Optimising experimental research in respiratory diseases: an ERS statement

Experimental models are critical for the understanding of lung health and disease and are indispensable for drug development. However, the pathogenetic and clinical relevance of the models is often unclear. Further, the use of animals in biomedical research is controversial from an ethical perspective.The objective of this task force was to issue a statement with research recommendations about lung disease models by facilitating in-depth discussions between respiratory scientists, and to provide an overview of the literature on the available models. Focus was put on their specific benefits and limitations. This will result in more efficient use of resources and greater reduction in the numb…

Involvement of distal airways in a chronic model of experimental asthma.

Summary Background Bronchial asthma is characterized by chronic airway inflammation and airway remodelling which occurs in both proximal and distal airways. These changes are associated with development of airway hyper-responsiveness and airflow limitation. Objective This study was aimed to analyse whether chronic inhalative allergen challenges in mice lead to morphological and physiological changes comparable with this phenotype. Methods For this purpose, BALB/c mice were systemically sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) followed by aerosol allergen challenges on 2 consecutive days per week for 12 weeks. Results In chronically challenged mice, tissue inflammation in proximal as well as distal air…

Inflammation and remodelling of distal airways in a murine model of chronic experimental asthma

Anti-acids lead to immunological and morphological changes in the intestine of BALB/c mice similar to human food allergy

Abstract We have shown that anti-acid medication for treating dyspeptic disorders can block protein digestion and induce a higher risk for food sensitization. This mechanism was confirmed in human and animal studies on the humoral as well as the cellular level. Here we aimed to investigate the outcome of the treatment with the anti-acid drug sucralfate on the intestine in our murine model, assuming that morphological and immunological changes will occur. BALB/c mice were fed codfish extract plus sucralfate. Antibodies were examined in ELISA, RBL assay and Western blot. Quantitative morphological analysis of the intestine was performed by design-based stereology, focussing on epithelium, lam…

Administration of keratinocyte growth factor down-regulates the pulmonary capacity of acetylcholine production.

Abstract Keratinocyte growth factor protects the lung against various injurious stimuli. The protective mechanisms, however, are not yet fully understood. The aim of this study is to determine the influence of keratinocyte growth factor on the pulmonary capacity to synthesize acetylcholine, a potent regulator of pulmonary functions which is potentially involved in lung damage. Rats were treated twice (days 1 and 2) intratracheally with keratinocyte growth factor and analyzed at day 4. The mRNA expression of choline acetyltransferase – the acetylcholine synthesizing enzyme – was analyzed by real-time RT-PCR in the lung and in isolated alveolar epithelial type II cells. Choline acetyltransfer…