ovalbumin and 4-iodo-2-5-dimethoxyphenylisopropylamine

Although the bulk of research into the biology of serotonin 5-HT. An 18-week ovalbumin challenge period was performed to generate persistent, chronic asthma in BALB/c mice. Four once daily intranasal treatments of (R)-DOI were administered one week after allergen cessation, with respiratory parameters being measured by whole-body plethysmography (WBP). Cytokine and chemokine levels were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in homogenized lung tissue, bronchoalveolar (BALF) fluid was analyzed for chemokine modulation by multiplex assays, and Periodic Acid-Schiff and Masson's Trichrome staining was performed to determine goblet cell infiltration and overall changes to lung morphology.. 5-HT. Overall, these data provide support for the therapeutic potential of (R)-DOI and 5-HT

Topics: Airway Remodeling; Amphetamines; Animals; Asthma; Chronic Disease; Female; Hypersensitivity; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Ovalbumin; Pneumonia; Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT2; Serotonin 5-HT2 Receptor Agonists

Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the lung characterized by airways hyper-responsiveness (AHR), inflammation, and mucus hyperproduction. Current mainstream therapies include bronchodilators that relieve bronchoconstriction and inhaled glucocorticoids to reduce inflammation. The small molecule hormone and neurotransmitter serotonin has long been known to be involved in inflammatory processes; however, its precise role in asthma is unknown. We have previously established that activation of serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)(2A) receptors has potent anti-inflammatory activity in primary cultures of vascular tissues and in the whole animal in vasculature and gut tissues. The 5-HT(2A) receptor agonist, (R)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine [(R)-DOI] is especially potent. In this work, we have examined the effect of (R)-DOI in an established mouse model of allergic asthma. In the ovalbumin mouse model of allergic inflammation, we demonstrate that inhalation of (R)-DOI prevents the development of many key features of allergic asthma, including AHR, mucus hyperproduction, airways inflammation, and pulmonary eosinophil recruitment. Our results highlight a likely role of the 5-HT2 receptors in allergic airways disease and suggest that 5-HT2 receptor agonists may represent an effective and novel small molecule-based therapy for asthma.

Topics: 5-Hydroxytryptophan; Amphetamines; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Asthma; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Disease Models, Animal; Enzyme Activation; Eosinophils; Immunoglobulin E; Inflammation; Lung; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mucus; Ovalbumin; Pulmonary Eosinophilia; Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT2; Serotonin 5-HT2 Receptor Agonists