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Updated: Aug 24, 2026
Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
Allergic inflammation induced by a Penicillium chrysogenum conidia-associated allergen extract in a murine model
C J Schwab1, J D Cooley, C J Jumper
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.
Background:
Recent evidence has shown that viable conidia from the fungus Penicillium chrysogenum induce allergic effects in mice. The present study was conducted to determine the specific allergic dose response of C57BL/6 mice to the protease extract, Pen ch, isolated from viable P. chrysogenum conidia.
Methods:
Mice were treated with primary intraperitoneal (IP) injections of 10 or 100 microg of Pen ch adsorbed to alum, followed by weekly IP injections of 0.1, 1.0, or 10.0 microg Pen ch with alum for 4 weeks, and with 10.0 microg of Pen ch by intranasal (IN) inoculations the final 2 weeks before killing.
Results:
Intraperitoneal injections of 10 and 100 microg of Pen ch for 5 weeks followed by 2 weeks of IN instillation of 10 microg induced significant increases of total serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E and IgG(1). Bronchoalveolar lavage cell counts revealed increased numbers of eosinophils and neutrophils. Histopathological examination of lungs detected perivascular inflammation by eosinophils and neutrophils and increased mucous production.
Conclusions:
The data presented in this study indicate that sensitization to protease allergens released by viable P. chrysogenum conidia in vivo induce a strong allergic inflammatory response in a murine model, which could have implications for people exposed to high levels of conidia of this organism.
Insights
Penicillium chrysogenum protease extract (Pen ch) causes allergic inflammation in mice. This study quantises the dose response, showing Pen ch induces significant allergic responses and airway inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergology
- Mycology
Background:
- Viable Penicillium chrysogenum conidia are known to induce allergic effects in mice.
- This study focuses on the protease extract, Pen ch, from P. chrysogenum conidia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the specific allergic dose response of C57BL/6 mice to Pen ch.
- To investigate the in vivo allergic inflammatory response induced by Pen ch.
Main Methods:
- Mice received intraperitoneal (IP) injections of Pen ch (10 or 100 microg) with alum.
- Subsequent weekly IP injections of Pen ch (0.1-10.0 microg) and intranasal (IN) inoculations (10 microg) were administered.
- Serum immunoglobulin levels, bronchoalveolar lavage cell counts, and lung histopathology were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Pen ch administration significantly increased total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and IgG(1).
- Bronchoalveolar lavage revealed elevated eosinophils and neutrophils.
- Lung examination showed perivascular inflammation and increased mucus production.
Conclusions:
- Sensitization to P. chrysogenum protease allergens in vivo triggers a robust allergic inflammatory response in a murine model.
- Findings suggest potential implications for individuals exposed to high levels of P. chrysogenum conidia.
