Th2 cells, and inhibiting this response is a promising mode of intervention. Many studies have focused on differentiation of Th cells to the Th1 or Th2 subset in vitro. IL-4 is essential for Th2 development, while IL-12 induces Th1 development, which can be enhanced by IL-18. In the present study, we investigated whether IL-12 and IL-18 were able to interfere in Th2 development and the associated airway symptoms in a mouse model of allergic asthma. Mice were sensitized with OVA using a protocol that induces IgE production. Repeated challenges by OVA inhalation induced elevated serum levels of IgE, airway hyperresponsiveness, and a predominantly eosinophilic infiltrate in the bronchoalveolar lavage concomitant with the appearance of Ag-specific Th2-like cells in lung tissue and lung-draining lymph nodes. Whereas treatments with neither IL-12 nor IL-18 during the challenge period were effective, combined treatment of IL-12 and IL-18 inhibited Ag-specific Th2-like cell development. This inhibition was associated with an absence of IgE up-regulation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and cellular infiltration in the lavage. These data show that, in vivo, the synergistic action of IL-12 and IL-18 is necessary to prevent Th2-like cell differentiation, and consequently inhibits the development of airway symptoms in a mouse model of allergic asthma.

1. Since both histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) can be released by murine mast cells, we investigated the possible role of these autacoids on airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), eosinophil infiltration and serum-IgE levels in a murine model of allergic asthma. 2. Ovalbumin-sensitized mice were exposed to either ovalbumin (2 mg ml(-1)) or saline aerosols on 8 consecutive days. Starting one day before the challenge, animals were injected i.p. twice a day with a 5-HT-type 1 (5-HT1) or type 2 (5-HT2) receptor antagonist (methiotepine, 1.25 or 2.0 mg kg(-1) and ketanserin, 12 mg kg(-1), respectively) or a histamine-type 1 (H1) or type 2 (H2) receptor antagonist (mepyramine, 12 or 20 mg kg(-1) and cimetidine, 10 or 25 mg kg(-1), respectively). Furthermore, animals were injected with a combination of cimetidine and ketanserin or with an alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist (phentolamine, 5 mg kg(-1)). 3. In vehicle-treated ovalbumin-challenged animals airway responsiveness to intravenous injections of methacholine in vivo was significantly (9 fold increase, P0.01) increased when compared to vehicle-treated saline-challenged animals. Furthermore, ovalbumin challenge of vehicle-treated animals induced a significant increase in both eosinophil numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid (0+/-0, vehicle/saline and 15.0+/-5.9 x 10(4) cells vehicle/ovalbumin, P0.05) and ovalbumin-specific IgE levels in serum (157+/-69 and 617+/-171 units ml(-1), respectively, P0.05) compared to saline-challenged mice. Virtually no eosinophils could be detected in saline-challenged animals after all different treatments. 4. Treatment with ketanserin or cimetidine resulted in a partial but significant decrease of the ovalbumin-induced AHR compared to ovalbumin-challenged controls (P0.05) and reduced eosinophil infiltration after ovalbumin challenge by 60% and 58%, respectively. The combination of cimetidine and ketanserin almost completely abolished AHR whereas eosinophilia was decreased by 49%. No effects of these antagonists were observed on IL-16 levels in BAL fluid or on serum antigen-specific IgE levels. Treatment with either the H1-receptor, the 5-HT1-receptor or the alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist, did not decrease the observed ovalbumin-induced airway responsiveness or eosinophilia in vehicle-treated animals. Higher doses of either methiotepine (2.0 mg kg(-1)) or mepyramine (20 mg kg(-1)) did decrease ovalbumin-induced eosinophil infiltration (by 67%, P0.05 and 73%, respectively), whereas no effects of these antagonists were observed on ovalbumin-specific IgE levels in serum. 5. From these data it can be concluded that both histamine and 5-HT play a role in antigen-induced AHR and eosinophilia in the mouse.

Leukotrienes represent a group of lipid mediators that play a very important role in a wide variety of pathological conditions. The presence of leukotrienes in inflammatory sites has been extensively documented, and accordingly research efforts have been directed towards the development of drugs that interfere with the formation or effects of leukotrienes. Although clinical application of such drugs has been disappointing in the past, recent discoveries of more potent and selective drugs seem to be promising. This review attempts to highlight some of these exciting developments.

