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).