Effect of Tuberculin inhalation on the lung of Guinea pigs after experimental induction of allergic asthma

Abstract

One of the most common inflammatory diseases of the airways is asthma and its incidence is increasing throughout the world. The prevalence of asthma in developed countries is approximately 10% in adults and even higher in children, whereas in developing countries, the prevalence is lower but increasing rapidly. Most of the treatment modalities available are symptomatic ones, so there was a great need to look for others. There were several trials carried upon BCG vaccine as an immunomodulator, which showed promising results regarding management of asthma. Based on this, the present study aimed to determine the effect of Tuberculin also as an immunomodulator to improve the changes in the microscopic structure and pulmonary functions of the lung of adult male Guinea pigs after experimental induction of allergic asthma. After analysis of all the data, it was clear that: - The asthmatic group showed significant increase in airway resistance and decrease in tidal volume compared to control group. This was confirmed histologically, as lung specimens of this group showed significant thickening of interalveolar septa and increase in the mean eosinophil and mast cell counts. - While the asthmatic tuberculin treated group showed less increase of specific airway resistance and less decrease in tidal volume compared to the asthmatic untreated group. And this was confirmed histologically as it reduced both the mean eosinophil and mast cell counts, decreased the interalveolar septa thickness and decreased airway inflammation.