Gl. Hall et al., The route of antigen delivery determines the airway and lung tissue mechanical responses in allergic rats, CLIN EXP AL, 29(4), 1999, pp. 562-568
Background Previous results have shown tissue constriction in allergic anim
als following inhalation of an antigen. Further studies have demonstrated a
differing response pattern in airway and parenchymal mechanics following i
nhaled (i.h.) or intravenous (i.v.) delivery of methacholine (MCh).
Object ive The purpose of this study was to compare the acute allergic resp
onse in airway and parenchymal mechanics following i.h. and i.v. antigen ch
allenge.
Methods Brown Norway rats were sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA). Rats were ana
esthetized, paralysed, and thoracotomized,and lung input impedance (ZL) bet
ween 0.5 and 21 Hz was measured using small-amplitude pseudo-random oscilla
tions at control, after saline, and for up to 1 h after either i.h. (n = 7)
or i.v. (n = 5) administration of OVA. ZL was evaluated in terms of airway
resistance (Raw) and inertance (Iaw), and a constant phase tissue parenchy
mal damping (G) and elastance (H).
Results Following i.h. OVA challenge elevations were found in Raw [192 +/-
32(SE) %], G (223 +/- 21%), and H (141 +/- 5%). Raw showed higher elevation
after i.v. challenge (418 +/- 57%), whereas the elevation in G (278 +/- 30
%) and H (130 +/- 4%) was approximately equal to those seen following inhal
ation of an antigen.
Conclusions Delivery (i.v.) of an antigen produces a significantly higher r
esponse in airway resistance, whereas inhaled antigen results in a mixed ai
rway and parenchymal response.