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Updated: Mar 9, 2026
Measuring Local Anaphylaxis in Mice
Published on: October 14, 2014
5 nm Silver Nanoparticles Amplify Clinical Features of Atopic Dermatitis in Mice by Activating Mast Cells
HanGoo Kang1, Seungjae Kim1, Kwang Hoon Lee2
1Department of Microbiology, Institute for Immunology and Immunological Diseases, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei-ro 50, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea.
Abstract:
The triggering effect of silver nanoparticles (NPs) on the induction of allergic reactions is evaluated, by studying the activation of mast cells and the clinical features of atopic dermatitis in a mouse model. Granule release is induced in RBL-2H3 mast cells by 5 nm, but not 100 nm silver NPs. Increases in the levels of reactive oxygen species (hydrogen peroxide and mitochondrial superoxide) and intracellular Ca++ in mast cells are induced by 5 nm silver NPs. In a mouse model of atopic dermatitis induced by a mite allergen, the skin lesions are more severe and appear earlier in mice treated simultaneously with 5 nm silver NPs and allergen compared with mice treated with allergen alone or 100 nm silver NPs and allergen. The histological findings reveal that number of tryptase-positive mast cells and total IgE levels in the serum increase in mice treated with 5 nm silver NPs and allergen. The results in this study indicate that cotreatment with 5 nm silver NPs stimulates mast cell degranulation and induces earlier and more severe clinical alterations in allergy-prone individuals.
Insights
Small silver nanoparticles (5 nm) trigger allergic reactions by activating mast cells and worsening atopic dermatitis symptoms in mice. Larger silver nanoparticles (100 nm) did not show this effect, indicating size-dependent nanoparticle impacts on allergies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental science
- Toxicology
- Immunology
Background:
- Silver nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly used in consumer products.
- Potential health effects of NPs, particularly their impact on allergic responses, require thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role of silver nanoparticles (NPs) in triggering allergic reactions.
- To investigate the effect of different sized silver NPs on mast cell activation and atopic dermatitis.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies using RBL-2H3 mast cells to assess granule release, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and intracellular calcium (Ca++) levels upon exposure to 5 nm and 100 nm silver NPs.
- In vivo studies using a mouse model of atopic dermatitis induced by mite allergen, evaluating skin lesion severity and onset in mice treated with allergen alone, or in combination with 5 nm or 100 nm silver NPs.
- Histological analysis of skin tissue to quantify mast cell infiltration and serum analysis for total IgE levels.
Main Results:
- 5 nm silver NPs induced significant granule release from mast cells, unlike 100 nm silver NPs.
- Exposure to 5 nm silver NPs increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intracellular Ca++ levels in mast cells.
- Mice treated with both 5 nm silver NPs and mite allergen exhibited exacerbated and earlier onset of atopic dermatitis skin lesions compared to controls.
- Histological examination revealed increased tryptase-positive mast cells and elevated total IgE levels in serum of mice treated with 5 nm silver NPs and allergen.
Conclusions:
- 5 nm silver NPs stimulate mast cell degranulation, a key event in allergic reactions.
- Co-administration of 5 nm silver NPs with allergens can lead to more severe and rapid clinical manifestations of atopic dermatitis.
- The size of silver nanoparticles is a critical factor in their potential to exacerbate allergic responses.
