Allergen-induced formation of F2-isoprostanes in a murine asthma model identifies oxidative stress in acute airway inflammation in vivo

F2-isoprostanes have been associated with various forms of oxidant stress. The levels of F2-isoprostanes in a murine asthma model were studied both in situ and in vivo and further investigated whether the formation of F2-isoprostanes was associated with increased ovalbumin (OVA)-induced airway inflammation after a 17-day (OVA-17) or a 24-day (OVA-24) protocol. Bronchial reactivity was assessed by using a ventilator (FlexiVent). OVA-treated animals had higher lung resistance and lung compliance compared to control groups (P<0.001). 8-Iso-PGF2α levels in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and 8-iso-PGF2α immunoreactivity in lung tissue were analyzed. OVA-17 mice showed a 2.5-fold increased level of 8-iso-PGF2α in BAL compared to PBS-17 mice (P=0.023). Lung tissue from OVA-24 mice had more intense 8-iso-PGF2α staining compared to OVA-17 mice. This study showed an accumulation of F2-isoprostanes in acute airway inflammation and a markedly increased tissue damage caused by oxidative stress in an ongoing inflammation.