Abstract: AIM: To study the role of budesonide in regulating asthma inflammation and the activity of IKKβmRNA and NF-κBp65 protein. METHODS: Thirtysix Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into three groups: normal group, asthmatic model group and budesonide (Bud)group (n =12 in each).The asthmatic model was established by ovalbumin (OVA)injection and inhalation. The rats in Bud group were administered budesonide atomized inhalation within 14 days. The mRNA expression of IKKβ and the protein NF-κBp65 in lung tissue were assessed by situ hybridization with oligonucleotide probe and immunohistochemisty, respectively. The concentration of interleukin 5 (IL-5)in serum and BALF were measured by sandwich ELISA. RESULTS: Twentyfour hours after the last antigen chenllenge, the mRNA expression of IKKβ(0.203 ±0.038)and the protein expression of NF-κBp65(0.256 ±0.063)in asthmatic group increased compared with control group (0.015 ±0.006, 0.034 ±0.008, P <0.01, respectively).The mRNA expression of IKKβ (0.101 ±0.010)and the protein expression of NF-κBp65(0.062 ±0.014)in Bud group decreased compared with asthmatic group (P <0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: In asthmatic rats, the expression of IKKβmRNA and the protein of NF-κBp65 were increased significantly, budesonide atomized inhalation can inhibit the expression of IKKβmRNA and the protein of NF-κBp65 and hold down the activity of the signal pathway IKK /NF-κB.

Key words: budesonide, asthma, IKKβ, NF-κB, IL-5