A novel murine model of allergic conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis affects over 40 million patients per year in the United States. Here we present the first murine model that incorporates the clinical, cellular, and humoral parameters of allergic conjunctivitis, including a ragweed-induced Th2-type cytokine production by lymphocytes. SWR/J mice were immunized with short ragweed pollen in aluminum hydroxide. Ten days after immunization, allergic conjunctivitis was induced by one topical application of ragweed pollen onto the eye. Immediate response was characterized by chemosis, redness of the conjuctiva, and lid edema. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry showed dense conjunctival infiltration with polymorphonuclear leukocytes, macrophages, and CD4+ T lymphocytes. In addition, ragweed-specific IgG1 and IgE serum levels were significantly higher in immunized animals, and high levels of IL-4 and IL-5 were detected in supernatants from ragweed-activated lymphocytes. This reproducible model is a well-suited instrument for testing the pathophysiology and future therapies of allergic conjunctivitis.