A guinea pig model of acute and chronic asthma using permanently instrumented and unrestrained animals.

To investigate mechanisms underlying allergen-induced asthmatic reactions, airway hyperresponsiveness and remodeling, we have developed a guinea pig model of acute and chronic asthma using unanesthetized, unrestrained animals. To measure airway function, ovalbumin (IgE)-sensitized animals are permanently instrumented with a balloon-catheter, which is implanted inside the pleural cavity and exposed at the neck of the animal. Via an external cannula, the balloon-catheter is connected to a pressure transducer, an amplifier, an A/D converter and a computer system, enabling on-line measurement of pleural pressure (P(pl))-closely correlating with airway resistance-for prolonged periods of time.