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A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice
Published on: April 13, 2010
Induction of allergic rhinitis in mice
Virginia McMillan Carr1, Alan M Robinson
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|August 15, 2013
Summary
This study presents a novel method for inducing allergic rhinitis (AR) in mice using frequent, small-volume nasal ovalbumin challenges. This approach better mimics natural AR development compared to traditional systemic sensitization methods.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common condition with complex immune responses.
- Current mouse models for AR often use systemic sensitization, which may not accurately reflect natural allergen exposure.
- Adjuvant use in sensitization can skew immune responses, limiting translational relevance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and describe a refined methodology for inducing allergic rhinitis in mice.
- To establish a model that more closely mimics natural routes and patterns of allergen exposure in humans.
- To provide detailed protocols for sample collection and preparation for AR verification.
Main Methods:
- Induction of AR in mice via repeated, low-volume nasal instillations of ovalbumin for sensitization and challenge.
- Protocols for frequent nasal challenges over several weeks to simulate chronic allergen exposure.
- Methodologies for cardiac blood collection and animal perfusion for histological analysis.
Main Results:
- The described nasal infusion method provides a more naturalistic induction of allergic rhinitis in a murine model.
- Frequent, low-volume challenges over weeks effectively induce AR-like symptoms and immune responses.
- Standardized procedures for sample collection and histological verification ensure reliable assessment of AR induction.
Conclusions:
- This refined mouse model of allergic rhinitis offers a more physiologically relevant platform for studying AR pathogenesis and testing therapeutics.
- The methodology's closer resemblance to natural allergen exposure enhances the translatability of research findings.
- Detailed verification methods ensure the robustness and reproducibility of AR induction in experimental studies.
