Modulation of airway responses by prostaglandins in young and fully grown rabbits.

Maturational changes have been noted in neurally mediated contractile and relaxant responses in airways from New Zealand White rabbits. In this study, we focused on prostaglandins with bronchoprotective properties as potential modulators of airway tone in maturing rabbits. Tracheal rings from 1-, 2-, and 13-wk-old rabbits were assessed for neurally mediated contractile and relaxant responses produced by electrical field stimulation (EFS) of nerves in the presence and absence of the prostaglandin inhibitor, indomethacin (Indo).

Neuropeptide release from airways of young and fully-grown rabbits.

Nerve growth factor (NGF), a neurotrophin that regulates neuronal development, enhances production of neuropeptides that control airway caliber including substance P (SP). Little is known about the developmental interplay between neurotrophins and neuropeptides. Our goal was to assess release of NGF, SP, and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) from tracheal segments of young (2-week-old) and fully-grown (13-week-old) rabbits, and ascertain location of neuropeptides in airways with mechanical denudation of epithelium and immunohistochemistry.

Phosphodiesterase IV and neutral endopeptidase in airways from developing and allergen sensitized rabbits.

Phosphodiesterase IV (PDE IV) and neutral endopeptidase (NEP) may modulate the neurally mediated nonadrenergic noncholinergic inhibitory (NANCi) response. This response is not present in normal rabbits until 2 weeks of age. Allergen sensitization and challenge of fully grown 13-week old rabbits decreases the NANCi response.

Assessing respiratory function in young children: Developmental considerations.

The purpose of this review is to provide practitioners and clinical investigators with an update on methods of assessing respiratory function in young children. The importance of this topic is presented in light of the natural history of asthma, as well as maturational changes that occur early in life in terms of airway development. Models of disease are cited to support the concept that injury of the mammalian airway early in postnatal life might have far-reaching consequences in terms of control of airway caliber and responsiveness.