Conclusions
This is a first demonstration that LF significantly decreases antigen-specific pleurisy in a sensitized mouse model.
Methods
The cytokine levels in the pleural exudates were measured by immunoassays. The blood and pleural exudates smears were stained with Giemsa and May-Grünwald reagents and reviewed histologically. Lung sections were stained with eosin and hematoxylin for histological evaluation.
Results
Lactoferrin significantly decreased manifestation of pleurisy induced by OVA in a sensitized mouse model. In particular, the percentages of eosinophils in blood and pleural exudates were strongly diminished. The histological analysis of lungs revealed that LF diminished the development of pathological lesions, such as pulmonary edema, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and hemosiderosis, which were found in the lungs after injection of the eliciting dose of OVA. LF also decreased the level of IL-5 secreted into the pleural fluid. Conclusions: This is a first demonstration that LF significantly decreases antigen-specific pleurisy in a sensitized mouse model.