2022, Vol. 26 ›› Issue (32): 5143-5147

Establishing a mouse model of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis

Gong Yubo1, Shi Yuanyuan1, Li Yuanchao2, Lu Wenjun2, Xia Liping1, Guo Xiaohua1, Luo Ling1, Wu Wei2   

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Animal models for studying the pathogenesis of allergic conjunctivitis and allergic rhinitis have been well developed. Allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis often coexist in clinical practice, that is, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. However, the animal model for studying its pathogenesis is rarely reported.
OBJECTIVE: To establish a mouse model of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis for exploring its pathogenesis.
METHODS: Twenty female C57 mice (SPF grade) were randomly divided into two groups: control group and experimental group. On days 0, 4, 7, 14, and 21, each mouse in the experimental group was intraperitoneally given 0.2 mL of injectable suspension containing ovalbumin and adjuvant Al(OH)3. After an interval of 3 days, the eyes and nose of each mouse were given 5% ovalbumin, 10 μL per eye or per nose, 5 continuous days per week to induce allergic symptoms. Mice in the control group were given the same amount of PBS. Ocular and nasal symptoms were observed and scored in the sensitization and provocation stages. The serum levels of ovalbumin-specific IgE, total IgE, and histamine were detected by ELISA method. Pathological changes of the palpebral conjunctiva and nasal mucosa in mice were observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Allergic symptoms of the nose and eyes were induced in all the mice in the experimental group. The time from provocation until   the emergence of allergic symptoms of the nose and eyes was (10.500±1.080) days and (20.300±2.058) days respectively. The levels of ovalbumin-specific IgE, total IgE, and histamine in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). There were remarkable pathological changes in the palpebral conjunctiva and nasal mucosa in the experimental group. To conclude, the mouse model of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is successfully established.
Key words: allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, ovalbumin, IgE, mouse, animal model