Increasing evidence points to an important role for nitric oxide in the regulation of pulmonary functions and in pulmonary disease. In the respiratory tract, sensory nerves, endothelial cells, vascular and airway smooth muscle cells, inflammatory cells and the airway epithelium are sources of nitric oxide. Different nitric oxide synthases have been isolated, cloned and sequenced. Functionally, there are constitutive and inducible forms of nitric oxide synthase. A number of cytokines have been shown to inhibit or induce the expression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase. In human airways, endogenous nitric oxide appears to account for the bronchodilator nonadrenergic and noncholinergic response. Nitric oxide-containing vasodilators, such as glyceryl trinitrate and sodium nitroprusside, induce relaxation of the isolated airway smooth muscle, activate guanylate cyclase and raise c-GMP levels. Nitric oxide (constitutive), produced by the epithelial layer, appears to be important in blunting the histamine contractile response of the airway tissue. Furthermore, tracheal relaxation by, e.g., bradykinin or potassium chloride, is mediated by the release of nitric oxide. The virus (Parainfluenza type 3)-induced airway hyperreactivity in guinea-pigs is correlated with a deficiency in endogenous constitutive nitric oxide production by the airways and can be blocked by low doses of L-arginine. In inflamed tissue, nitric oxide quickly reacts with superoxide anion, resulting in the formation of the toxic peroxynitrite which promotes lipid and sulfhydryl oxidation. Asthmatic patients have higher amounts of nitric oxide in the expired air, possibly due to the inflammation. This increased nitric oxide production can be inhibited by inhaled corticosteroids. The effect of inhaled nitric oxide on the lung function of asthmatic patients is variable. In contrast, low doses of inhaled nitric oxide are effective in reversing the pulmonary vasoconstriction. These results point to an important role for nitric oxide in modulating airway reactivity.

The influence of interferon (IFN)-gamma on vasodilation was examined in bovine isolated mesenteric arteries. Arterial rings were incubated with IFN-gamma (100 U ml-1) for 20 hr and subsequently the response to vasodilators was determined isometrically in an organ bath. Treatment with IFN-gamma markedly inhibited endothelium-dependent relaxation to bradykinin and impaired vasodilation to nitroprusside, which was endothelium-independent. The decrease in relaxation was correlated with a decrease in bradykinin- and nitroprusside-induced cGMP production. Relaxation to the phosphodiesterase inhibitors 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine or zaprinast was not altered after IFN-gamma, which suggests that the IFN-gamma effect is specific for guanylate cyclase-activating agonists. Nitrite concentration in the incubation medium was increased after IFN-gamma, which indicates the induction of nitric oxide release during the incubation period. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis with NG-monomethyl-L-arginine during the 20-hr incubation with IFN-gamma completely prevented the decrease in relaxation and cGMP elevation to nitroprusside. We conclude that IFN-gamma induces a marked increase in release of arterial-derived nitric oxide resulting in a desensitization of guanylate cyclase, which contributes to a decrease in relaxation to bradykinin and nitroprusside. These results may implicate the existence of an important adaptive process in the regulation of vascular tone during pathological situations associated with the induction of nitric oxide synthesis.

Murine helper T cells can be divided into at least two groups, Th1 and Th2, based on the patterns of lymphokine secretion after antigenic or mitogenic stimulation. Recently, a similar subdivision was proposed in the human situation. Interestingly, the different patterns of lymphokine production correlate with different effector functions of the Th subpopulations. Th1 cells appear to dominate delayed type hypersensitivity reactions. Conversely, Th2 cells dominate the immune response to allergens and probably play an important role in allergic disorders. One of the clinical manifestations in which Th2 cells appear to dominate the immune response is allergic asthma. The mainstay of therapy in asthmatic persons is formed by glucocorticoid and beta-adrenoceptor agonist treatment. A differential pharmacological modulation of the lymphokine production by Th1 and Th2 cells can be of therapeutic relevance in allergic diseases in which an inappropriate balance between Th1 and Th2 cells exists. Such a differential modulation may underlie the beneficial usage of glucocorticoids and beta-adrenoceptor agonists in the treatment of asthma. The present report summarizes the effects of glucocorticoids and cAMP modulating agents on the activation and lymphokine production of T lymphocytes and Th subsets. Additionally, the effect of other steroid hormones is evaluated.

Fatty acid-derived inflammatory mediators are considered to play an important role in airway hyperresponsiveness of asthmatic patients. The pulmonary macrophage may be an important source for these mediators in airway tissue. We investigated the metabolism of arachidonic acid and linoleic acid by human bronchoalveolar lavage cells, mainly comprising pulmonary macrophages. Arachidonic was mainly metabolized by 5-lipoxygenase, giving rise to the formation of leukotriene B4 and 5-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE). Linoleic acid was converted to 5 major metabolites, including the 9-hydroxy and 13-hydroxy derivatives, 9- and 13-hydroxy-octadecadienoic acid (9- and 13-HODE). The formation of HODEs could be inhibited by cyclooxygenase inhibitors as well as lipoxygenase inhibitors, indicating that both enzymic species play a role in the generation of HODEs.

