Alterations in airway mechanics, inflammatory biomarkers and lung histopathology in a rat model of allergen-induced airway inflammation

The most objective indicator of asthma severity in the clinic is the measurement of reversible airway obstruction by spirometry. This poster demonstrates that allergen (ovalbumin) challenge results in a reversible decline in measured FEV100, PEF, and FVC in a rat allergic model. These functional changes are concomitant with traditional markers of lung inflammation and are reversed with steroid treatment. This functional measurement may be a valuable tool for translating the efficacy of novel compounds from rodents to the clinic.