Endotoxin augments myeloid dendritic cell influx into the airways in patients with allergic asthma.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Epidemiologic studies have shown that exacerbation of asthma is modulated by environmental endotoxin. High levels of endotoxin are associated with asthma symptoms and the current use of asthma medication. However, the underlying mechanisms by which endotoxin modulates asthma are not completely understood.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to test whether endotoxin enhances the response of individuals with allergic asthma to allergen, and to determine if this interaction is associated with increased numbers of antigen-presenting cells in the airways.

Methods

Seventeen subjects with mild allergic asthma underwent segmental challenge with allergen, endotoxin, and the combination of both in three different lung segments via bronchoscopy. The cellular influx in

SUBMITTER: Schaumann F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2427055 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature