Characterisation of a novel airway late phase model in the sensitized guinea pig which uses silica and Bordetella pertussis as adjuvant for sensitization.

The objective of the present investigation was to validate a novel model of allergic late phase reaction in the airways of conscious guinea pigs by monitoring airway function with CO2-forced respiration. In addition airway inflammation as one possible cause for the development of airway late phase reaction was characterized by a novel technique which consists of bronchoalveolar lavage via the orotracheal route. Guinea pigs were sensitized twice at 2-week intervals with ovalbumin in silica and Bordetella pertussis. Two weeks after the booster sensitization all guinea pigs showed an acute decrease of tidal volume under CO2-forced respiration 5-15 min after antigen challenge. In contrast 42 ou…