Pretreatment with antibody to eosinophil major basic protein prevents hyperresponsiveness by protecting neuronal M2 muscarinic receptors in antigen-challenged guinea pigs

Christopher M. Evans, Allison D. Fryer, David B. Jacoby, Gerald J. Gleich, Richard W. Costello

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

174 Scopus citations

Abstract

In antigen-challenged guinea pigs there is recruitment of eosinophils into the lungs and to airway nerves, decreased function of inhibitory M2 muscarinic autoreceptors on parasympathetic nerves in the lungs, and airway hyperresponsiveness. A rabbit antibody to guinea pig eosinophil major basic protein was used to determine whether M2 muscarinic receptor dysfunction, and the subsequent hyperresponsiveness, are due to antagonism of the M2 receptor by eosinophil major basic protein. Guinea pigs were sensitized, challenged with ovalbumin and hyperresponsiveness, and M2 receptor function tested 24 h later with the muscarinic agonist pilocarpine. Antigen-challenged guinea pigs were hyperresponsive to electrical stimulation of the vagus nerves compared with controls. Likewise, loss of M2 receptor function was demonstrated since the agonist pilocarpine inhibited vagally-induced bronchoconstriction in control but not challenged animals. Pretreatment with rabbit antibody to guinea pig eosinophil major basic protein prevented hyperresponsiveness, and protected M2 receptor function in the antigen- challenged animals without inhibiting eosinophil accumulation in the lungs or around the nerves. Thus, hyperresponsiveness is a result of inhibition of neuronal M2 muscarinic receptor function by eosinophil major basic protein in antigen-challenged guinea pigs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2254-2262
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation
Volume100
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 1997
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Airway hyperresponsiveness
  • Antigen challenge
  • Eosinophils
  • Major basic protein
  • Muscarinic receptors
  • Parasympathetic nerves

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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