Protocols for the induction and evaluation of systemic anaphylaxis in mice

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Mast cells play a critical role in anaphylaxis.
• Understanding anaphylaxis mechanisms is vital for therapeutic development.
• Murine models are essential for studying systemic allergic reactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe two established murine models of systemic anaphylaxis.
• To highlight their utility in mast cell research and anaphylaxis pathomechanisms.
• To underscore their importance in evaluating potential anaphylaxis therapies.

Main Methods:

• Passive sensitization model: Mice sensitized with IgE antibody 24 hours before antigen challenge.
• Active sensitization model: Mice sensitized with antigen 18-21 days before challenge.
• Quantification of anaphylaxis: Primary indicator is hypothermia.

Main Results:

• Both passive and active models effectively induce systemic anaphylaxis in mice.
• Hypothermia reliably quantifies the severity of the anaphylactic reaction.
• These models facilitate detailed study of mast cell degranulation and mediator release.

Conclusions:

• Established mouse models provide valuable platforms for anaphylaxis research.
• These models aid in understanding mast cell-mediated responses.
• They are instrumental in the preclinical assessment of novel anaphylaxis treatments.