Induction by aerosol allergen of sustained and nonspecific IgE-mediated airway hyperreactivity in the guinea pig.

Described is a guinea pig model of allergic asthma, in which animals are sensitized by intraperitoneal injections of ovalbumin complexed with aluminum hydroxide to elicit an IgE response. Aerosol exposure to ovalbumin induces acute bronchoconstriction and nonspecific airways hyperreactivity, evaluated by intravenous challenges of histamine or acetylcholine. This model mimics the hallmark features of human asthma, is induced by respired allergen and is pharmacologically modulated by prophylactic drugs (methyl prednisolone, ketotifen, theophylline) and the competitive PAF receptor antagonist SDZ 264-412.