Enhancing effects of trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene on type I allergic responses in mice.

Trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene; PCE) are commonly identified as environmental contaminants of groundwater. Previously, we investigated the enhancing effects of TCE and PCE on antigen-induced histamine release and inflammatory mediator production in rat mast cells. In this study, to examine the potential effect of TCE and PCE on antigen-induced histamine release from mouse mast cells, mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) were sensitized with anti-dinitrophenol (DNP) monoclonal IgE antibody and then stimulated with DNP-BSA containing with TCE or PCE.

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 - a polymodal nociceptive receptor - plays a crucial role in formaldehyde-induced skin inflammation in mice.

Formaldehyde (FA) is irritating to the skin and is the main cause of sick building syndrome. However, the cutaneous reaction induced by long-term FA exposure has not been fully investigated. In our previous study, we demonstrated that repeated painting of 2% - 10% FA on mouse ears caused marked ear swelling and increased mRNA expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and neurotrophins in the ear.

Recent research and developmental strategy of anti-asthma drugs.

Extensive research over the past decade has provided information about the pharmacotherapy of bronchial asthma (BA). Anti-asthma drugs are classified into two categories: relievers (for the relief of asthma attack symptoms) and controllers (for the prevention of asthma symptoms). This paper aims to review the recent advancements of anti-asthma drugs that are controller medicines.

Enhancement of immediate allergic reactions by trichloroethylene ingestion via drinking water in mice.

The prevalence of allergic disorders is increasing in industrial areas and countries. Recent reports suggest that some environmental pollutants are related to the increase in allergic diseases, and we reported that trichloroethylene (TCE) is a candidate chemical for causing the increase of allergic diseases, as TCE ingestion is associated with allergic reaction enhancement. TCE is widely used in many industries, and it is commonly detected as an environmental contaminant.

Orally supplemented Lactobacillus acidophilus strain L-92 inhibits passive and active cutaneous anaphylaxis as well as 2,4-dinitroflurobenzene and mite fecal antigen induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in mice.

Oral supplementation of lactic acid bacteria is a potential approach to the prevention and manipulation of allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis. Our previous report showed that heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus strain L-92 (L-92) possessed anti-allergic properties, although its physiological function in atopic dermatitis has largely remained undefined. To evaluate the anti-allergic efficacy of L-92, we used four experimental animal models with the major features of atopic dermatitis and compared the results to those of clinically active drugs.

Comparison of the efficacy of tacrolimus and cyclosporine A in a murine model of dinitrofluorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis.

Tacrolimus (FK506) and cyclosporine A (Cys A) are immunosuppressive drugs used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and for preventing rejection of allogeneic transplants. Tacrolimus forms a complex with FK506 binding protein (FKBP), and Cys A forms a complex with cyclophilin. These tacrolimus-FKBP and Cys A-cyclophilin complexes interact with calcineurin (CaN), thereby suppressing activation of T cells.

Endotoxin tolerance attenuates airway allergic inflammation in model mice by suppression of the T-cell stimulatory effect of dendritic cells.

Prior exposure of dendritic cells (DCs) and monocytes/macrophages to LPS causes unresponsiveness to subsequent LPS stimulation, a phenomenon called endotoxin tolerance (ET). ET impairs antigen presentation of these cells to T cells by down-regulating expression of MHC class II and co-stimulatory molecules such as CD86 and CD40. Some epidemiological studies have shown that endotoxin acts as a protective factor for allergic diseases.

A novel CC-chemokine receptor 3 antagonist, Ki19003, inhibits airway eosinophilia and subepithelial/peribronchial fibrosis induced by repeated antigen challenge in mice.

CC-chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3) is a chemokine receptor for which major ligands, CC-chemokine ligand (CCL) 11, CCL24, and CCL26, are known to be involved in chemotaxis for eosinophils. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of a low molecular weight CCR3-receptor antagonist, Ki19003 (4-[[5-(2,4-dichlorobenzylureido)pentyl][1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl]amino]butanoic acid), on airway remodeling in a mouse model of allergic asthma. BALB/c mice were sensitized twice by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (OA) and exposed daily to 1% OA for 3 weeks.

Effect of diesel exhaust particles on house dust mite-induced airway eosinophilic inflammation and remodeling in mice.

Recent research has focused on the effects of ambient particulate pollution and much evidence has indicated that particulate pollution is associated with the onset of asthma and allergy; however, the effect of diesel exhaust particles (DEP) on the development of allergen-induced airway remodeling has not been fully investigated in vivo. In the present study, we examined the effects of DEP on Dermatophagoides farinae allergens (Der f)-induced asthma-like phenotypes in mice. Mice were administered i.

Characterization of skin inflammation induced by repeated exposure of toluene, xylene, and formaldehyde in mice.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are considered the main cause of sick building syndrome and they are likely to irritate the skin, eyes, and mucous membrane; however, the toxic threshold and the mechanisms of cutaneous reaction induced by long-time VOC exposure have not been clarified. In the present study, we investigated the effect of repeated painting of VOCs onto mouse skin. Various concentrations of toluene, xylene, and formaldehyde (FA) were applied once a week for 5 weeks.

Depletion of substance P, a mechanism for inhibition of mouse scratching behavior by tacrolimus.

