Mean age (SEM) was 41.1 (1). There was an 8.5% difference in FEV1% between groups A and C, (95% CI (2.6% to 14.4%) p¼0.002) and a 29% difference for FE NO between groups A and C, (95%CI (2% to 48%) p¼0.034). There was a 1.29 doubling dilution difference in methacholinePC 20 (95%CI (0.26 to 2.33) p¼ 0.009) between groups D and F. There was no significant difference between FEV1% when grouped by FE NO (See Abstract P25 Table 1). Applying multiple stepwise linear regression showed that FE NO and FEV1% were both significant predictors of methacholine PC20 (p¼ 0.002, p<0.001). Only methacholine PC 20 was a significant predictor of FE NO (p¼0.002). Conclusion Our study has highlighted the disconnect between airway inflammation and airway calibre, whilst showing a significant relationship between AHR versus airway calibre and inflammation. Thus, whilst relationships exist between these independent outcomes, the lack of complete concordance highlights the important role that each contributes to the assessment of the asthmatic individual. Introduction and Objectives Aeroallergens are released directly from bedding into the breathing zone, and contribute importantly to asthma symptoms. Adults change their sleep position between 3 and 45 times per night. The effect of these turns on inhaled particulate exposures is unknown. We aimed to investigate the effects of changing position on breathing zone particulate exposures and the effect of a novel Temperature-controlled Laminar Airflow (TLA) device on reducing such exposures. The concept that inflammation is important in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is gaining credence. Studies have suggested that Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and -1 are involved in the development of PH and that IL-6 can stimulate smooth muscle cell proliferation. The adventitial fibroblast has been suggested as a potential source of mitogens and inflammatory mediators which contribute to the development of PH. Methods Rat pulmonary artery fibroblasts (RPAF) were isolated from normal SpragueeDawley rats, rats exposed to 2 weeks of hypobaric hypoxia. Cells were cultured by explant technique. Normal RPAF were quiesced for 24 h in serum free media (SFM) and then exposed to periods of prolonged acute hypoxia or maintained in normoxia. The conditioned media was collected and stored at À70 o C. RPAF from the chronic hypoxic and monocrotaline models were exposed to 1% serum or maintained in SFM and conditioned media collected. The effect of p38 MAPK blockade using SB203580 (an alpha-isoform specific inhibitor) was examined. The conditioned media was analysed using cytokine array technology and ELISA. Results In normoxic conditions after 48 h, conditioned media from normal fibroblasts showed release of TIMP-1 and low levels of VEGF-A. The expression profile changed with 48 h exposure to hypoxia showing increased levels of VEGF-A and immunomodulators such as IL-6 (see Abstract P28 Figure 1), MIP-3a (CXCL20), LIX, CINC-1, sICAM-1. The secretion of these mediators were blocked by the addition of SB203580 sug...
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