Inadequate reactions of the immune system, i.e. allergic or hypersensitivity reactions, may lead to lung tissue injury and possibly airway hyperreactivity. In extrinsic asthma, mast cells are considered to play a pivotal role in inducing hyperreactivity by producing various mediators. Immunoglobulin E is a well-known inducer of mast cell mediator release, and is thus often considered important. Asthma induced by a small molecular moiety such as toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is only in 15% of patients associated with increased IgE levels. TDI is a known inducer of cellular immune responses. We are investigating the relationship of type IV hypersensitivity, as an example of IgE-independent cellular hypersensitivity, with the induction of airway hyperreactivity. We have studied mice which were sensitized with picryl chloride. After antigen challenge in such sensitized mice, peribronchial and perivascular accumulation of macrophages and lymphocytes was highest 48 h after challenge. Two hours after challenge and from 7 days onwards no infiltration was found. At several time points after challenge, changes in smooth muscle tone of mouse tracheas were measured isometrically. The response to carbachol increased from 2 h after challenge, reaching a maximum 48 h after challenge and lasted for at least 3 weeks. This hyperreactivity was not found in athymic (nude) mice. We conclude from these preliminary data that airway hyperreactivity can be immunologically induced other than by IgE, and that in this model it is not associated with the presence of a mononuclear infiltrate. These experimental data indicate a potential role for T cells in inducing airway hyperreactivity, a common denominator of patients suffering from asthma.

The influence of the linoleic acid metabolite 13-hydroxy-octadecadienoic acid (13-HODE) on guinea pig tracheal reactivity to both contractile and relaxant agonists was investigated in vitro. 13-HODE induced an increased contraction of tracheal rings to histamine, whereas methacholine responsiveness was not significantly affected. Relaxant responses to isoprenaline and prostaglandin E2 were not influenced either.

The effect of IL-2, IL-3, IL-4 and GM-CSF on beta-adrenoceptor function of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was studied. After a 2 h pre-incubation period of PBMC with each of the lymphokines (1-100 units/ml), the isoprenaline stimulated cAMP production in these cells was not altered. However, IL-2 and GM-CSF induced a concentration dependent decrease of the beta-adrenoceptor agonist stimulated cAMP production after a 20 h pre-incubation period.

Migrating larvae of the canine nematode Toxocara canis induce inflammatory responses in the lungs of infected mice. Histological examination of the lungs showed that mice, developed persistent multifocal inflammation in which eosinophils (eos), macrophages (M phi) and many lymphocytes were involved. Cuffing of blood vessels and bronchioles with mixed cell populations was also observed. Investigation into the response of isolated tracheae to cholinergic and beta-adrenergic receptor agonists demonstrated a significant decreased reactivity despite the pronounced involvement of eos and M phi. This hyporeactive state persisted for greater than or equal to 4 weeks p.i..

Rabbit aorta contracting substance-releasing factor (RCS-RF) is found in perfusates from guinea pig lungs during anaphylaxis. It has been identified as a small peptide which releases arachidonic acid from lung tissue, thus generating prostaglandin endoperoxides and tbromboxanes and causing bronchocconstriction. Anti-inflammatory steroids block the release of arachidonate by RCS-RF. In this activity their relative potency is very similar to their relative anti-inflammatory potency, suggesting that the two actions may be related.

In view of the close structural similarity between the pro-opiocortin fragment, gamma-MSH, and ACTH/MSH-type peptides, the behavioural profile of gamma-MSH was explored. Attention was first focused on behavioural procedures in which ACTH/MSH-related neuropeptides have been found effective. It was found that gamma-MSH and ACTH-like neuropeptides had opposite effects on avoidance behaviour. In this respect the activity of gamma-MSH resembles that of opiate antagonists rather than that of beta-endorphin. Accordingly, ACTH(1-24) induced excessive grooming which is blocked by opiate antagonists and is attenuated by gamma-MSH. In addition, gamma-MSH injected into the periaqueductal grey matter of the brainstem of opiate-naive rats elicited symptoms reminiscent of those seen after opiate withdrawal. Gamma-MSH attenuated several effects of intracerebroventricularly administered beta-endorphin (e.g. antinociception, hypothermia, alpha-MSH release) and decreased the acquisition of heroin self-administration. Although gamma-MSH at rather high doses displaced naloxone from its specific binding sites in brain homogenates, it did not interfere with beta-endorphin-induced effects on in vitro muscle preparations (guinea-pig ileum; rat rectum). Interestingly, gamma-MSH induced relaxation of the rat rectum in vitro. It is postulated that gamma-MSH may attenuate beta-endorphin-induced effects by acting via gamma-MSH receptor sites (functional antagonism), although a pharmacological antagonism cannot be excluded as yet.