Effect of low tidal volume ventilation on lung function and inflammation in mice.

Background: A large number of studies have investigated the effects of high tidal volume ventilation in mouse models. In contrast data on very short term effects of low tidal volume ventilation are sparse. Therefore we investigated the functional and structural effects of low tidal volume ventilation in mice.

Comparison of the effect of LPS and PAM3 on ventilated lungs.

Background: While lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria has been shown to augment inflammation in ventilated lungs information on the effect of Gram-positive bacteria is lacking. Therefore the effect of LPS and a lipopetide from Gram-positive bacteria, PAM3, on ventilated lungs were investigated.

Methods: C57/Bl6 mice were mechanically ventilated.

Experimental approaches towards allergic asthma therapy-murine asthma models.

Allergic bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by a T helper 2 (TH2) cell triggered airway eosinophilia, development of airway hyperresponsiveness, mucus hyper secretion and structural changes of the airway wall summarized as airway remodeling. Current asthma therapy aims at controlling the inflammatory response in the airways by using corticosteroids in mild-moderate asthmatics. With increasing disease severity addition of further medication is required and includes long acting beta(2)-agonists or even immune suppressive drugs such as azathioprine, methotrexate or cyclophosphamide.

PAS staining of bronchoalveolar lavage cells for differential diagnosis of interstitial lung disease.

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a useful diagnostic tool in interstitial lung diseases (ILD). However, differential cell counts are often non specific and immunocytochemistry is time consuming. Staining of glycoproteins by periodic acid Schiff (PAS) reaction may help in discriminating different forms of ILD.

Evidence of remodeling in peripheral airways of patients with mild to moderate asthma: effect of hydrofluoroalkane-flunisolide.

Background: We have shown previously that inflammation in asthma is not restricted to central airways but can also be demonstrated in peripheral airways. It is not clear whether inflammation of the peripheral airways is associated with structural changes and whether this remodeling process can be modulated by deposition of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs).

Objectives: To compare remodeling in peripheral and central airways and to investigate the effects of hydrofluoroalkane (HFA)-ICS on remodeling at these sites.