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Impairment of skin barrier function in NC/Nga Tnd mice as a possible model for atopic dermatitis
1Biochemistry Laboratory, Pias Co. Ltd, 1-3-1 Murotani Nishi-ku, Kobe 6512241, Japan. JDD03257@nifty.ne.jp
Background:
The pathogenesis and aetiology of atopic dermatitis (AD) remain unclear. Establishment of suitable animal models should aid elucidation of the pathogenesis and development of therapy.
Objectives:
We focused on biophysical and biochemical parameters in the skin of NC/Nga Tnd mice to evaluate similarities to and differences from AD.
Methods:
Biophysical (transepidermal water loss and skin surface conductance) and biochemical parameters (ceramide contents and activity of ceramide-metabolizing enzymes) were measured in NC/Nga Tnd mice in which spontaneous dermatitis appeared under ambient laboratory conditions (ALC).
Results:
Biophysical parameters suggested impairment of water retention properties and barrier function. The amount of ceramide in NC/Nga Tnd mice under ALC decreased significantly. These dermatological features resembled those of AD, as did the clinical signs and histological changes.
Conclusions:
The results described here and previous immunological studies on AD suggest that the NC/Nga Tnd mouse may be a suitable model for certain aspects of AD.