Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026
08:05
Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
The atopic dog: a model for food allergy
R W Ermel1, M Kock, S M Griffey
1Animal Resources Service, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, USA.
Laboratory Animal Science
|February 1, 1997
Summary
Researchers developed a canine model for food allergy, using dogs with high immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. This model shows clinical and immunological responses to food antigens, aiding allergy research.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Immunology
- Allergy Research
- Animal Models
Background:
- Investigating food allergies in humans is challenging due to the absence of suitable animal models.
- High immunoglobulin E (IgE) producing dogs offer potential for allergy research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize an inbred colony of dogs as a viable animal model for food allergy.
- To evaluate clinical and immunological responses to food antigens in a canine model.
Main Methods:
- Dogs were immunized with food antigen extracts and challenged orally.
- Enzyme-labeled immunodot assay measured IgE antibody titers.
- Skin tests, gastroscopic evaluations, and biopsy analyses assessed allergic reactions.
Main Results:
- Immunized dogs exhibited high IgE titers to specific food antigens.
- Positive skin tests (wheal-and-flare) and gastroscopic findings (swelling, erythema) were observed.
- Biopsies confirmed immediate and late-phase allergic inflammatory responses, including eosinophil infiltration.
Conclusions:
- Direct mucosal challenge confirmed clinical and immunological evidence of food allergy in the canine model.
- The atopic dog serves as a useful model for studying food allergy.
- This model may help identify food allergies in unexplained gastrointestinal diseases.
