feG-COOH blunts eosinophilic airway inflammation in a feline model of allergic asthma.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated if feG-COOH would decrease allergen-induced airway inflammation.


METHODS
Seven adult cats sensitised to Bermuda grass allergen (BGA) to induce an asthmatic phenotype.


METHODS
Cats were randomized to receive either feG-COOH (1 mg/kg, PO) or placebo (saline 1 ml, PO) immediately prior to BGA aerosol challenge in a cross-over design.


METHODS
Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected and airway inflammatory response assessed via inflammatory cell number and type; IL-4, IFN-gamma and nitric oxide metabolite concentrations. A paired t test was used to compare parameters with a P < 0.05 considered significant.


RESULTS
The BALF eosinophil percentage was significantly lower in asthmatic cats treated with feG compared with placebo (placebo, 35.3 +/- 12.2%; feG, 22.4 +/- 8.6%; P = 0.002). Treatment with feG did not result in a significant change in any other parameter measured.


CONCLUSIONS
These data indicate that a single dose of feG-COOH partially attenuates eosinophilic airway inflammation in experimental feline asthma.
DeClue
Amy E
AE
Department of Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, 900 E. Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211, USA. decluea@missouri.edu
Schooley
Elizabeth
E
Nafe
Laura A
LA
Reinero
Carol R
CR
D000818:Animals; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D001992:Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology; D002415:Cats; D002452:Cell Count; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D004804:Eosinophils / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology*; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000097:blood; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000097:blood; D009566:Nitrates / Q000378:metabolism; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism; D009842:Oligopeptides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010641:Phenotype; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000473:pathology*; D006109:Poaceae / Q000276:immunology; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry
D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D016207:Cytokines; D009566:Nitrates; D009842:Oligopeptides; D011506:Proteins; C114891:tripeptide FEG; D015847:Interleukin-4; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D007371:Interferon-gamma