Experimental Food Allergy: From Induction to Anaphylaxis Assessment in a Rat Model

This chapter describes the experimental methodology used to establish a rat model of oral food allergy. The final protocol has been optimized for the Wistar strain. The model mimics chronic oral allergen re-exposure and allows the study of effector-phase allergic responses. It encompasses all experimental stages, including preliminary procedures, intramuscular sensitization, the use of pro-type 2 immune response adjuvants, allergen re-sensitization, and the final oral challenge, using ovalbumin (OVA). Key outcomes include clinical parameters such as sign scoring, diarrhea classification, and body temperature changes during oral anaphylaxis. In addition, immunological and inflammatory markers such as OVA-specific IgE titer, mast cell protease II, or even histamine can be assessed.