Vet. Res. 37 (2006) 469-486
DOI: 10.1051/vetres:2006011

Lung inflammatory responses

Eileen L. Thacker

Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA

(Received 1 May 2005; accepted 3 November 2005; published online 23 February 2006)

Abstract - Inflammation is an important manifestation of respiratory disease in domestic animals. The respiratory system is mucosal in nature and has specific defense mechanisms used to control invasion by microbes and environmental elements. Inflammation can be beneficial or detrimental to the host. This article broadly discusses the primary mediators and mechanisms of inflammation within the respiratory tract of domestic animals. The role of cells, chemokines, cytokines and mediators in both acute and chronic inflammation are addressed. The pathogenesis of the initial insult determines the type of inflammation that will be induced, whether it is acute, chronic or allergic in origin. Maintenance of the microenvironment of cytokines and chemokines is critical for pulmonary homeostasis. Uncontrolled inflammation in the respiratory tract can be life threatening to the animal. The understanding of the mechanisms of inflammation, whether due to microbes or through inappropriate immune activation such as those occurring with allergies, is required to develop successful intervention strategies and control respiratory disease in animals.

Key words: inflammation / respiratory tract / chemokines / cytokines / disease

Corresponding author: Eileen L. Thacker ethacker@iastate.edu

© INRA, EDP Sciences 2006