Establishment and Characterization of an Experimental Mouse Model of Allergic Rhinitis

• Main Authors: Ming Tse Ko, 柯銘澤
• Other Authors: H. Y. Kang
• Format: Others
• Published: 2015
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/59551187494982843543

碩士 === 長庚大學 === 臨床醫學研究所 === 103 === Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common worldwide disease. Animal studies in AR were adopted in purpose of various investigations. However, animal studies simply aimed at establishing an animal model for AR were seldom seen. The purpose of this study was to introduce an easy-to-establish experimental mouse model of AR. Materials and Methods: To develop a mouse model of AR, thirty-eight Balb/c mice were randomly assigned to two groups. Mice in the study group were sensitized by intraperitoneal (IP) injection of ovalbumin (OVA) on Day 1 and 6, followed by continuous inhalation (IH) of OVA solution for one week (Day 8-14) using a new-designed inhalation box. Control group mice received sensitization of IP normal saline and IH sterilized distilled water instead of OVA. Before and after sensitization, the frequencies of nasal symptoms (sneezing, nasal rubbing) were recorded and the serum levels of total immunoglobin E (IgE) were evaluated using ELISA. Finally the murine nasal mucosal tissues were stained by Giemsa solution to estimate the degree of mast cell infiltration. Results: After sensitization by IP and IH OVA, the study group showed significant phenotypic changes including increased sneezing and rubbing. Pathological and cytological findings also confirmed significant elevated serum total IgE titer and local mast cell infiltration in the study group statistically. Conclusions: We successfully developed a workable experimental animal model for AR that was more easily to be sensitized using our system including the new-designed inhalation box, with less stress, more convenient and precisely to be observed.