Since Chlamydia-specific IgE is being isolated from the blood as well as BAL fluid of these animals, the constant presence of the organism lends itself to an endless supply of these antigens which we presume will engage antigen-specific IgE on the surface of mast cells leading to the release of vasoactive amines, compounding airway hyperresponsiveness and increased lung pathology. Here, IGHE is linked to airway hyperresponsiveness.