Airway remodeling and serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in a murine model of asthma

A murine model of allergen-induced airway inflammation, epithelial phenotyp ic changes, and total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels is described. Mice were sensitized to ovalbumin without adjuvant and challenged by multiple intrat racheal instillations of ovalbumin by a nonsurgical technique. After repeat ed challenges, the basement membrane of the airway epithelium showed fibros is, inflammatory cell infiltration at peribronchial and perivascular sites, and goblet cell hyperplasia. In addition, total IgE levels were found to b e increased significantly. Further studies which will evaluate the contribu tion of each feature of remodeled airway to the natural history of asthma a re definitely needed.