ALLERGIC BRONCHIAL AIRWAY INFLAMMATION IN NERVE GROWTH FACTOR (NGF)-DEPRIVED RATS: EVIDENCE SUGGESTING A NEUROIMMUNOMODULATORY ROLE OF NGF

Abstract

In the present study, ovalbumin-sensitized/challenged rats were characterized by an nerve growth factor (NGF) increase in both serum and bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF), but not in the lung. Exogenous administration of NGF or NGF-neutralizing antibodies did not modify immunoglobulin (IgE) and eosinophil parameters. In control rats, NGF administration did not induce increase of IgE or eosinophils in both BALF and lung. The present findings suggest that at least NGF does not act as a proper proinflammatory factor but most probably as a neuroimmune modulator molecule of the allergic state.

Keywords:

• allergy
• eosinophils
• inflammation
• mast cells
• NGF