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Ekpruke CD, Alford R, Rousselle D, Babayev M, Sharma S, Parker E, Davis K, Hemmerich C, Rusch DB, Silveyra P. Sex-specific alterations in the gut and lung microbiome of allergen-induced mice. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2024; 5:1451846. [PMID: 39210977 PMCID: PMC11358121 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2024.1451846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Recent evidence has demonstrated that the microbiome is a driver of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of respiratory disease. Studies have indicated that bacterial metabolites produced in the gut and lung can impact lung inflammation and immune cell activity, affecting disease pathology. Despite asthma being a disease with marked sex differences, experimental work linking microbiomes and asthma has not considered the sex variable. Methods To test the hypothesis that the lung and gut microbial composition impacts allergic lung inflammation in a sex-specific manner, we evaluated lung and gut microbiome alterations in a mouse model of allergic inflammation and assessed their association with lung function and inflammation phenotypes. For this, we exposed male and female adult C57BL/6J mice intranasally to 25 µg of a house dust mite extract mix (HDM) daily, or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) as control, for 5 weeks (n = 4-6/group). DNA from fecal pellets collected before and after the 5-week treatment, and from lung tissue collected at endpoint, was extracted using the ZymoBIOMICS®-96 MagBead DNA Kit and analyzed to determine the 16S microbiome via Targeted Metagenomic Sequencing. Results The HDM treatment induced a sex-specific allergic inflammation phenotype with significantly higher neutrophilia, lymphocytosis, inflammatory gene expression, and histopathological changes in females than males following exposure to HDM, but higher airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in males than females. In addition, sex-specific lung gene expression and associated pathways were identified HDM mix after challenge. These changes corresponded to sex-specific alterations in the gut microbiome, where the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio (F:B) was significantly reduced in fecal samples from only male mice after HDM challenge, and alpha diversity was increased in males, but decreased in females, after 5-weeks of HDM treatment. Discussion Overall, our findings indicate that intranasal allergen challenge triggers sex-specific changes in both gut and lung microbiomes, and induces sex-specific lung inflammation, AHR, and lung inflammatory gene expression pathways, suggesting a contribution of the lung-gut axis in allergic airway disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Damilola Ekpruke
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Rachel Alford
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Dustin Rousselle
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Maksat Babayev
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Shikha Sharma
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Erik Parker
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Biostatistics Consulting Center, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Kyle Davis
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Christopher Hemmerich
- Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Douglas B. Rusch
- Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Patricia Silveyra
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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Gill R, Rojas‐Ruiz A, Boucher M, Henry C, Bossé Y. More airway smooth muscle in males versus females in a mouse model of asthma: A blessing in disguise? Exp Physiol 2023; 108:1080-1091. [PMID: 37341687 PMCID: PMC10988431 DOI: 10.1113/ep091236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? The lung response to inhaled methacholine is reputed to be greater in male than in female mice. The underpinnings of this sex disparity are ill defined. What is the main finding and its importance? We demonstrated that male airways exhibit a greater content of airway smooth muscle than female airways. We also found that, although a more muscular airway tree in males might contribute to their greater responsiveness to inhaled methacholine than females, it might also curb the heterogeneity in small airway narrowing. ABSTRACT Mouse models are helpful in unveiling the mechanisms underlying sex disparities in asthma. In comparison to their female counterparts, male mice are hyperresponsive to inhaled methacholine, a cardinal feature of asthma that contributes to its symptoms. The physiological details and the structural underpinnings of this hyperresponsiveness in males are currently unknown. Herein, BALB/c mice were exposed intranasally to either saline or house dust mite once daily for 10 consecutive days to induce experimental asthma. Twenty-four hours after the last exposure, respiratory mechanics were measured at baseline and after a single dose of inhaled methacholine that was adjusted to trigger the same degree of bronchoconstriction in both sexes (it was twice as high in females). Bronchoalveolar lavages were then collected, and the lungs were processed for histology. House dust mite increased the number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavages to the same extent in both sexes (asthma, P = 0.0005; sex, P = 0.96). The methacholine response was also markedly increased by asthma in both sexes (e.g., P = 0.0002 for asthma on the methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction). However, for a well-matched bronchoconstriction between sexes, the increase in hysteresivity, an indicator of airway narrowing heterogeneity, was attenuated in males for both control and asthmatic mice (sex, P = 0.002). The content of airway smooth muscle was not affected by asthma but was greater in males (asthma, P = 0.31; sex, P < 0.0001). These results provide further insights regarding an important sex disparity in mouse models of asthma. The increased amount of airway smooth muscle in males might contribute functionally to their greater methacholine response and, possibly, to their decreased propensity for airway narrowing heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecka Gill
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ), Université LavalDépartement de médecineQuébecCanada
| | - Andrés Rojas‐Ruiz
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ), Université LavalDépartement de médecineQuébecCanada
| | - Magali Boucher
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ), Université LavalDépartement de médecineQuébecCanada
| | - Cyndi Henry
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ), Université LavalDépartement de médecineQuébecCanada
| | - Ynuk Bossé
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ), Université LavalDépartement de médecineQuébecCanada
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3
