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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
Immunofluorescent Labeling in Nasal Mucosa Tissue Sections of Allergic Rhinitis Rats via Multicolor Immunoassay
Published on: September 22, 2023
[Preliminary investigation into the allergic rhinitis complicated with acute bacterial sinusitis in mice]
Yun-Fang An1, Wei-Hua Wang, Chang-Qing Zhao
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China.
Objective:
To develop a mouse model of bacterial rhinosinusitis superposed on allergic rhinitis (AR), and to explore whether ongoing allergic rhinitis enhance the acute sinus infection and inflammation associated with Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP).
Methods:
Fourty mice of C57BL6/J were randomly divided on average into 4 groups: A [ovalbumin (OVA) + SP], B [OVA + normal saline (NS)], C [phosphate buffered solution (PBS) + SP] and D (PBS + NS). (1) Group A and B were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection with 200 microl (10%) OVA on days 1 through 9, and exposed to OVA (6%) intranasally on days 10 through 17, to induce allergic inflammation. OVA was replaced with PBS in group C and D in the same way. (2) Subsequently, group A and C were inoculated with SP intranasally on day 13, and NS was used in group B and D. On the 6th day after inoculation, mice were killed. Blood was collected from the orbital venous sinus after anesthesia. The heads were embedded with paraffin and serial sections were followed and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and toluidine blue (0.5%) for histological analysis and inflammation cells count. The number of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) and eosinophils (EOS) per square millimeter of sinus mucosa were calculated by using a computer-aided special software under microscope.
Results:
AR models were successfully established in 9 mice from group A and 8 from group B. Histologic examination of the sinus from group A and B revealed significant mucosal edema and dilated venules. The symptoms were mild in group C, and no symptom was observed in group D. PMN (x +/- s) in group A (139.3 +/- 26.5)/mm2 was significantly higher than that in group B (70.7 +/- 16.7)/mm2, C (63.0 +/- 14.7)/mm2 and D (40.2 +/- 14.1)/mm2 respectively (P < 0.01); EOS and serous IL-5 level in group A (134.6 +/- 25.5)/mm2, (48.2 +/- 13.9) pg/ml and B (116.2 +/- 25.2)/mm2, (40.8 +/- 7.8) pg/ml, were higher than that in group C (16.7 +/- 2.7)/mm2, (23.9 +/- 8.7) pg/ml (P < 0.05) and D (13.4 +/- 4.9)/mm2, (24.6 +/- 6.5) pg/ml (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
The data demonstrate that an ongoing local allergic response augments bacterial infection in mice, and allergic sensitization alone without SP does not induce the sinus infection.
Insights
Ongoing allergic rhinitis exacerbates bacterial sinus infections in mice. Allergic sensitization alone does not cause sinus infection, but amplifies Streptococcus pneumoniae effects.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Otolaryngology
Context:
- Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common condition that can predispose individuals to secondary bacterial infections.
- Bacterial rhinosinusitis often occurs alongside AR, but the interaction between these conditions is not fully understood.
- A robust animal model is needed to investigate the synergistic effects of AR and bacterial sinus infections.
Purpose:
- To establish a mouse model of bacterial rhinosinusitis superimposed on allergic rhinitis.
- To determine if pre-existing allergic rhinitis enhances acute sinus infection and inflammation caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP).
Summary:
- A mouse model was developed by inducing allergic rhinitis with ovalbumin (OVA) and then challenging with Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP).
- Mice with both allergic rhinitis and SP infection showed significantly higher levels of neutrophils and eosinophils in sinus tissues compared to controls.
- Histological analysis revealed increased mucosal edema and inflammation in mice with co-existing allergic rhinitis and bacterial infection.
Impact:
- The findings suggest that allergic inflammation can worsen bacterial sinus infections.
- This model provides a platform for studying the mechanisms underlying the exacerbation of bacterial rhinosinusitis by allergic rhinitis.
- Understanding this interaction may lead to improved therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from both conditions.
