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J Appl Physiol 105: 128-138, 2008. First published April 24, 2008; doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.01367.2007
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Sensitizing effects of chronic exposure and acute inhalation of ovalbumin aerosol on pulmonary C fibers in rats

Guangfan Zhang, Ruei-Lung Lin, Michelle E. Wiggers, and Lu-Yuan Lee

Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, Kentucky

Submitted 22 December 2007 ; accepted in final form 24 April 2008

The effect of ovalbumin (Ova) sensitization on pulmonary C-fiber sensitivity was investigated. Brown-Norway rats were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of Ova followed by aerosolized Ova three times per week for 3 wk. Control rats received the vehicle. At the end of the third week, single-unit fiber activities (FA) of pulmonary C fibers were recorded in anesthetized, artificially ventilated rats. Our results showed the following: 1) Ova sensitization induced airway inflammation (infiltration of eosinophils and neutrophils) and airway hyperresponsiveness in rats; 2) baseline FA in sensitized rats was significantly higher than that in control ones; 3) similarly, the pulmonary C-fiber response to right atrial injection of capsaicin was markedly higher in sensitized rats, which were significantly amplified after the acute Ova inhalation challenge; and 4) similar patterns, but smaller magnitudes of the differences in C-fiber responses to adenosine and lung inflation, were also found between sensitized and control rats. In conclusion, Ova sensitization elevated the baseline FA and excitability of pulmonary C fibers, and the hypersensitivity was further potentiated after the acute Ova inhalation challenge in sensitized rats. Chronic allergic inflammatory reactions in the airway probably contributed to the sensitizing effect on these lung afferents.

airway hyperresponsiveness; inflammatory mediators; allergen; vagus; asthma


Address for reprint requests and other correspondence: L.-Y. Lee, Dept. of Physiology, Univ. of Kentucky Medical Center, 800 Rose St., Lexington, KY 40536-0298 (e-mail: lylee{at}uky.edu)






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