Heparin protects BALB/c mice from mite-induced airway allergic inflammation

Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2013 Apr-Jun;26(2):349-59. doi: 10.1177/039463201302600208.

Abstract

More and more studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of heparin. However, in the aspect of allergic airway inflammation, data about its daily use in animal model is scarce. To evaluate the efficacy of 22-day intranasal heparin administration in mite-induced airway allergic inflammation in BALB/c mice, the murine model of house dust-mite allergen-induced asthma was used to assess the effect of heparin (h) and low molecular weight heparin (l mwh) administered intra-nasally (IN) throughout the full study period (22 days). Effects were monitored by histopathology, cell counts in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF), local cytokine production, serum, specific antibody levels, and airway resistance measurements. Compared to the positive control group, both hIN and lmwhIN groups had lower peri-bronchiolar/alveolar inflammatory pathology score and lower goblet cell scores (p less than 0.01); lower eosinophil and neutrophil counts in BALF (p less than 0.0001); and lower cytokine levels including IL-17A/F, IL-5, IL-13, IL-8 and eotaxin in lung tissue (p less than 0.001). Serum Der p-specific IgE level was also lower in heparin-treated groups (p less than 0.004). The two heparin-treated groups also revealed lower value of Penh after Mch stimulation. In conclusion, heparin and lmw heparin decrease serum Der p-specific IgE level and possess anti-inflammatory effects on mite-induced airway allergic inflammation model in BALB/c mice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intranasal
  • Airway Resistance / drug effects
  • Allergens / immunology*
  • Animals
  • Anti-Allergic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Allergic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antigens, Dermatophagoides / immunology*
  • Arthropod Proteins / immunology*
  • Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / immunology
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Heparin / administration & dosage
  • Heparin / pharmacology*
  • Immunoglobulin E / blood
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
  • Lung / drug effects*
  • Lung / immunology
  • Lung / pathology
  • Lung / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / blood
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / pathology
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / physiopathology
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / prevention & control*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Anti-Allergic Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antigens, Dermatophagoides
  • Arthropod Proteins
  • Cytokines
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Immunoglobulin E
  • Heparin