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Rychlik KA, Illingworth EJ, Sanchez IF, Attreed SE, Sinha P, Casin KM, Taube N, Loube J, Tasneen R, Kabir R, Nuermberger E, Mitzner W, Kohr MJ, Sillé FCM. Long-term effects of prenatal arsenic exposure from gestational day 9 to birth on lung, heart, and immune outcomes in the C57BL/6 mouse model. Toxicol Lett 2023; 383:17-32. [PMID: 37244563 PMCID: PMC10527152 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2023.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal arsenic exposure is a major public health concern, associated with altered birth outcomes and increased respiratory disease risk. However, characterization of the long-term effects of mid-pregnancy (second trimester) arsenic exposure on multiple organ systems is scant. This study aimed to characterize the long-term impact of mid-pregnancy inorganic arsenic exposure on the lung, heart, and immune system, including infectious disease response using the C57BL/6 mouse model. Mice were exposed from gestational day 9 till birth to either 0 or 1000 µg/L sodium (meta)arsenite in drinking water. Male and female offspring assessed at adulthood (10-12 weeks of age) did not show significant effects on recovery outcomes after ischemia reperfusion injury but did exhibit increased airway hyperresponsiveness compared to controls. Flow cytometric analysis revealed significantly greater total numbers of cells in arsenic-exposed lungs, lower MHCII expression in natural killer cells, and increased percentages of dendritic cell populations. Activated interstitial (IMs) and alveolar macrophages (AMs) isolated from arsenic-exposed male mice produced significantly less IFN-γ than controls. Conversely, activated AMs from arsenic-exposed females produced significantly more IFN-γ than controls. Although systemic cytokine levels were higher upon Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection in prenatally arsenic-exposed offspring there was no difference in lung Mtb burden compared to controls. This study highlights significant long-term impacts of prenatal arsenic exposure on lung and immune cell function. These effects may contribute to the elevated risk of respiratory diseases associated with prenatal arsenic exposure in epidemiology studies and point to the need for more research into mechanisms driving these maintained responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristal A Rychlik
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Public Health Program, School of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Belton, TX, USA
| | - Emily J Illingworth
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ian F Sanchez
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sarah E Attreed
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA/ARS Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Plum Island, CT, USA
| | - Prithvi Sinha
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kevin M Casin
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nicole Taube
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeff Loube
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rokeya Tasneen
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Raihan Kabir
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eric Nuermberger
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Wayne Mitzner
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mark J Kohr
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Fenna C M Sillé
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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4
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Bruggink S, Kentch K, Kronenfeld J, Renquist BJ. A Leak-Free Head-Out Plethysmography System to Accurately Assess Lung Function in Mice. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2022; 133:104-118. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00835.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice are a valuable model for elegant studies of complex, systems-dependent diseases, including pulmonary diseases. Current tools to assess lung function in mice are either terminal or lack accuracy. We set out to develop a low-cost, accurate, head-out variable-pressure plethysmography system to allow for repeated, non-terminal measurements of lung function in mice. Current head-out plethysmography systems are limited by air leaks that prevent accurate measures of volume and flow. We designed an inflatable cuff that encompasses the mouse's neck preventing air leak. We wrote corresponding software to collect and analyze the data, remove movement artifacts, and automatically calibrate each dataset. This software calculates inspiratory/expiratory volume, inspiratory/expiratory time, breaths per minute, mid-expiratory flow, and end-inspiratory pause. To validate the use, we established that our plethysmography system accurately measured tidal breathing, the bronchoconstrictive response to methacholine, sex and age associated changes in breathing, and breathing changes associated with house dust mite sensitization. Our estimates of volume, flow, and timing of breaths are in line with published estimates, we observed dose-dependent decreases in volume and flow in response to methacholine (P < 0.05), increased lung volume and decreased breathing rate with aging (P < 0.05), and that house dust mite sensitization decreased volume and flow (P <0.05) while exacerbating the methacholine induced increases in inspiratory and expiratory time (P < 0.05). We describe an accurate, sensitive, low-cost, head-out plethysmography system that allows for longitudinal studies of pulmonary disease in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Bruggink
- Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Physiological Sciences GIDP, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Kyle Kentch
- Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Jason Kronenfeld
- Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Benjamin Jennings Renquist
- Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Physiological Sciences GIDP, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
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5
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Kulkarni HS, Lee JS, Bastarache JA, Kuebler WM, Downey GP, Albaiceta GM, Altemeier WA, Artigas A, Bates JHT, Calfee CS, Dela Cruz CS, Dickson RP, Englert JA, Everitt JI, Fessler MB, Gelman AE, Gowdy KM, Groshong SD, Herold S, Homer RJ, Horowitz JC, Hsia CCW, Kurahashi K, Laubach VE, Looney MR, Lucas R, Mangalmurti NS, Manicone AM, Martin TR, Matalon S, Matthay MA, McAuley DF, McGrath-Morrow SA, Mizgerd JP, Montgomery SA, Moore BB, Noël A, Perlman CE, Reilly JP, Schmidt EP, Skerrett SJ, Suber TL, Summers C, Suratt BT, Takata M, Tuder R, Uhlig S, Witzenrath M, Zemans RL, Matute-Bello G. Update on the Features and Measurements of Experimental Acute Lung Injury in Animals: An Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2022; 66:e1-e14. [PMID: 35103557 PMCID: PMC8845128 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2021-0531st] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Advancements in methods, technology, and our understanding of the pathobiology of lung injury have created the need to update the definition of experimental acute lung injury (ALI). We queried 50 participants with expertise in ALI and acute respiratory distress syndrome using a Delphi method composed of a series of electronic surveys and a virtual workshop. We propose that ALI presents as a "multidimensional entity" characterized by four "domains" that reflect the key pathophysiologic features and underlying biology of human acute respiratory distress syndrome. These domains are 1) histological evidence of tissue injury, 2) alteration of the alveolar-capillary barrier, 3) presence of an inflammatory response, and 4) physiologic dysfunction. For each domain, we present "relevant measurements," defined as those proposed by at least 30% of respondents. We propose that experimental ALI encompasses a continuum of models ranging from those focusing on gaining specific mechanistic insights to those primarily concerned with preclinical testing of novel therapeutics or interventions. We suggest that mechanistic studies may justifiably focus on a single domain of lung injury, but models must document alterations of at least three of the four domains to qualify as "experimental ALI." Finally, we propose that a time criterion defining "acute" in ALI remains relevant, but the actual time may vary based on the specific model and the aspect of injury being modeled. The continuum concept of ALI increases the flexibility and applicability of the definition to multiple models while increasing the likelihood of translating preclinical findings to critically ill patients.
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6
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Zahn N, Roni MSR, Yocum GT, Meyer MJ, Webb DA, Mian MY, Cook JM, Stafford DC, Emala CW, Arnold LA. Development of Inhaled GABA A Receptor Modulators to Improve Airway Function in Bronchoconstrictive Disorders. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2022; 5:80-88. [PMID: 35187417 PMCID: PMC8844962 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
We report the modification of MIDD0301, an imidazodiazepine GABAA receptor (GABAAR) ligand, using two alkyl substituents. We developed PI310 with a 6-(4-phenylbutoxy)hexyl chain as used in the long-acting β2-agonist salmeterol and PI320 with a poly(ethylene glycol) chain as used to improve the brain:plasma ratio of naloxegol, a naloxone analogue. Both imidazodiazepines showed affinity toward the GABAAR binding site of clonazepam, with IC50 values of 576 and 242 nM, respectively. Molecular docking analysis, using the available α1β3γ2 GABAAR structural data, suggests binding of the diazepine core between the α1+/γ2- interface, whereas alkyl substituents are located outside the binding site and thus interact with the protein surface and solvent molecules. The physicochemical properties of these compounds are very different. The solubility of PI310 is low in water. PEGylation of PI320 significantly improves aqueous solubility and cell permeability. Neither compound is toxic in HEK293 cells following exposure at >300 μM for 18 h. Ex vivo studies using guinea pig tracheal rings showed that PI310 was unable to relax the constricted airway smooth muscle. In contrast, PI320 induced muscle relaxation at organ bath concentrations as low as 5 μM, with rapid onset (15 min) at 25 μM. PI320 also reduced airway hyper-responsiveness in vivo in a mouse model of steroid-resistant lung inflammation induced by intratracheal challenge with INFγ and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). At nebulized doses of 7.2 mg/kg, PI320 and albuterol were equally effective in reducing airway hyper-responsiveness. Ten minutes after nebulization, the lung concentration of PI320 was 50-fold that of PI310, indicating superior availability of PI320 when nebulized as an aqueous solution. Overall, PI320 is a promising inhaled drug candidate to quickly relax airway smooth muscle in bronchoconstrictive disorders, such as asthma. Future studies will evaluate the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties of PI320 when administered orally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas
M. Zahn
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug
Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
| | - M. S. Rashid Roni
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug
Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
| | - Gene T. Yocum
- Department
of Anesthesiology, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Michelle J. Meyer
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug
Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
| | - Daniel A. Webb
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug
Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
| | - Md Yeunus Mian
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug
Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
| | - James M. Cook
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug
Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
| | | | - Charles W. Emala
- Department
of Anesthesiology, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Leggy A. Arnold
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug
Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States,Pantherics
Incorporated, La Jolla, California 92037, United States,
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7
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Geuther B, Chen M, Galante RJ, Han O, Lian J, George J, Pack AI, Kumar V. High-throughput visual assessment of sleep stages in mice using machine learning. Sleep 2021; 45:6414386. [PMID: 34718812 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsab260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Sleep is an important biological process that is perturbed in numerous diseases, and assessment its substages currently requires implantation of electrodes to carry out electroencephalogram/electromyogram (EEG/EMG) analysis. Although accurate, this method comes at a high cost of invasive surgery and experts trained to score EEG/EMG data. Here, we leverage modern computer vision methods to directly classify sleep substages from video data. This bypasses the need for surgery and expert scoring, provides a path to high-throughput studies of sleep in mice. METHODS We collected synchronized high-resolution video and EEG/EMG data in 16 male C57BL/6J mice. We extracted features from the video that are time and frequency-based and used the human expert-scored EEG/EMG data to train a visual classifier. We investigated several classifiers and data augmentation methods. RESULTS Our visual sleep classifier proved to be highly accurate in classifying wake, non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM), and rapid eye movement sleep (REM) states, and achieves an overall accuracy of 0.92 +/- 0.05 (mean +/- SD). We discover and genetically validate video features that correlate with breathing rates, and show low and high variability in NREM and REM sleep, respectively. Finally, we apply our methods to non-invasively detect that sleep stage disturbances induced by amphetamine administration. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that machine learning based visual classification of sleep is a viable alternative to EEG/EMG based scoring. Our results will enable non-invasive high-throughput sleep studies and will greatly reduce the barrier to screening mutant mice for abnormalities in sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Geuther
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME
| | - Mandy Chen
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME
| | - Raymond J Galante
- University of Pennsylvania, John Miclot Professor of Medicine, Division of Sleep Medicine/Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 125 South 31st Street, Suite 2100, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Owen Han
- University of Pennsylvania, John Miclot Professor of Medicine, Division of Sleep Medicine/Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 125 South 31st Street, Suite 2100, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jie Lian
- University of Pennsylvania, John Miclot Professor of Medicine, Division of Sleep Medicine/Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 125 South 31st Street, Suite 2100, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Joshy George
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME
| | - Allan I Pack
- University of Pennsylvania, John Miclot Professor of Medicine, Division of Sleep Medicine/Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 125 South 31st Street, Suite 2100, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Vivek Kumar
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME
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8
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Boucher M, Henry C, Dufour-Mailhot A, Khadangi F, Bossé Y. Smooth Muscle Hypocontractility and Airway Normoresponsiveness in a Mouse Model of Pulmonary Allergic Inflammation. Front Physiol 2021; 12:698019. [PMID: 34267677 PMCID: PMC8277197 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.698019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The contractility of airway smooth muscle (ASM) is labile. Although this feature can greatly modulate the degree of airway responsiveness in vivo, the extent by which ASM's contractility is affected by pulmonary allergic inflammation has never been compared between strains of mice exhibiting a different susceptibility to develop airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Herein, female C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice were treated intranasally with either saline or house dust mite (HDM) once daily for 10 consecutive days to induce pulmonary allergic inflammation. The doses of HDM were twice greater in the less susceptible C57BL/6 strain. All outcomes, including ASM contractility, were measured 24 h after the last HDM exposure. As expected, while BALB/c mice exposed to HDM became hyperresponsive to a nebulized challenge with methacholine in vivo, C57BL/6 mice remained normoresponsive. The lack of AHR in C57BL/6 mice occurred despite exhibiting more than twice as much inflammation than BALB/c mice in bronchoalveolar lavages, as well as similar degrees of inflammatory cell infiltrates within the lung tissue, goblet cell hyperplasia and thickening of the epithelium. There was no enlargement of ASM caused by HDM exposure in either strain. Unexpectedly, however, excised tracheas derived from C57BL/6 mice exposed to HDM demonstrated a decreased contractility in response to both methacholine and potassium chloride, while tracheas from BALB/c mice remained normocontractile following HDM exposure. These results suggest that the lack of AHR in C57BL/6 mice, at least in an acute model of HDM-induced pulmonary allergic inflammation, is due to an acquired ASM hypocontractility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Boucher
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Cyndi Henry
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Alexis Dufour-Mailhot
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Fatemeh Khadangi
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Ynuk Bossé
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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9
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Luo Y, Chen H, Huang R, Wu Q, Li Y, He Y. Guanosine and uridine alleviate airway inflammation via inhibition of the MAPK and NF-κB signals in OVA-induced asthmatic mice. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2021; 69:102049. [PMID: 34102301 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2021.102049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Asthma is one of the most common respiratory diseases. Lack of response or poor adherence to corticosteroids demands the development of new drug candidates for asthma. Endogenous nucleosides could be potential options since uridine has been reported to have an anti-inflammatory effect in asthma model. However, its molecular pathways and whether other nucleosides have similar therapeutic effects remain untouched. Thus, we herein report our investigation into the anti-inflammatory effects of guanosine and uridine, and the related inner signaling pathways in asthma model. Present study shows that administration of guanosine or uridine can reduce lung inflammation in OVA-challenged mice. Total cell counts in BALF, cytokines such as IL-4, IL-6, IL-13, OVA-specific IgE and mRNA level of Cxcl1, Cxlc3, IL-17 and Muc5ac were decreased in asthmatic mice after treatment. Besides, the production of IL-6 in LPS/IFN-γ induced THP-1 cells was also decreased by both nucleosides. In vivo and in vitro expressions of key molecules in the MAPK and NF-κB pathways were reduced after the treatment of both compounds. These findings suggest that guanosine has a similar potential therapeutic value in asthma as uridine and they exert anti-inflammatory effects through suppression of the MAPK and NF-κB pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiao Luo
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Hai Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Ridong Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yang He
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
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10
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Oliveira MA, Lino-Alvarado AE, Moriya HT, Vitorasso RL. Drug class effects on respiratory mechanics in animal models: access and applications. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:1094-1103. [PMID: 33601911 DOI: 10.1177/1535370221993095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Assessment of respiratory mechanics extends from basic research and animal modeling to clinical applications in humans. However, to employ the applications in human models, it is desirable and sometimes mandatory to study non-human animals first. To acquire further precise and controlled signals and parameters, the animals studied must be further distant from their spontaneous ventilation. The majority of respiratory mechanics studies use positive pressure ventilation to model the respiratory system. In this scenario, a few drug categories become relevant: anesthetics, muscle blockers, bronchoconstrictors, and bronchodilators. Hence, the main objective of this study is to briefly review and discuss each drug category, and the impact of a drug on the assessment of respiratory mechanics. Before and during the positive pressure ventilation, the experimental animal must be appropriately sedated and anesthetized. The sedation will lower the pain and distress of the studied animal and the plane of anesthesia will prevent the pain. With those drugs, a more controlled procedure is carried out; further, because many anesthetics depress the respiratory system activity, a minimum interference of the animal's respiration efforts are achieved. The latter phenomenon is related to muscle blockers, which aim to minimize respiratory artifacts that may interfere with forced oscillation techniques. Generally, the respiratory mechanics are studied under appropriate anesthesia and muscle blockage. The application of bronchoconstrictors is prevalent in respiratory mechanics studies. To verify the differences among studied groups, it is often necessary to challenge the respiratory system, for example, by pharmacologically inducing bronchoconstriction. However, the selected bronchoconstrictor, doses, and administration can affect the evaluation of respiratory mechanics. Although not prevalent, studies have applied bronchodilators to return (airway resistance) to the basal state after bronchoconstriction. The drug categories can influence the mathematical modeling of the respiratory system, systemic conditions, and respiratory mechanics outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Oliveira
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of Sao Paulo (USP) Sao Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Alembert E Lino-Alvarado
- Biomedical Engineering Laboratory - University of Sao Paulo (USP) Sao Paulo, SP 05508-010, Brazil
| | - Henrique T Moriya
- Biomedical Engineering Laboratory - University of Sao Paulo (USP) Sao Paulo, SP 05508-010, Brazil
| | - Renato L Vitorasso
- Biomedical Engineering Laboratory - University of Sao Paulo (USP) Sao Paulo, SP 05508-010, Brazil
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11
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Doras C, Petak F, Bayat S, Baudat A, Von Garnier C, Eigenmann P, Habre W. Lung responses in murine models of experimental asthma: Value of house dust mite over ovalbumin sensitization. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2017; 247:43-51. [PMID: 28890402 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization has limitations in modelling asthma. Thus, we examined the value of allergic sensitization using a purified natural allergen, house dust mite (HDM), over the sensitization performed with OVA. Mice were sham-treated, or sensitized with OVA- or HDM with identical chronology. Airway resistance, tissue damping and elastance were assessed under control conditions and after challenging the animals with methacholine (MCh) and the specific allergen. Inflammatory profile of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was characterized and lung histology was performed. While no difference in the lung responsiveness to the specific allergen was noted, hyperresponsiveness to MCh was observed only in the HDM-sensitized animals in the lung peripheral parameters. Lung inflammation differed between the models, but excessive bronchial smooth muscle remodelling occurred only with OVA. In conclusion, we demonstrate that a purified natural allergen offers a more relevant murine model of human allergic asthma by expressing the key features of this chronic inflammatory disease both in the lung function and structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Doras
- Anaesthesiological Investigations Unit, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ferenc Petak
- Department of Medical Physics and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Sam Bayat
- Anaesthesiological Investigations Unit, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aurélie Baudat
- Anaesthesiological Investigations Unit, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Philippe Eigenmann
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Walid Habre
- Anaesthesiological Investigations Unit, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
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12
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Salehi S, Wang X, Juvet S, Scott JA, Chow CW. Syk Regulates Neutrophilic Airway Hyper-Responsiveness in a Chronic Mouse Model of Allergic Airways Inflammation. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0163614. [PMID: 28107345 PMCID: PMC5249072 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by airways hyper-responsiveness (AHR), reversible airway obstruction, and airway inflammation and remodeling. We previously showed that Syk modulates methacholine-induced airways contractility in naïve mice and in mice with allergic airways inflammation. We hypothesize that Syk plays a role in the pathogenesis of AHR; this was evaluated in a chronic 8-week mouse model of house dust mite (HDM)-induced allergic airways inflammation. Methods We used the Sykflox/flox//rosa26CreERT2 conditional Syk knock-out mice to assess the role of Syk prior to HDM exposure, and treated HDM-sensitized mice with the Syk inhibitor, GSK143, to evaluate its role in established allergic airways inflammation. Respiratory mechanics and methacholine (MCh)-responsiveness were assessed using the flexiVent® system. Lungs underwent bronchoalveolar lavage to isolate inflammatory cells or were frozen for determination of gene expression in tissues. Results MCh-induced AHR was observed following HDM sensitization in the Syk-intact (Sykflox/flox) and vehicle-treated BALB/c mice. MCh responsiveness was reduced to control levels in HDM-sensitized Sykdel/del mice and in BALB/c and Sykflox/flox mice treated with GSK143. Both Sykdel/del and GSK143-treated mice mounted appropriate immune responses to HDM, with HDM-specific IgE levels that were comparable to Sykflox/flox and vehicle-treated BALB/c mice. HDM-induced increases in bronchoalveolar lavage cell counts were attenuated in both Sykdel/del and GSK143-treated mice, due primarily to decreased neutrophil recruitment. Gene expression analysis of lung tissues revealed that HDM-induced expression of IL-17 and CXCL-1 was significantly attenuated in both Sykdel/del and GSK143-treated mice. Conclusion Syk inhibitors may play a role in the management of neutrophilic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepehr Salehi
- Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xiaomin Wang
- Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen Juvet
- Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeremy A. Scott
- Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
- Southern Ontario Center for Atmospheric Aerosol Research, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Health, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chung-Wai Chow
- Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Southern Ontario Center for Atmospheric Aerosol Research, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Health, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Multi-Organ Transplant Programme, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
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13
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Noble DJ, MacDowell CJ, McKinnon ML, Neblett TI, Goolsby WN, Hochman S. Use of electric field sensors for recording respiration, heart rate, and stereotyped motor behaviors in the rodent home cage. J Neurosci Methods 2016; 277:88-100. [PMID: 27993527 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2016.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous environmental and genetic factors can contribute significantly to behavioral and cardiorespiratory variability observed experimentally. Affordable technologies that allow for noninvasive home cage capture of physio-behavioral variables should enhance understanding of inter-animal variability including after experimental interventions. NEW METHOD We assessed whether EPIC electric field sensors (Plessey Semiconductors) embedded within or attached externally to a rodent's home cage could accurately record respiration, heart rate, and motor behaviors. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS Current systems for quantification of behavioral variables require expensive specialty equipment, while measures of respiratory and heart rate are often provided by surgically implanted or chronically affixed devices. RESULTS Sensors accurately encoded imposed sinusoidal changes in electric field tested at frequencies ranging from 0.5-100Hz. Mini-metronome arm movements were easily detected, but response magnitude was highly distance dependent. Sensors accurately reported respiration during whole-body plethysmography. In anesthetized rodents, PVC tube-embedded sensors provided accurate mechanical detection of both respiratory and heart rate. Comparable success was seen in naturally behaving animals at rest or sleeping when sensors were attached externally. Video-verified motor behaviors (sniffing, grooming, chewing, and rearing) were detectable and largely separable by their characteristic voltage fluctuations. Larger movement-related events had comparably larger voltage dynamics that easily allowed for a broad approximation of overall motor activity. Spectrograms were used to quickly depict characteristic frequencies in long-lasting recordings, while filtering and thresholding software allowed for detection and quantification of movement-related physio-behavioral events. CONCLUSIONS EPIC electric field sensors provide a means for affordable non-contact home cage detection of physio-behavioral variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald J Noble
- Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine, 30322 Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Camden J MacDowell
- Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine, 30322 Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Michael L McKinnon
- Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine, 30322 Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Tamra I Neblett
- Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine, 30322 Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - William N Goolsby
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, 30322 Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Shawn Hochman
- Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine, 30322 Atlanta, GA, United States.
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Plethysmography Phenotype QTL in Mice Before and After Allergen Sensitization and Challenge. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2016; 6:2857-65. [PMID: 27449512 PMCID: PMC5015943 DOI: 10.1534/g3.116.032912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Allergic asthma is common airway disease that is characterized in part by enhanced airway constriction in response to nonspecific stimuli. Genome-wide association studies have identified multiple loci associated with asthma risk in humans, but these studies have not accounted for gene-environment interactions, which are thought to be important factors in asthma. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) that regulate responses to a common human allergen, we applied a house dust mite mouse (HDM) model of allergic airway disease (AAD) to 146 incipient lines of the Collaborative Cross (CC) and the CC founder strains. We employed a longitudinal study design in which mice were phenotyped for response to the bronchoconstrictor methacholine both before and after HDM sensitization and challenge using whole body plethysmography (WBP). There was significant variation in methacholine responsiveness due to both strain and HDM treatment, as reflected by changes in the WBP parameter enhanced pause. We also found that distinct QTL regulate baseline [chromosome (Chr) 18] and post-HDM (Chr 19) methacholine responsiveness and that post-HDM airway responsiveness was correlated with other features of AAD. Finally, using invasive measurements of airway mechanics, we tested whether the Chr 19 QTL affects lung resistance per se using C57BL/6J mice and a consomic strain but found that QTL haplotype did not affect lung resistance. We conclude that aspects of baseline and allergen-induced methacholine responsiveness are associated with genetic variation, and that robust detection of airway resistance QTL in genetically diverse mice will be facilitated by direct measurement of airway mechanics.
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15
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Mouse genome-wide association study identifies polymorphisms on chromosomes 4, 11, and 15 for age-related cardiac fibrosis. Mamm Genome 2016; 27:179-90. [PMID: 27126641 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-016-9634-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Dystrophic cardiac calcinosis (DCC), also called epicardial and myocardial fibrosis and mineralization, has been detected in mice of a number of laboratory inbred strains, most commonly C3H/HeJ and DBA/2J. In previous mouse breeding studies between these DCC susceptible and the DCC-resistant strain C57BL/6J, 4 genetic loci harboring genes involved in DCC inheritance were identified and subsequently termed Dyscalc loci 1 through 4. Here, we report susceptibility to cardiac fibrosis, a sub-phenotype of DCC, at 12 and 20 months of age and close to natural death in a survey of 28 inbred mouse strains. Eight strains showed cardiac fibrosis with highest frequency and severity in the moribund mice. Using genotype and phenotype information of the 28 investigated strains, we performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and identified the most significant associations on chromosome (Chr) 15 at 72 million base pairs (Mb) (P < 10(-13)) and Chr 4 at 122 Mb (P < 10(-11)) and 134 Mb (P < 10(-7)). At the Chr 15 locus, Col22a1 and Kcnk9 were identified. Both have been reported to be morphologically and functionally important in the heart muscle. The strongest Chr 4 associations were located approximately 6 Mb away from the Dyscalc 2 quantitative trait locus peak within the boundaries of the Extl1 gene and in close proximity to the Trim63 and Cap1 genes. In addition, a single-nucleotide polymorphism association was found on chromosome 11. This study provides evidence for more than the previously reported 4 genetic loci determining cardiac fibrosis and DCC. The study also highlights the power of GWAS in the mouse for dissecting complex genetic traits.
