Objective: To investigate the adhesive mechanism of airway inflammation in the pathogenesis of asthma.
Methods: The guniea pigs were divided into 2 groups, the asthmatic animal group and the normal animal group. The following tests were performed: (a) The values of sICAM-1, sP-selectin, IL-8 and ECP both in plasma (or serum) and BALF were measured by ELISA. (b) The expressions of ICAM-1 and IL-8 on the bronchial epithelial cells and vascular endothelial cells were measured by immuno-histochemistry staining. (c) The lung functions (VT, Cdyn, R(L)) were tested.
Results: (a) The values of sICAM-1, sP-selectin and ECP were elevated both in the plasma and BALF level of asthmatic group (P < 0.01). Additionally, IL-8 of BALF level of asthmatic group was elevated (P < 0.01), while IL-8 of serum level was lower than that of normal group (P < 0.01). (b) The expressions of ICAM-1, IL-8 on the bronchial epithelial and vascular endothelial cells in asthmatic animals were up-regulated (P < 0.01). (c) The lung functions of the asthmatic animals were impaired (V(T), C(dyn) P < 0.01; R(L) P < 0.05).
Conclusions: ALL the results above suggests that ICAM-1, IL-8, P-selectin and ECP are involved in the inflammative adhesive mechanism of asthma.