Polarization of T-helper 2 to 1 phenotype has arisen in rat asthmatic pulmonary tissue after intra-tracheal administration of bone marrow-derived c-Kit+ cells

This study investigated the paracrine therapeutic effects of intra-tracheal administration of bone marrow-derived c-Kit+and c-Kit- cells on the T helper (Th)1/Th2 balance in ovalbumin-induced acute asthma in male rats.

Forty male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four experimental groups; healthy (group C) and sensitized (group S) rats received PBS (Phosphate-buffered saline); sensitized rats received PBS containing c-Kit- (group S+c-Kit- ) and c-Kit+cells (group S+c-Kit+). Total and percentages of differential leukocytes were calculated in bronchoalveolar Lavage. The lung cellular contents of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) mRNAs were measured quantitatively. Moreover, the existence of excessive collagen deposition in pulmonary interstitial space was evaluated through Masson’s trichrome staining.

The results showed the successful homing of c-Kit+cells into the asthmatic niche. The significantly increased total number of leukocyte, eosinophil, neutrophil, and IL-4 mRNA levels, as well as decreased lymphocyte count, IL-10, IFN-γ mRNAs, and IL-4/IFN-γ ratio, were observed in asthmatic rats compared to C group (P<0.001). C-Kit+cells, but not c-Kit- cells, had the potential to participate in these changes (P<0.001 to P<0.05). The deposition of collagen fibers in the asthmatic pulmonary tissue decreased after administration of both c-Kit+and c-Kit-cells, which were more prominent in the S+c-Kit+group.

The results of the current experiment highlighted the therapeutic capacity of c-Kit+cells in the alleviation of asthmatic changes at the cellular level.