Transcriptional Changes of Blood Eosinophils After Methacholine Inhalation Challenge in Asthmatics.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Methacholine challenge is commonly used within the asthma diagnostic algorithm. Methacholine challenge has recently been shown to induce airway remodelling in asthma via bronchoconstriction, without additional airway inflammation. We evaluated the effect of methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction on the peripheral whole-blood transcriptome.

Methods

Fourteen males with adult-onset, occupational asthma, 26-77 years of age, underwent methacholine inhalation challenges. The concentration of methacholine eliciting a ≥20% fall in FEV1 (PC20) was determined. Blood was collected immediately prior to and two hours after challenge. Complete blood counts and leukocyte differentials were obtained. Transcriptome analysis was performed using Affymetrix GeneChip(®) Human Gene 1

SUBMITTER: Tebbutt SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4510604 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature