Role of TNFR1 in the innate airway hyperresponsiveness of obese mice

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) in the airway hyperresponsiveness characteristic of obese mice. Airway responsiveness to intravenous methacholine was measured using the forced oscillation technique in obese Cpe fat mice that were either sufficient or genetically deficient in TNFR1 ( Cpe fat and Cpe fat/TNFR1−/− mice) and in lean mice that were either sufficient or genetically deficient in TNFR1 [wild-type (WT) and TNFR1−/− mice]. Compared with lean WT mice, Cpe fat mice exhibited airway hyperresponsiveness. Airway hyperresponsives was also greater in Cpe fat/TNFR1−/− than in Cpe fat mice. Compared with WT mice, Cpe fat mice had increases in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid concentrations of several inflammatory moieties including eotaxin, IL-9, IP-10, KC, MIG, and VEGF. These factors were also significantly elevated in Cpe fat/TNFR1−/− vs. TNFR1−/− mice. Additional moieties including IL-13 were also elevated in Cpe fat/TNFR1−/− vs. TNFR1−/− mice but not in Cpe fat vs. WT mice. IL-17A mRNA expression was greater in Cpe fat/TNFR1−/− vs. Cpe fat mice and in TNFR1−/− vs. WT mice. Analysis of serum indicated that obesity resulted in systemic as well as pulmonary inflammation, but TNFR1 deficiency had little effect on this systemic inflammation. Our results indicate that TNFR1 is protective against the airway hyperresponsiveness associated with obesity and suggest that effects on pulmonary inflammation may be contributing to this protection.