Role of calcineurin in airway remodeling in guinea pig model of asthma

AIM: To investigate the role of calcineurin (CaN) in airway remodeling in guinea pig model of asthma.METHODS: Male guinea pigs were randomly divided into three groups: control, asthma group and CsA group. The following parameters were measured: 1. The protein content, cell count and differential count of BALF; 2. The amount of TdR incorporation into central airway smooth muscle; 3. The mean thickness of airway wall and airway smooth muscle of small airwaysl; 4.CaN activity of trachea and lung tissue.RESULTS: 1. The protein content, cell count and eosinophil of BALF in CsA group were 46%, 51% and 60% lower than those in asthma group, respectively ( P 0 01); 2. TdR incorporation in CsA group was 22% lower than that in asthma group ( P 0 05);3. The mean thickness of airway wall and airway smooth muscle were 34% and 37% less in CsA group than those in asthma group, respectively ( P 0 01); 4. CaN activity of lung tissue and trachea were 52% and 44% lower in CsA group than those in asthma group, respectively ( P 0 01).CONCLUSION: CsA reduced airway remodeling in guinea pig model of asthma, indicating the role of CaN in the airway remodeling.