An increase in superoxide generation of bronchoalveolar lavage fluids in the model of late asthmatic response in guinea pigs.

To clarify the possible role of superoxide anion of bronchoalveolar cells in the pathogenesis of late asthmatic response (LAR), I performed an allergen inhalation test using a guinea pig LAR model and estimated subsequent changes in activities of superoxide generation in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALFs). Significant increases in superoxide generation of BALFs occurred not only immediately, but 6 hr after ovalbumin inhalation challenge in the LAR model, and the increased levels were prolonged 24 hr later. The present results suggest that significant increases in superoxide anion of the respiratory cells were involved in the antigen-induced late responsiveness of bronchial asthma.