Different roles of aspirin during antigen challenge in murine model of asthma

Abstract

Rationale: Although aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs have an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase, these can precipitate bronchospasm in some patients with asthma. Because aspirin intolerant asthma is known to be associated with a less atopic tendency, and a more severe clinical course, we hypothesized that aspirin has different roles according to conditions of airway inflammation in terms of Th1/Th2 immune response. Methods: To evaluate the role of aspirin in different models of asthma, mice were sensitized by intranasal administration of ovalbumin (OA) plus low dose (0.1 μg) or high dose (10 μg) of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Following sensitization, these mice were challenged with OA and were treated with aspirin or phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Results: While aspirin treatment during challenge showed little effects on airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) or inflammation in mice sensitized with OA and low dose LPS compared to PBS treated mice, significant increase in AHR and airway inflammation were detected in mice sensitized with OA and high dose LPS. Conclusions: These findings suggest that aspirin has different roles in the different conditions of airway inflammations in asthma.