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Updated: Mar 26, 2026
Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
Acute and chronic exposure to Tyrophagus putrescentiae induces allergic pulmonary response in a murine model
Nailê Karine Nuñez1, Aline Andrea da Cunha1, Moisés Dos Santos Dutra1
1Laboratory of Pediatric Respirology, Infant Center, Institute of Biomedical Research, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre 90610-000, Brazil.
Background:
Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Tp) is a source of aeroallergen that causes allergic diseases.
Objective:
To describe an acute and chronic murine model of allergic asthma with Tp extract with no systemic sensitization and no use of adjuvant.
Methods:
Mites from dust sample were cultured and a raw extract was produced. Female BALB/c mice (6-8 weeks) were challenged intranasally with Tp extract or Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline, for 10 consecutive days (acute protocol) or for 6 weeks (chronic protocol). Twenty-four hours after the last intranasal challenge, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was performed for total and differential cells count, cytokine analysis, and eosinophil peroxidase activity. Lung tissue was also removed for histopathologic analysis.
Results:
Tp extract has shown a significant increase in total cells count from BALF as well as an increase in absolute eosinophils count, eosinophil peroxidase activity, interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-13 levels, in both acute and chronic protocols. Peribronchovascular infiltrate, goblet cells hyperplasia and collagen deposition were shown in the airways of acute and chronic Tp-exposed mice.
Conclusion:
Our data suggest that the intranasal exposure to Tp extract, with no systemic sensitization and no use of adjuvants, induces a robust allergic inflammation in the lungs of mice, in both acute and chronic models. Our Tp extract seems to be a potent allergen extract which may be used in asthma model studies.
Insights
Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Tp) extract effectively models allergic asthma in mice without adjuvants. This study establishes a robust method for investigating allergic lung inflammation using Tp.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Tp) is a common aeroallergen implicated in allergic diseases.
- Understanding the mechanisms of house dust mite allergy is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish reliable acute and chronic mouse models of allergic asthma.
- To investigate the effects of Tyrophagus putrescentiae extract without systemic sensitization or adjuvant use.
Main Methods:
- Cultured Tyrophagus putrescentiae mites to produce a raw extract.
- Administered intranasal Tp extract or control to BALB/c mice for acute (10 days) or chronic (6 weeks) exposure.
- Analyzed bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) for cell counts, cytokine levels (IL-5, IL-13), and eosinophil peroxidase activity.
- Conducted histopathological examination of lung tissue.
Main Results:
- Tp extract induced significant increases in total and eosinophil cell counts in BALF for both acute and chronic models.
- Elevated eosinophil peroxidase activity and levels of IL-5 and IL-13 were observed.
- Histopathology revealed peribronchovascular infiltrate, goblet cell hyperplasia, and collagen deposition in the lungs.
Conclusions:
- Intranasal exposure to Tp extract without adjuvants successfully induces robust allergic lung inflammation in mice.
- These findings support the use of this Tp extract in developing acute and chronic asthma models for research.
- The established model provides a valuable tool for studying allergic asthma pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions.
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