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Sundberg JP, Berndt A, Sundberg BA, Silva KA, Kennedy V, Smith RS, Cooper TK, Schofield PN. Approaches to Investigating Complex Genetic Traits in a Large-Scale Inbred Mouse Aging Study. Vet Pathol 2016; 53:456-67. [PMID: 26936752 PMCID: PMC5297262 DOI: 10.1177/0300985815612556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Inbred mice are a unique model system for studying aging because of the genetic homogeneity within inbred strains, the short life span of mice relative to humans, and the rich array of analytic tools that are available. A large-scale aging study was conducted on 28 inbred strains representing great genetic diversity to determine, via histopathology, the type and diversity of spontaneous diseases that aging mice develop. A total of 20 885 different diagnoses were made, with an average of 12 diagnoses per mouse in the study. Eighteen inbred strains have had their genomes sequenced, and many others have been partially sequenced to provide large repositories of data on genetic variation among the strains. This vast amount of genomic information can be utilized in genome-wide association studies to find candidate genes that are involved in the pathogenesis of spontaneous diseases. As an illustration, this article presents a genome-wide association study of the genetic associations of age-related intestinal amyloidosis, which implicated 3 candidate genes: translocating chain-associated membrane protein 1 (Tram1); splicing factor 3b, subunit 5 (Sf3b5); and syntaxin 11 (Stx11). Representative photomicrographs are available on the Mouse Tumor Biology Database and Pathbase to serve as a reference when evaluating inbred mice used in other genetic or experimental studies to rule out strain background lesions. Many of the age-related mouse diseases are similar, if not identical, to human diseases; therefore, the genetic discoveries have direct translational benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A Berndt
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - K A Silva
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
| | - V Kennedy
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
| | - R S Smith
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
| | - T K Cooper
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Department of Pathology, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - P N Schofield
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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17
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Robichaud A, Fereydoonzad L, Schuessler TF. Delivered dose estimate to standardize airway hyperresponsiveness assessment in mice. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2015; 308:L837-46. [PMID: 25637610 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00343.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Airway hyperresponsiveness often constitutes a primary outcome in respiratory studies in mice. The procedure commonly employs aerosolized challenges, and results are typically reported in terms of bronchoconstrictor concentrations loaded into the nebulizer. Yet, because protocols frequently differ across studies, especially in terms of aerosol generation and delivery, direct study comparisons are difficult. We hypothesized that protocol variations could lead to differences in aerosol delivery efficiency and, consequently, in the dose delivered to the subject, as well as in the response. Thirteen nebulization patterns containing common protocol variations (nebulization time, duty cycle, particle size spectrum, air humidity, and/or ventilation profile) and using increasing concentrations of methacholine and broadband forced oscillations (flexiVent, SCIREQ, Montreal, Qc, Canada) were created, characterized, and studied in anesthetized naïve A/J mice. A delivered dose estimate calculated from nebulizer-, ventilator-, and subject-specific characteristics was introduced and used to account for protocol variations. Results showed that nebulization protocol variations significantly affected the fraction of aerosol reaching the subject site and the delivered dose, as well as methacholine reactivity and sensitivity in mice. From the protocol variants studied, addition of a slow deep ventilation profile during nebulization was identified as a key factor for optimization of the technique. The study also highlighted sensitivity differences within the lung, as well as the possibility that airway responses could be selectively enhanced by adequate control of nebulizer and ventilator settings. Reporting results in terms of delivered doses represents an important standardizing element for assessment of airway hyperresponsiveness in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Robichaud
- SCIREQ Scientific Respiratory Equipment, Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Liah Fereydoonzad
- SCIREQ Scientific Respiratory Equipment, Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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18
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Xu WH. Repetitive measurements of enhanced pause (Penh). Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2015; 206:41-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2014.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Revised: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Lim R, Zavou MJ, Milton PL, Chan ST, Tan JL, Dickinson H, Murphy SV, Jenkin G, Wallace EM. Measuring respiratory function in mice using unrestrained whole-body plethysmography. J Vis Exp 2014:e51755. [PMID: 25146417 DOI: 10.3791/51755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory dysfunction is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world and the rates of mortality continue to rise. Quantitative assessment of lung function in rodent models is an important tool in the development of future therapies. Commonly used techniques for assessing respiratory function including invasive plethysmography and forced oscillation. While these techniques provide valuable information, data collection can be fraught with artefacts and experimental variability due to the need for anesthesia and/or invasive instrumentation of the animal. In contrast, unrestrained whole-body plethysmography (UWBP) offers a precise, non-invasive, quantitative way by which to analyze respiratory parameters. This technique avoids the use of anesthesia and restraints, which is common to traditional plethysmography techniques. This video will demonstrate the UWBP procedure including the equipment set up, calibration and lung function recording. It will explain how to analyze the collected data, as well as identify experimental outliers and artefacts that results from animal movement. The respiratory parameters obtained using this technique include tidal volume, minute volume, inspiratory duty cycle, inspiratory flow rate and the ratio of inspiration time to expiration time. UWBP does not rely on specialized skills and is inexpensive to perform. A key feature of UWBP, and most appealing to potential users, is the ability to perform repeated measures of lung function on the same animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Lim
- The Ritchie Centre, Monash Institute of Medical Research; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Medical Centre;
| | - Marcus J Zavou
- The Ritchie Centre, Monash Institute of Medical Research
| | | | - Siow Teng Chan
- The Ritchie Centre, Monash Institute of Medical Research
| | - Jean L Tan
- The Ritchie Centre, Monash Institute of Medical Research
| | - Hayley Dickinson
- The Ritchie Centre, Monash Institute of Medical Research; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Medical Centre
| | | | - Graham Jenkin
- The Ritchie Centre, Monash Institute of Medical Research; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Medical Centre
| | - Euan M Wallace
- The Ritchie Centre, Monash Institute of Medical Research; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Medical Centre
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20
