Figure 1. Schematic representation of treatment protocol.
Mice were sensitised to OVA by three intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections on days 0, 14 and 21 with OVA absorbed to alum. Mice were sensitised and challenged with aerosolised OVA twice weekly for up to 18 weeks as indicated. Control mice were sensitised and challenged with PBS. Analysis was performed after 6, 8, 12, 14, 16 and 18 weeks of challenge (Protocol A). To investigate the resolution of airway inflammation and remodelling, OVA was replaced with PBS after 12 weeks for either 4 or 8 weeks (Protocol B). In a third study, inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) were given intranasally (i.n.) starting after 6 weeks of OVA challenge for 4 weeks (Protocol C).