Rodent models of allergic rhinitis: relevance to human pathophysiology

Rodent models of allergic airways disease employ a wide range of test allergens, sensitization and provocation protocols, animal strains, and experimental endpoints. Studies of experimental asthma, especially the use of murine models, have contributed significantly to the understanding of the genetics and immune-mediated pathophysiology of pulmonary airways during allergy. By comparison, rodent models of allergic rhinitis are less well developed. Recent interest in the potential mechanistic links between asthma and allergic rhinitis has increased the need for relevant animal studies directed at upper airways responses. Specifically, the nature of nasal airway remodeling in response to chronic activation of allergic pathways and its relationship to airway occlusion is not well described. This cursory review discusses current approaches to assessing nasal obstruction in rodent models, and how the histopathologic analysis might be improved to facilitate understanding of the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis in humans.