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Updated: Feb 11, 2026
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Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
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Thirdhand smoke component can exacerbate a mouse asthma model through mast cells.
Mang Yu1, Kaori Mukai1, Mindy Tsai1
1Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif; Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|April 22, 2018
Summary
Thirdhand smoke (THS) component NNK exposure via skin exacerbates asthma in mice. Mast cells expressing α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are key to these effects, highlighting THS risks for respiratory health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Immunology
Background:
- Thirdhand smoke (THS) is residual secondhand smoke on surfaces, potentially more toxic over time.
- Children exposed to THS face increased risks for asthma development and exacerbation.
- The specific impact of THS on asthma pathology remains largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if epicutaneous exposure to NNK, a THS component, influences asthma pathology.
- To examine the role of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and mast cells (MCs) in NNK-induced asthma exacerbation.
Main Methods:
- Mice models were used, including wild-type, α7 nAChR-deficient, and MC-deficient mice.
- Mice underwent epicutaneous NNK exposure, intranasal cockroach antigen (CRA) challenge, or both.
- Asthma features like airway hyperreactivity, inflammation, and remodeling were assessed.
Main Results:
- α7 nAChRs are essential for NNK's adverse effects on asthma pathology.
- MC expression of α7 nAChRs significantly contributed to NNK-induced exacerbation of airway hyperreactivity, inflammation, and remodeling.
- Epicutaneous NNK exposure worsened multiple features of CRA-induced asthma in mice.
Conclusions:
- Skin exposure to NNK, a THS constituent, exacerbates cockroach antigen-induced asthma in a mouse model.
- Mast cells are identified as critical mediators of NNK's detrimental effects on asthma.
- This study underscores the potential respiratory health risks associated with THS exposure.
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