Pilot Study to Identify the Mediators and Inflammatory Cell Surface Receptors Involved in Allergic Airway Inflammation

Bronchoalveolar lavage is performed in the lingula without instillation of diluent or allergen. A 2ml aliquot of diluent is instilled into the right upper lobe. The procedure is repeated in the right middle lobe with instillation of 2ml of Cat or Mite allergen. A test dose of allergen is administered first. This will consist of 2ml allergen at 1/10th the threshold concentration for Cat or DF Mite Allergen or at 1/30th the threshold concentration for DP Mite Allergen. If on visual inspection through the bronchoscope there is no evidence of reaction to the test dose, a 2nd allergen challenge is done in the right middle lobe using 2ml of full-dose allergen. After a 1,6, or 24hr recovery period, a single 2nd bronchoscopy is performed after delivery of allergen extract and diluent and 1 Tbsp of blood is obtained. Bronchoalveolar lavage will be obtained from the lobes in which the diluent and allergen were instilled. OFDI and endobronchial brushing of the airways will also be performed.