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Published on: April 13, 2010
[Effect of micro-ecological environment on incidence of allergic rhinitis on mice]
Objective:
This study was designed to find out the impact of micro-ecological environment on the incidence of allergic rhinitis after developing a model of allergic rhinitis on mice.
Method:
Sixty mice were randomly divided into GF group (n=30) and SPF group (n=30). Mice of GF group were fed in the germ-free environment and mice of SPF group were fed in the specific pathogen-free environment. Then each group were randomly divided into model group (20 mice) and control group (10 mice). Establish allergic rhinitis model in the mice of model group using ovalbumin (OVA) at the age of 6 weeks, observe and score the corresponding symptoms and signs that could been induced. Stain with hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining method for nasal mucosa to observe the morphological changes. Using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay to detect the concentration of IgE, IFN-γ and IL-4 in the peripheral blood serum.
Result:
The chi square test showed that the incidence of allergic rhinithis in the mice of GF group was significantly higher than that in the SPF group (P< 0. 05). HE staining showed that the nasal mucosas of allergic rhinitis positive reaction mice were highly congestive and edematous and had a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration, while there was no abnormal morphology of nasal mucosas in mice with no allergic rhinitis reaction. EOS counting displayed that the number of eosinophilic cells in nasal mucosa of positive allergic rhinitis reaction mice was increased significantly. The concentration of IgE and IL-4 in the serum of positive allergic rhinitis reaction mice was highly increased (P <0. 05), and IFN-γ was significantly decreased (P< 0.05).
Conclusion:
The difference of micro-ecological environment may play a key role in the occurrence of allergic rhinitis in mice.
Insights
The micro-ecological environment significantly impacts allergic rhinitis incidence in mice. Germ-free mice showed higher allergic rhinitis rates than specific pathogen-free mice, indicating environmental factors are crucial.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Allergic rhinitis is a common condition with complex etiology.
- The role of the micro-ecological environment in allergic diseases is increasingly recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of micro-ecological environments on the incidence of allergic rhinitis.
- To establish a mouse model of allergic rhinitis for experimental study.
Main Methods:
- Sixty mice were divided into germ-free (GF) and specific pathogen-free (SPF) groups.
- Allergic rhinitis was induced using ovalbumin (OVA); symptoms and nasal mucosa morphology were assessed.
- Serum levels of IgE, IFN-γ, and IL-4 were measured using ELISA.
Main Results:
- The incidence of allergic rhinitis was significantly higher in the GF group compared to the SPF group (P<0.05).
- Histological analysis revealed significant inflammation, edema, and eosinophil infiltration in the nasal mucosa of affected mice.
- Elevated IgE and IL-4, with decreased IFN-γ, were observed in the serum of mice with allergic rhinitis.
Conclusions:
- Differences in the micro-ecological environment play a critical role in the development of allergic rhinitis in mice.
- Environmental microbial exposure influences immune responses relevant to allergic rhinitis.