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Verheijden KAT, Henricks PAJ, Redegeld FA, Garssen J, Folkerts G. Measurement of airway function using invasive and non-invasive methods in mild and severe models for allergic airway inflammation in mice. Front Pharmacol 2014; 5:190. [PMID: 25161620 PMCID: PMC4129625 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2014.00190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study a direct comparison was made between non-invasive and non-ventilated unrestrained whole body plethysmography (Penh) (conscious animals) and the invasive ventilated lung resistance (RL) method (anesthetized animals) in both mild and severe allergic airway inflammation models. Mild inflammation was induced by intraperitoneal sensitization and aerosols of ovalbumin. Severe inflammation was induced by intraperitoneal sensitization using trinitrophenyl-ovalbumin, followed by intranasal challenges with IgE-allergen complexes. A significant increase in airway responsiveness to methacholine was observed in the mild inflammation group when RL was measured. Significant changes in both RL and Penh were observed in the severe inflammation groups. There was a significant increase in the number of inflammatory cells in the Broncho-Alveolar Lavage Fluid (BALF) in both the mild and severe inflammation animals. The enforced ventilation of the animals during the RL measurement further increased the number of cells in the BALF. IL-2 and RANTES levels in the BALF were higher in the severe inflammation groups compared to the mild inflammation groups. Penh gave only reliable measurements during severe airway inflammation. Measuring RL gave consistent results in both mild and severe allergic airway inflammation models however, ventilation induced an additional cell influx into the airways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim A T Verheijden
- Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Paul A J Henricks
- Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Frank A Redegeld
- Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Johan Garssen
- Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University Utrecht, Netherlands ; Immunology, Nutricia Research Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Gert Folkerts
- Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University Utrecht, Netherlands
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Berndt A, Sundberg BA, Silva KA, Kennedy VE, Richardson MA, Li Q, Bronson RT, Uitto J, Sundberg JP. Phenotypic characterization of the KK/HlJ inbred mouse strain. Vet Pathol 2013; 51:846-57. [PMID: 24009271 DOI: 10.1177/0300985813501335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Detailed histopathological diagnoses of inbred mouse strains are important for interpreting research results and defining novel models of human diseases. The aim of this study was to histologically detect lesions affecting the KK/HlJ inbred strain. Mice were examined at 6, 12, and 20 months of age and near natural death (ie, moribund mice). Histopathological lesions were quantified by percentage of affected mice per age group and sex. Predominant lesions were mineralization, hyperplasia, and fibro-osseous lesions. Mineralization was most frequently found in the connective tissue dermal sheath of vibrissae, the heart, and the lung. Mineralization was also found in many other organs but to a lesser degree. Hyperplasia was found most commonly in the pancreatic islets, and fibro-osseous lesions were observed in several bones. The percentage of lesions increased with age until 20 months. This study shows that KK/HlJ mice demonstrate systemic aberrant mineralization, with greatest frequency in aged mice. The detailed information about histopathological lesions in the inbred strain KK/HlJ can help investigators to choose the right model and correctly interpret the experimental results.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Berndt
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - K A Silva
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
| | | | - M A Richardson
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Q Li
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - J Uitto
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Shanks K, Nkyimbeng-Takwi EH, Smith E, Lipsky MM, DeTolla LJ, Scott DW, Keegan AD, Chapoval SP. Neuroimmune semaphorin 4D is necessary for optimal lung allergic inflammation. Mol Immunol 2013; 56:480-7. [PMID: 23911404 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2013.05.228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Revised: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 05/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Neuroimmune semaphorin 4D (Sema4D) was found to be expressed and function in the nervous and immune systems. In the immune system, Sema4D is constitutively expressed on T cells and regulates T cell priming. In addition, it displays a stimulatory function on macrophages, DC, NK cells, and neutrophils. As all these cells are deeply involved in asthma pathology, we hypothesized that Sema4D plays a critical non-redundant regulatory role in allergic airway response. To test our hypothesis, we exposed Sema4D(-/-) and WT mice to OVA injections and challenges in the well-defined mouse model of OVA-induced experimental asthma. We observed a significant decrease in eosinophilic airway infiltration in allergen-treated Sema4D(-/-) mice relative to WT mice. This reduced allergic inflammatory response was associated with decreased BAL IL-5, IL-13, TGFβ1, IL-6, and IL-17A levels. In addition, T cell proliferation in OVA₃₂₃₋₃₃₉-restimulated Sema4D(-/-) cell cultures was downregulated. We also found increased Treg numbers in spleens of Sema4D(-/-) mice. However, airway hyperreactivity (AHR) to methacholine challenges was not affected by Sema4D deficiency in either acute or chronic experimental disease setting. Surprisingly, lung DC number and activation were not affected by Sema4D deficiency. These data provide a new insight into Sema4D biology and define Sema4D as an important regulator of Th2-driven lung pathophysiology and as a potential target for a combinatory disease immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Shanks
- Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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23
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Mullane K, Williams M. Animal models of asthma: reprise or reboot? Biochem Pharmacol 2013; 87:131-9. [PMID: 23831953 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Animal models of disease represent the pinnacle of hierarchical research efforts to validate targets and compounds for therapeutic intervention. Yet models of asthma, particularly in the mouse, which, for practical reasons, has become the sine qua non of asthma research, have been a bone of contention for decades. With barely a nod to their limitations and an extensive history of translational failures, they continue to be used for target identification and to justify the clinical evaluation of new compounds. Recent improvements - including sensitization directly to the airways; use of more relevant allergens; development of a chronic rather than short-term condition; utilization of techniques to measure lung function beyond uninterpretable measures of airway hyperresponsiveness - are laudable but cannot bridge the chasm between the models and the myriad complexities of the human disorder and multiple asthma endophenotypes. While further model developments are necessary, including recognition of key environmental factors beyond allergens, the judicious integration with newer ex vivo and in vitro techniques, including human precision-cut lung slices, reprograming of patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells and fibroblasts to epithelial and smooth muscle cells, and use of other clinical samples to create a more holistic depiction of activities, might improve their translational success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Mullane
- Profectus Pharma Consulting Inc., San Jose, CA, USA.
