Effects of Intrauterine Exposure to Concentrated Ambient Particles on Mice Offspring Sensitized with House Dust Mite

Background: Intrauterine exposure to particulate matter has been associated with an increased risk for asthma development. Aims: Investigate pulmonary effects of in utero exposition to concentrated ambient particles (CAPs) in the response to HDM sensitization. Methods: Mice were intrauterus exposed to CAPs (600 µg/m3 PM2.5) during the entire gestational period. After weaning, mice offspring were sensitized with HDM (100µg, intra nasal, 3 times per week). Airway responsiveness (AHR), serum immunoglobulins and lung inflammation were assessed in the 43 day-of-life. Female (n=47) and male (n=43) offspring mice were divided in (1) Control: not exposed to CAPs; (2) CAPs: exposed to CAPs; (3) HDM: Sensitized with HDM; (4) CAPs+HDM: exposed to CAPs and HDM sensitized. Results: HDM Male mice presented increased pulmonary resistance (Rrs) compared to groups Control (p=0.002) and CAPs+HDM (p=0.010); with increased eosinophils in the perivascular space (p=0.014) when compared to Control. CAPS+HDM female mice had increased the lung elastance (Ers) (p=0.000) and serum levels of IgE (p=0.040). HDM CAPs+HDM had increased values of eosinophils in the perivascular space (p=0.028 and p=0.001, respectively) compared to control group. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that gestational exposure to CAPS predisposes mainly female offspring to HDM sensitization.