Impact of microbial diversity on inflammatory cytokines and respiratory pattern measured in whole-body plethysmography in guinea pig models.

Objective: This study investigates the breathing patterns and immune status of guinea pigs raised under specific pathogen-free (SPF) conditions compared to conventionally bred (CON).

Methods: Breathing pattern parameters were assessed using whole-body plethysmography (WBP) during quiet breathing and saline nebulisation. Blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were analysed for white blood cell, neutrophil and eosinophil counts, and cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4).