Exclusion of IL-21 in the pathogenesis of OVA-induced asthma in mice.

Exclusion of IL-21 in the pathogenesis of OVA-induced asthma in mice. Int J Clin Exp Med. 2014;7(10):3202-3208 Authors: Cheng S, Chen H, Wang A, Bunjhoo H, Cao Y, Xie J, Xu Y, Xiong W Abstract Asthma is characterized by airway inflammation, mucus overproduction, and airway hyperreactivity. Cytokines, especially T helper 2-derived cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13, are involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. IL-21 has a variety of effects on the immune system. However, the contribution of IL-21 to the development of allergic diseases is currently controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of IL-21 on asthma airway inflammation in vivo. A murine ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma model was used. The concentration of IL-21 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of mice was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. BALF cellularity, lung histopathology, and sera IgE levels were compared between the normal control group, OVA sensitization/challenge group, and OVA sensitization/challenge plus IL-21-administered group. An OVA-induced allergic rhinitis model with IL-21 was used as a positive control and the infiltration of eosinophils in the nasal mucosa was evaluated. The concentration of IL-21 in the BALF was lower in the asthmatic group compared with the normal control group. However, no significant differences in airway eosinophilia, lung histopathology, and sera IgE levels were observed...
Source: International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Tags: Int J Clin Exp Med Source Type: research