Interleukin-8 concentration and neutrophil chemotactic activity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of horses with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease following exposure to hay

Abstract

Exposure of horses with COPD to hay dust components resulted in an increase in IL-8 secretion at the bronchoalveolar surface. This chemokine may play a role in the pathogenesis of COPD, because it causes neutrophil accumulation in the bronchoalveolar space. Our results underscore the importance of eliminating dust sources for the treatment and prevention of COPD in horses.