Role of insulin-like growth factor-I in allergen-induced airway inflammation and remodeling

Cell Immunol. 2005 Jun;235(2):85-91. doi: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2005.07.006. Epub 2005 Sep 15.

Abstract

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I is known to act on fibroblasts as a progression factor to push cells toward proliferation and activation to synthesize collagen. Subepithelial fibrosis, collagen deposition at the lamina reticularis, is part of the process of so-called remodeling and is a characteristic finding in the asthmatic airway. To study the role of IGF in the evolution of asthma, we used a model that involved immunization of mice with ovalbumin and alum, followed by an inhaled challenge of ovalbumin. IGF-I neutralizing antibody was continuously infused with an osmotic pump. Pulmonary function was analyzed using whole-body plethysmography before and after acetylcholine administration. It was found that OVA inhalation induced IGF-I expression at the site of the airway. IGF-I neutralizing Ab inhibited the elevation of airway resistance, airway inflammation, and an increase in airway wall thickening. The depression of ICAM-1 expression was accompanied by a diminution in airway inflammation. In conclusion, these results suggest that IGF-I is likely to be an important mediator of inflammation and remodeling in the asthmatic airway.

MeSH terms

  • Allergens / immunology*
  • Animals
  • Antibodies / immunology
  • Antibodies / pharmacology
  • Asthma / immunology
  • Asthma / pathology
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / genetics
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / metabolism*
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / genetics
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Ovalbumin / immunology
  • Protein Binding
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Respiratory System / drug effects
  • Respiratory System / immunology*
  • Respiratory System / metabolism
  • Respiratory System / pathology*

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Antibodies
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
  • Ovalbumin