Motorcycle exhaust particles augment antigen-induced airway inflammation in BALB/c mice
Journal
Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health - Part A: Current Issues
Journal Volume
71
Journal Issue
6
Pages
405-412
Date Issued
2008
Author(s)
Abstract
Evidence indicates that environment pollutants from fossil fuel combustion compromise the immune system by enhancing allergic reactions and damaging the respiratory tract. This study was performed to investigate the effects of motorcycle exhaust particles (MEP), a major air pollutant especially in the urban areas of Taiwan, on allergen-induced airway inflammatory reactions in lab animals. BALB/c mice were intratracheally instilled with ovalbumin (OVA), MEP, or phosphate-buffered saline, 3 times every 2 wk. Airway hyperresponsiveness was measured in unrestrained mice by barometric plethsmography. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum from treated animals were collected for cytokine and antibody determination by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Lung tissue stained with hematoxylin/eosin was examined. Data showed that MEP augmented OVA-induced airway inflammation; characterized by infiltration of eosinophils and neutrophils in BALF and lung tissue inflammation. The combination of OVA and MEP markedly increased interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-5 (IL-5), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) protein levels in BALF. In addition, MEP also augmented OVA-induced rise in OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G1 and IgE and airway hyperresponsiveness. Pretreated lavage cells with mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors showed that TNF-α release was significantly inhibited. This study found that MEP augmented antigen-induced allergic airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness through a Th2-dominant pathway. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
SDGs
Other Subjects
antigen; cytokine; eosin; hematoxylin; immunoglobulin E; immunoglobulin G1; interleukin 4; interleukin 5; mitogen activated protein kinase inhibitor; ovalbumin; phosphate buffered saline; tumor necrosis factor alpha; air pollution; airway inflammation; animal experiment; animal model; antibody detection; article; cell infiltration; controlled study; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; eosinophil; exhaust gas; female; lung; lung lavage; motorcycle; mouse; neutrophil chemotaxis; nonhuman; plethysmography; priority journal; respiratory tract allergy; respiratory tract disease; Taiwan; Air Pollutants; Animals; Antigens; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Cytokines; Female; Hypersensitivity; Immunoglobulin E; Immunoglobulin G; Inflammation; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Motorcycles; Ovalbumin; Respiratory System; Vehicle Emissions; Animalia; Mus
Type
journal article