A study of the effect of a platelet activating factor (PAF) receptor antagonist on antigen challenge of horses with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
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| Authors: | K A MARR I M FAIRBAIRN I F PAGE† F LEES F M CUNNINGHAM |
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| Institution: | Department o/ Veterinary Basic Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Myrnms, Hatfield, Herts. AL9 7TA, UK;Department of Pharmacology, King's College London, Manresa Road, London SW3 6LX, UK |
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| Abstract: | Antigen challenge involving exposure to straw and mouldy hay for 7 h produced lung function changes and neutrophil recruitment to the lungs in horses with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). During the challenge, an increase in radiolabelled neutrophils in the lungs occurred, together with increased respiratory rate and pleural pressure. The role of platelet activating factor (PAF) in antigen-induced neutrophil accumulation, and increased pleural pressure and respiratory rate was investigated by administering the PAF receptor antagonist WEB 2086 to asymptomatic COPD horses prior to antigen challenge. WEB 2086 (3 mg/kg i.v.) did not affect antigen-induced changes in either neutrophil accumulation or respiratory function. These results suggest that PAF may not be an important mediator of the response to antigen in equine COPD. |
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