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Updated: Aug 3, 2026
Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
Evaluation of an intranasal house dust mite provocation model as a tool in clinical research
N B Oldenbeuving1, A KleinJan, P G Mulder
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Erasmuc MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Background:
As a result of the all-year-round exposure to house dust mite (HDM), perennial rhinitis patients never have a clear symptom-free period. In this study, we investigated whether, despite these symptoms, we can still use nasal HDM provocations to study perennial allergic rhinitis and the effects of treatment.
Methods:
In a parallel-group study, after 1 week treatment with either fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray (FPANS) or placebo, 20 patients, allergic to HDM, registered symptoms (nasal obstruction, rhinorrhoea, sneezing, pruritus and eye symptoms) using three different scoring methods [Lebel, categorical and visual analogue scale (VAS)] and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) after HDM provocations. Provocations were performed with 1000 biological units/ml and 24 h later with 10,000 biological units/ml of HDM. Before and after the provocations, nasal mucosa biopsies were taken for immunohistochemical staining to determine the number of eosinophils.
Results:
House dust mite provocations resulted in an increase in symptoms and a decrease in PNIF. Even at high-dose provocation, the FPANS group registered significantly lower symptoms than the placebo group for nasal blockage, sneezing, eye symptoms, and PNIF in both early and late phases. FPANS also suppressed rhinorrhoea during the late phase and the influx of eosinophils in the lamina propria.
Conclusion:
Despite the high background of symptoms, allergic responses can be induced in this perennial rhinitis model. The VAS score seems most suited to detect these changes and the suppression of symptoms by 7 days of FPANS treatment. Epithelial eosinophilia at baseline was correlated positively with the severity of the reaction after the first provocation.
Insights
Nasal house dust mite (HDM) challenges can effectively study perennial allergic rhinitis and treatment effects, even with baseline symptoms. Fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray (FPANS) significantly reduced symptoms and eosinophil influx in this model.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Otorhinolaryngology
Background:
- Perennial allergic rhinitis patients experience constant symptoms due to year-round house dust mite (HDM) exposure.
- This study explores the utility of nasal HDM challenges in evaluating perennial allergic rhinitis and treatment efficacy despite high symptom burden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate nasal HDM provocation as a model for perennial allergic rhinitis.
- To assess the efficacy of fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray (FPANS) in managing HDM-induced allergic rhinitis symptoms and inflammation.
Main Methods:
- A parallel-group study involving 20 HDM-allergic patients treated with FPANS or placebo for one week.
- Nasal HDM provocations (1000 and 10,000 BU/ml) followed by symptom scoring (Lebel, categorical, VAS) and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) measurements.
- Nasal mucosal biopsies for eosinophil counts pre- and post-provocation.
Main Results:
- HDM provocations induced significant symptom exacerbation and reduced PNIF.
- FPANS treatment led to significantly lower nasal blockage, sneezing, eye symptoms, and improved PNIF compared to placebo.
- FPANS also reduced rhinorrhoea and eosinophil infiltration into the nasal mucosa.
Conclusions:
- Nasal HDM provocation is a viable method to induce allergic responses in perennial rhinitis models.
- The visual analogue scale (VAS) is effective for detecting treatment-induced changes.
- Seven days of FPANS treatment demonstrated significant symptom suppression and reduced eosinophil presence.