| | - Michael Williams
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Chemistry, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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24
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Wilson SJ, Harmer MJ, Lee RL, Rigden HM, Doyon-Reale NM, Forman KM, Gao X, Lieh-Lai MW, Bassett DJP. Recurring BALB/c mouse lung inflammatory responses to episodic allergen exposure. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2013; 76:176-191. [PMID: 23356647 PMCID: PMC3558838 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2013.752323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This study detailed the sequence of recurring inflammatory events associated with episodic allergen exposures of mice resulting in airway hyperreactivity, sustained inflammation, goblet-cell hyperplasia, and fibrogenesis that characterize a lung with chronic asthma. Ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized female BALB/c mice were exposed to saline-control or OVA aerosols for 1 h per day for episodes of 3 d/wk for up to 8 wk. Lung inflammation was assessed by inflammatory cell recoveries using bronchoalveolar lavages (BAL) and tissue collagenase dispersions. Cell accumulations were observed within airway submucosal and associated perivascular spaces using immunohistochemical and tinctorial staining methods. Airway responsiveness to methacholine aerosols were elevated after 2 wk and further enhanced to a sustained level after wk 4 and 8. Although by wk 8 diminished OVA-induced accumulations of eosinophils, neutrophils, and monocyte-macrophages were observed, suggesting diminished responsiveness, the BAL recovery of lymphocytes remained elevated. Airway but not perivascular lesions persisted with a proliferating cell population, epithelial goblet-cell hyperplasia, and evidence of enhanced collagen deposition. Examination of lung inflammatory cell content before the onset of the first, second, and fourth OVA exposure episodes demonstrated enhancements in residual BAL lymphocyte and BAL and tissue eosinophil recoveries with each exposure episode. Although tissue monocyte-macrophage numbers returned to baseline prior to each exposure episode, the greatest level of accumulation was observed after wk 4. These results provide the basis for establishing the inflammatory and exposure criteria by which episodic environmental exposures to allergen might result in the development of a remodeled lung in asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Wilson
- Histochemistry Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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25
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Lundblad LKA. Issues determining direct airways hyperresponsiveness in mice. Front Physiol 2012; 3:408. [PMID: 23097643 PMCID: PMC3477826 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2012.00408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Airways hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is frequently a primary outcome in mouse models of asthma. There are, however, a number of variables that may affect the outcome of such measurements and the interpretation of the results. This article highlights issues that should be kept in mind when designing experiments using AHR as an outcome by reviewing techniques commonly used to assess AHR (unrestrained plethysmography and respiratory input impedance using forced oscillations), discussing the relationship between structure and function and, then exploring how the localization of AHR evolves over time, how the airway epithelium may affect the kinetics of methacholine induced AHR and finally how lung volume and positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) can be used as tools assessing respiratory mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart K A Lundblad
- Department of Medicine, Vermont Lung Center, The University of Vermont Burlington, VT, USA
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26
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Wright D, Sharma P, Ryu MH, Rissé PA, Ngo M, Maarsingh H, Koziol-White C, Jha A, Halayko AJ, West AR. Models to study airway smooth muscle contraction in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro: implications in understanding asthma. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2012; 26:24-36. [PMID: 22967819 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2012.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2012] [Revised: 08/14/2012] [Accepted: 08/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic obstructive airway disease characterised by airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and airway wall remodelling. The effector of airway narrowing is the contraction of airway smooth muscle (ASM), yet the question of whether an inherent or acquired dysfunction in ASM contractile function plays a significant role in the disease pathophysiology remains contentious. The difficulty in determining the role of ASM lies in limitations with the models used to assess contraction. In vivo models provide a fully integrated physiological response but ASM contraction cannot be directly measured. Ex vivo and in vitro models can provide more direct assessment of ASM contraction but the loss of factors that may modulate ASM responsiveness and AHR, including interaction between multiple cell types and disruption of the mechanical environment, precludes a complete understanding of the disease process. In this review we detail key advantages of common in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro models of ASM contraction, as well as emerging tissue engineered models of ASM and whole airways. We also highlight important findings from each model with respect to the pathophysiology of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Wright
- Medical Research Council and Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, King's College London, United Kingdom
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27
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Hantos Z, Lundblad L, Bates J, Irvin C, Sly P, Mitzner W. Useful models of asthma need to properly phenotype airway narrowing. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2012; 45:1272; author reply 1272-3. [PMID: 22140201 DOI: 10.1165/ajrcmb.45.6.1272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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28
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Berndt A, Savage HS, Stearns TM, Paigen B. Genetic analysis of lung function in inbred mice suggests vitamin D receptor as a candidate gene. Mol Genet Genomics 2011; 286:237-46. [PMID: 21850575 PMCID: PMC3175031 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-011-0642-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2011] [Accepted: 08/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms are associated with an increased asthma incidence in human populations; however, observations in Vdr knockout mice are unclear. The aim of our study was to determine the influence of the genetic variation in Vdr among inbred strains on lung resistance (i.e., dynamic and airway resistance). In an intercross between the strains C57BL/6J (B6) and KK/HlJ (KK), we identified that a significant QTL for dynamic resistance on Chr X was interacting with a QTL on Chr 15. The Chr 15 QTL peak was located in close proximity to the Vdr locus. We further examined if phenotypes of several inbred strains with varying Vdr genotypes differed. Strains with a B6-like genotype on the Vdr locus had significantly lower airway resistance than strains with a KK-like genotype. Vdr knockout mice were examined for dynamic resistance and showed significantly higher resistance than mice with one (i.e., heterozygous) or both copies (i.e., wild-type) of the Vdr. In comparison to B6, the strain A/J is more resistant but carries the same genotype at the Vdr locus. Dietary vitamin D manipulation in the strain A/J did not rescue the high airway resistance phenotype. Finally, we observed that serum vitamin D does not correlate significantly with lung resistance parameters in a survey of 18 strains. Conclusively, Vdr contributes to the phenotypic variation of lung resistance in inbred mice but other molecules in the Vdr pathway and extended network [i.e., Chr X gene(s)] may contribute as well.
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29
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Hantos Z, Bates JHT, Irvin CG, Lundblad LKA, Sly PD. Airway resistance: synonyms, surrogates, and precision. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2011; 300:L506; author reply L507. [PMID: 21368020 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00410.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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