Protocol 1- Goblet cell markers in HDM re-exposed mice.

<p><i>A</i>, Western blot analysis of lung homogenates showed that the goblet cell protein, CLCA3, was increased after the initial set of HDM exposures (group 1) and after HDM re-exposure (group 3). Both rapamycin (Rapa) and dexamethasone (Dex) treatment attenuated HDM-induced increases in CLCA3 (<i>n = </i>3–5 mice/group). *<i>p</i><0.05 versus saline; <i><0.05 versus HDM Rest; ∧<i>p</i><0.05 versus HDM re-exposed; #<i>p</i><0.05 versus Dex. <i>B</i>, HDM-induced increases in the transcription factor, SPDEF, were suppressed by Rapa, but not Dex after allergen re-exposure (group 3). (<i>n = </i>3 mice/group). *<i>p</i><0.05 versus saline; ∧<i>p</i><0.05 versus HDM re-exposed; #<i>p</i><0.05 versus Dex. <i>C</i>, Muc5AC immunostaining was increased in lung epithelial cells after HDM exposure (group 1) compared to saline controls, but was attenuated after 6 weeks of rest (group 2). After HDM re-exposure (Group 3), Muc5AC staining was increased again compared to saline controls and HDM rest (group 2). Rapamycin reduced Muc5AC staining in the lung, but staining was still elevated compared to saline controls. Dexamethasone treatment appeared to have minimal effects on HDM-induced increases in Muc5AC staining.</i>