The PPARγ ligand, rosiglitazone, reduces airways hyperresponsiveness in a murine model of allergen-induced inflammation

Abstract

There is considerable interest in the role of peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) as ligand-activated transcription factors in the airways. This study examines the effects of a potent synthetic PPARγ ligand, rosiglitazone (RG), in a murine model of allergen-induced inflammation, to explore its potential regulation of airways inflammation, structure and function. C57BL/6 mice were sensitised with ovalbumin (OVA, 50 μg i.p., days 0, 12) and challenged with aerosolized OVA (1% w v-1, 30 min day -1) for 7 days (days 20-26). Mice were treated with RG (5 mg kg -1 i.p.) or vehicle during the challenge period. The OVA challenge induced increases in leukocyte number and MMP-2 activity..