Figure 4.
Reversal of established AHR and eosinophilia. (A) Therapeutic protocol. (B) Mice were sensitized i.p. and challenged i.n. with OVA and treated with CIN as described. AHR was measured 24 h after the last challenge (n = 4). CIN-treated mice exhibited reduced AHR compared to the controls. Data are mean enhanced pause (PENH) expressed as percent of baseline ± SEM (*p < 0.05). (C) On day 31, BAL was performed and eosinophils in BAL fluid were counted (**p < 0.01). (D) On day 23, spleens were removed and single-cell suspensions of splenocytes prepared. Cells were cultured for 48 hours in the presence of OVA and cell supernatants were analyzed for IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-5. Mice receiving CIN showed more IFN-γ and less IL-4 and IL-5 compared to the chitosan-only control. Data are means ± SEM (*p < 0.05).