Conclusions
AA metabolism is shifted towards PGD2 production in BSM tissues of asthma. Increased PGD2 level in the airways might be a cause of the BSM hyperresponsiveness in asthma.
Methods
The ovalbumin (OA)-sensitized mice were repeatedly challenged with aerosolized OA to induce asthmatic reaction. Transcriptomic profiles were generated by microarray analysis of BSM tissues from the OA-challenged and control animals, and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) Pathway Analysis was applied. Measurements and main
Results
Tension study showed a BSM hyperresponsiveness to acetylcholine (ACh) in the OA-challenged mice. A total of 770 genes were differentially expressed between the OA-challenged and control animals. Pathway analysis showed a significant change in arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism pathway in BSM tissues of the OA-challenged mice. Validation of DEGs by quantitative RT-PCR showed a significant increase in PLA2 group 4c (Pla2g4c)/COX-2 (Ptgs2)/PGD2 synthase 2 (Hpgds) axis. PGD2 level in bronchoalveolar fluids of the OA-challenged mice was significantly increased. A 24-h incubation of BSM tissues with PGD2 caused a hyperresponsiveness to ACh in naive control mice. Conclusions: AA metabolism is shifted towards PGD2 production in BSM tissues of asthma. Increased PGD2 level in the airways might be a cause of the BSM hyperresponsiveness in asthma.