Repeated inhalation of sevoflurane inhibits airway inflammation in an OVA-induced mouse model of allergic airway inflammation

Background and objectiveRepeated inhalation of sevoflurane (SVF) can benefit asthmatic patients by bronchodilation. However, the impact of repeated inhalation of SVF on allergic airway inflammation has not been clarified. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of repeated inhalation of SVF on airway inflammation in mice. MethodsFemale C57BL/6 mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) and treated by inhalation with SVF or vehicle daily for seven consecutive days, immediately followed by OVA challenge. Airway inflammation was evaluated by counting the numbers of different types of inflammatory infiltrates in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), histology, cytokine measurements and mucus production in individual mice. ResultsIn comparison with the OVA group, repeated inhalation of SVF significantly reduced the numbers of total cells, eosinophils, lymphocytes, macrophages and neutrophils (P<0.05 to P<0.01), and the levels of BALF tumour necrosis factor- and lung high-mobility group box 1 (P<0.01), accompanied by elevated levels of BALF interleukin-10 in allergic mice (P<0.05). Repeat inhalation of SVF decreased the levels of serum OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and mitigated allergic airway epithelial goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus hypersecretion in allergic mice (P<0.01). ConclusionsRepeated inhalation of SVF inhibits allergic airway inflammation by reducing inflammatory infiltrates, improving the imbalance of cytokine responses and mitigating allergen-specific IgE responses and goblet cell hyperplasia in mice. The effect of repeated administration of SVF on airway inflammation in a mouse model was evaluated. SVF treatment inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration and modulated the imbalance of HMGB1, TNF- and IL-10 responses in the lung of sensitized mice.