An Animal Model of Trichloroethylene-Induced Skin Sensitization in BALB/c Mice

Abstract

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a major occupational hazard and environmental contaminant that can cause multisystem disorders in the form of occupational medicamentosa-like dermatitis. Development of dermatitis involves several proinflammatory cytokines, but their role in TCE-mediated dermatitis has not been examined in a well-defined experimental model. In addition, few animal models of TCE sensitization are available, and the current guinea pig model has apparent limitations. This study aimed to establish a model of TCE-induced skin sensitization in BALB/c mice and to examine the role of several key inflammatory cytokines on TCE sensitization. The sensitization rate of dorsal painted group was 38.3%. Skin edema and erythema occurred in TCE-sensitized groups, as seen in 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) positive control. Trichloroethylene sensitization-positive (dermatitis [+]) group exhibited increased thickness of epidermis, inflammatory cell infiltration, swelling, and necrosis in dermis and around hair follicle, but ear painted group did not show these histological changes. The concentrations of serum proinflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, and interleukin (IL)-2 were significantly increased in 24, 48, and 72 hours dermatitis [+] groups treated with TCE and peaked at 72 hours. Deposition of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-2 into the skin tissue was also revealed by immunohistochemistry. We have established a new animal model of skin sensitization induced by repeated TCE stimulations, and we provide the first evidence that key proinflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-2 play an important role in the process of TCE sensitization.

Bradykinin receptor in immune-mediated renal tubular injury in trichloroethylene-sensitized mice: Impact on NF-κB signaling pathway

“…A model of TCE-sensitized BALB/c mice ( Figure 2) was induced according to Wang et al (2015). After 1 week of adaptation, all mice were randomly allocated into a blank control group, vehicle control group, TCE-treated group, TCE þ B1R antagonist-treated group, or a TCE þ B2R antagonist-treated group.…”

Viral mimic polyinosine-polycytidylic acid potentiates liver injury in trichloroethylene-sensitized mice – Viral-chemical interaction as a novel mechanism

“…This route of exposure was mimicked by cutaneous application of TCE on mice. In TCE treatment group, chemical sensitization was induced according to our previous protocol (Wang et al, 2014;Wang et al, 2015;Zhang et al, 2013). Briefly, 80 mice were randomly assigned into four subgroups (n = 20 for each subgroup) of different time points (day 20, 21, 22 and 26), and received the same treatment protocol as follows.…”

“…In our previous studies, we have established a TCE sensitization model using BALB/c mouse, which will be used to explore the mechanism of liver injury induced by TCE (Wang et al, 2014;Wang et al, 2015). This TCE sensitization-induced liver injury only occurs in TCE sensitization-positive group and is characterized by hepatocyte swelling, deposition of cytokines, activation of complement system, mild increments of ALT and AST, and recovery when TCE exposure is ceased (Wang et al, 2014;Zhang et al, 2013).…”

Plasma Kallikrein-Kinin system mediates immune-mediated renal injury in trichloroethylene-sensitized mice

“…A model of TCE-sensitization was generated in the BALB/c mice as in previous reports (Wang et al 2015). In brief, an area of 2 cm  2 cm at the back of each mouse was shaved with an electric clipper before they received an intradermal injection (24 h later) of vehicle, inhibitor and/or TCE.…”

“…on Day 20), the cutaneous reactions in the dorsal skin of the mice were scored on a 4-point scale: 0 ¼ no reaction; 1 ¼ scattered mild redness; 2 ¼ moderate and diffuse redness; and 3 ¼ intensive erythema and swelling (Wang et al 2015;Zhang et al 2013). The mice were then divided into TCE sensitization-positive (TCE+), TCE sensitization-negative (TCEÀ), PKSI pre-treatment but TCE sensitization-positive (PKSI+), and PKSI pretreatment but TCE sensitization-negative (PKSIÀ) groups.…”