Itching is the most important problem in atopic dermatitis and tacrolimus has been suggested to attenuate the itching by topical application. However, the anti-itch mechanism of tacrolimus has not been well elucidated. In the present study, an allergic dermatitis accompanied by frequent scratching behaviors was induced by repeated paintings with 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) acetone solution onto the mouse ear and the effects of tacrolimus and dexamethasone on the dermatitis and associated scratching behavior were comparatively examined.

The effects of inhaled KP-496, a novel dual antagonist for cysteinyl leukotriene receptor and thromboxane A(2) receptor, on allergic asthmatic responses in guinea pigs.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of inhaled KP-496, a novel dual antagonist for cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 and thromboxane A(2) receptor, on the allergic asthmatic responses in guinea pigs.

Methods: Actively sensitized animals were repeatedly exposed to antigen, and KP-496 (0.01 and 0.

Analysis of the mechanism for the development of allergic skin inflammation and the application for its treatment:mouse models for the development of remedies for human allergic dermatitis.

Animal models for human diseases are important for the elucidation of mechanisms involved in as well as for the establishment of effective treatment strategies for the diseases. Many mouse allergic dermatitis models have been established and applied for the development of remedies for human allergic dermatitis. One of the simplest allergic cutaneous reaction models is passive cutaneous anaphylaxis.

Nafamostat mesilate, a potent serine protease inhibitor, inhibits airway eosinophilic inflammation and airway epithelial remodeling in a murine model of allergic asthma.

To clarify the involvement of serine proteases in the development of allergic airway inflammation, we investigated the effect of nafamostat mesilate, a serine protease inhibitor, in a murine model of allergic asthma. Mice were sensitized to ovalbumin (OA) with alum and then exposed to 1% OA for 30 min, three times every 4th day. Nafamostat mesilate was administered orally for 10 days during the allergen challenge.

A small amount of tetrachloroethylene ingestion from drinking water accelerates antigen-stimulated allergic responses.

Previously, we observed that tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene, PCE) increased histamine release and inflammatory mediator production from antigen-stimulated mast cells. In this study, we examined the enhancing effect of low concentrations of PCE in drinking water on antigen-stimulated allergic responses. After exposure of Wistar rats to PCE in drinking water for 2 or 4 weeks, we performed a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction.

Augmentation of antigen-stimulated allergic responses by a small amount of trichloroethylene ingestion from drinking water.

In previous report, we have shown that trichloroethylene (TCE) increases histamine release and inflammatory cytokine production from antigen-stimulated mast cells. In this study, we examined the enhancing effect of a small amount of TCE ingestion from drinking water on antigen-stimulated allergic responses. After exposure of Wistar rats to TCE ingestion for 2 or 4 weeks, we performed a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction.

A new murine model of allergic rhinitis by repeated intranasal Cry j 1 challenge.

To evaluate the long-lasting effects of new therapeutic approaches to allergies, we established a new model of allergic rhinitis by repeated challenges with intranasal Cry j 1, a common Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollen allergen, in B10.S mice. We sensitized B10.

Prostaglandin as a target molecule for pharmacotherapy of allergic inflammatory diseases.

The purpose of this review is to summarize the role of prostaglandins (PGs) in allergic inflammation and to know the value of PGs, as a target molecule for an anti-allergic drug. PGD(2) is the major PG produced by the cyclooxygenase pathway in mast cells. Our and others findings indicate that PGD(2) is one of the potent allergic inflammatory mediators and must be a target molecule of anti-allergic agent.

Immunomodulatory effects of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides on house dust mite-induced airway inflammation in mice.

Background: CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODNs) are reported to protect against airway eosinophilia and hyperresponsiveness in animal models of asthma. However, little is known about the effects of CpG ODNs on house dust mites, one of the most common environmental allergens, causing allergic asthma. In the present study, we evaluated the immunomodulatory effects of CpG ODNs on the development of house dust mite-induced airway inflammation and remodeling in mice.

Identification of pendrin as a common mediator for mucus production in bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Excessive production of airway mucus is a cardinal feature of bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and contributes to morbidity and mortality in these diseases. IL-13, a Th2-type cytokine, is a central mediator in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma, including mucus overproduction. Using a genome-wide search for genes induced in airway epithelial cells in response to IL-13, we identified pendrin encoded by the SLC26A4 (PDS) gene as a molecule responsible for airway mucus production.

Inhibitory effects of Piper betle on production of allergic mediators by bone marrow-derived mast cells and lung epithelial cells.

The leaves of the Piper betle Linn. (Piperaceae) are used in traditional medicine and possess anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-diabetic and radioprotective activities. However, little is known about their anti-allergic activity.

Enhancing effect of chlorinated organic solvents on histamine release and inflammatory mediator production.

We investigated the effect of several chlorinated organic solvents on antigen-induced histamine release and inflammatory mediator production. Non-purified rat peritoneal mast cells (NPMC) and rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells were sensitized with anti-dinitrophenol (DNP) monoclonal IgE antibody, and then stimulated with DNP-conjugated bovine serum albumin (DNP-BSA) and several chlorinated organic solvents. Trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) enhanced histamine release from antigen-stimulated NPMC and RBL-2H3 in a dose-dependent manner.

Repeated instillations of Dermatophagoides farinae into the airways can induce Th2-dependent airway hyperresponsiveness, eosinophilia and remodeling in mice: effect of intratracheal treatment of fluticasone propionate.

Dermatophagoides farinae are known to be a common environmental allergen causing allergic asthma; however, little is known about their pathophysiological effect via the allergenicities in vivo. Therefore, we first established a mouse model of asthma induced by repeated instillations of D. farinae.