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. 2011;154(3):264-74.
doi: 10.1159/000321114. Epub 2010 Sep 21.

Th2-biased immune responses are important in a murine model of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Keiko Mitaka  1 , Yasunari Miyazaki, Makito Yasui, Masashi Furuie, Shuji Miyake, Naohiko Inase, Yasuyuki Yoshizawa
Affiliations

Th2-biased immune responses are important in a murine model of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Keiko Mitaka et al. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2011.

Abstract

Background: Chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) can lead to irreversible pulmonary fibrosis. A good animal model is essential to elucidate the mechanisms of this disease. We previously reported that a Th2 predominance may play an important role in the fibrogenesis in chronic HP patients. A study was undertaken to evaluate whether Th2-biased immune responses were crucial during the processes of lung fibrosis in a murine model of chronic HP.

Methods: Instillation of pigeon dropping extracts (PDE) was conducted 3 days a week for 6 or 12 weeks in C57BL/6, BALB/c and A/J mice to establish models of chronic HP. We evaluated the histopathological features, immunohistochemistry, collagen content, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) profiles and Th1/Th2 cytokines in BALF or lung tissue with RT-PCR and ELISA.

Results: Thickening of the alveolar walls and structural alterations were observed only in the A/J mice after 12 weeks of exposure to PDE. The fibrosis scores were significantly increased in 12-week A/J mice compared to those in the other strains. Immunohistochemistry evaluation showed that PDE was engulfed by alveolar macrophages that were incorporated into the alveolar septa of 12-week A/J mice. Interleukin (IL)-4 mRNA increased significantly in 6- and 12-week A/J mice. IL-13 mRNA showed a significant increase in 12-week A/J mice compared with 6-week A/J mice. TGF-β1 mRNA at 12 weeks was significantly increased in A/J mice compared with the other groups.

Conclusion: Th2-biased genetic backgrounds may play an important role in fibrosing processes in the present chronic HP model.

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