LYMPHOCYTIC AIRWAY INFILTRATION AS A PRECURSOR TO FIBROUS OBLITERATION IN A RAT MODEL OF BRONCHIOLITIS OBLITERANS1,2

Abstract

This animal model shows a distinct and reproducible triphasic time course in the development of obliterative airway lesions in allografts. It confirms that the mechanism leading to airway obliteration is immune mediated as only allografts showed this lesion and that lymphocytic infiltration is a precursor of the lesion in this model. The insights into the different phases demonstrated may lead to novel approaches regarding the type and timing of therapeutic interventions.