BACKGROUND: Epidemiologic studies show that sudden surges in ambient particulate
matter (PM) levels can trigger acute asthma exacerbations. Although diesel exhaust
particles (DEPs) act as an adjuvant for allergic sensitization, this is a delayed response and
does not explain acute PM effects on airway hyperreactivity (AHR). OBJECTIVE: Our aim
was to determine the acute effects of DEPs on AHR using a mouse model. METHODS:
Three protocols were developed, 2 of which require OVA sensitization, whereas the third …