Effects of Over Expression of LTC4 Synthase Gene on Development of Th2 Type Airway Inflammation in Murine Model of Bronchial Asthma

摘要

(Introduction) Cysteinyl leukotrienes (Cys LTs) are potent lipid mediators. We generated transgenic (TG) mice overexpressing murine LTC4 synthase to examine the effect of Cys LTs in a murine asthma model. (Methods) Airway hyperresponsiveness (AH) was measured, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was obtained 24 hours after antigen challenge for ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized wild type (WT) and TG mice. (Results) AH and the numbers of eosinophils and lymphocytes in the BALF were significantly greater in TG mice than in WT after OVA challenge. The levels of IL-4 and IL-13 were significantly higher in TG mice than in WT mice. (Conclusion) Cys LTs plays an important role in development of bronchial asthma via upregulation of Th2 type inflammation.