title: Effects of depletion of cells bearing the interleukin-2 receptor on immunoglobulin production and allergic airway responses in the rat.
abstract: Lymphocytes, key cells in chronic inflammation, are increased in the airways of asthmatics and have increased expression of the interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor, a sign of activation. We determined the effects of depleting cells bearing IL-2 receptors on immunoglobulin (Ig) production, airway inflammation, and airway responses after antigen challenge of Brown Norway rats that were sensitized to ovalbumin (OA). Both control and ART-18 (antirat IL-2 receptor) antibodies inhibited plasma specific IgE and the early (ER) and late (LR) airway responses to antigen when given from zero to 14 d after sensitization. When ART-18 was administered from 4 to 14 d after sensitization and compared with control animals, it inhibited OA specific IgE production from Day 21 onward, but it increased total IgE and specific IgG. These changes followed a significant increase in blood CD4+ lymphocytes (%) in ART-18-treated animals 14 d after sensitization. The same protocol of administration did not affect Ig levels at 14 d, but it decreased neutrophil influx into the lungs 8 h after antigen challenge without any effects on the ER and LR. Administration of ART-18 at the time of antigen challenge did not affect the subsequent airway inflammation or the increased responsiveness to methacholine that occurs 32 h after antigen challenge. In summary, depletion of IL-2-receptor-bearing cells affects lymphocyte subsets and immunoglobulin production and it decreases the influx of neutrophils into the lungs 8 h after OA challenge, but it does not significantly inhibit the ER, LR, or increased airway responsiveness after antigen challenge.
authors.affiliation: Respiratory Health Network of Centres of Excellence of Canada, Montreal, Quebec.
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Renzi
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Diamantstein
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Martin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011914:Rats, Inbred BN; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000502:physiology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2