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Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
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Development and Characterization of an Allergic Asthma Rat Model for Interventional Studies
Marta Périz1,2, Francisco J Pérez-Cano1,2, Maria J Rodríguez-Lagunas1,2
1Secció de Fisiologia, Departament de Bioquímica i Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|June 3, 2020
Summary
Researchers developed an allergic asthma rat model to study treatments for this underdiagnosed airway disease. This model accurately quantifies anaphylactic shock responses in rats, aiding future therapeutic strategy studies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Allergic asthma is a prevalent chronic airway disease that is frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated.
- Developing reliable animal models is crucial for studying asthma pathogenesis and evaluating novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish an objective and quantifiable model of allergic asthma in rats.
- To induce and measure anaphylactic shock responses using quantitative variables.
Main Methods:
- Female Brown Norway rats were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA), alum, and *Bordetella pertussis* toxin, followed by OVA/alum boost.
- Intranasal OVA challenge was administered on day 28 to induce allergic asthma.
- Anaphylactic responses were assessed by monitoring motor activity and body temperature, and quantifying leukotrienes, IgE antibodies in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF).
Main Results:
- Asthmatic rats exhibited reduced motility and body temperature for at least 20 hours post-anaphylactic shock.
- Elevated levels of anti-OVA IgE antibodies were detected in both serum and BALF of asthmatic rats.
- The model demonstrated quantifiable changes in physiological parameters and immunological markers.
Conclusions:
- An effective and rapid allergic asthma model was developed in female Brown Norway rats.
- This model allows for the objective quantification of anaphylactic shock responses.
- The established model can be utilized for future studies on therapeutic strategies for allergic asthma.

