Animal models of allergic and inflammatory conjunctivitis

Abstract

Numerous recent reports have demonstrated an increase in the prevalence and incidence of allergic conditions during the past years which affect approximately 25% of the general population (1) and about US$ 6 billion alone are estimated as direct costs of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (2). Whereas a large amount of studies have focused on the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis and asthma over the past years, ocular allergies are less well studied. However, allergic diseases affecting the eye are very common (3) and pediatric studies have shown that within distinct cohorts, up to 32% of allergic children have an ocular allergy as the primary manifestation of allergy (4). Allergic eye diseases such as allergic conjunctivitis commonly present with the symptoms of itchy, watery, red, sore and swollen eyes, but not pain (5).In contrast to the large amount of experimental studies on allergic asthma and the detailed knowledge that exists on mediators of allergic airway inflammation (6-8), there are few experimental studies using models of allergic eye diseases. Detailed reviews to assess the pathophysiology and immunology of ocular allergies have been limited. This review hopefully fills this void to provide the clinical and translational researcher in the area of ocular allergy. Pathophysiology of ocular allergiesBefore characterizing the different animal models of ocular allergy which have been established so far, it is crucial to reflect that within the area of ocular allergies, different disease entities exist and that only some of them may be mimicked by animal models. Formally, conjunctivitis may be divided into allergic and nonallergic conjunctivitis and the allergic form may also be subdivided into IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated allergic conjunctivitis ( Fig. 1) (9). Clinically, the spectrum of conjunctivitis types can be subdivided into allergic conjunctivitis, atopic keratoconjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis and giant papillary conjunctivitis.In contrast to the other forms of conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis is commonly based on an IgEmediated hypersensitivity reaction. Furthermore, allergic Allergic eye diseases are complex inflammatory conditions of the conjunctiva with an increasing prevalence and incidence. The diseases are often concomitant with other allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis and allergic asthma. Despite the disabling and prominent symptoms of ocular allergies, they are less well studied and further insights into the molecular basics are still required. To establish new therapeutic approaches and assess immunological mechanisms, animal models of ocular allergies have been developed in the past years. The major forms of allergic ocular diseases, seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis, vernal and atopic keratoconjunctivitis and giant papillary conjunctivitis, each have different pathophysiological and immunological components. In contrast to these distinct entities, the current animal models are based on the sensitization against a small numbe...

United airways disease among florists

“…15 Generally, allergic conjunctivitis occurs with other allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. 16 According to our results, the most apparent risk factor for work-related conjunctivitis was work intensity. Finding a positive doseresponse relationship between work intensity and work-related symptoms supported the occupational exposure and accuracy of our questionnaire-based diagnosis.…”

Development of Allergic Conjunctivitis Induced by House Dust Mite Extract FromDermatophagoides pteronyssinus

“…To date, animal models of allergic conjunctivitis have been developed using limited allergens like ovalbumin, ragweed pollen, and cat allergen in guinea pigs, rats, and mice. 13 In contrast, reports on animal models aiming at understanding PAC such as HDM-induced allergic conjunctivitis are rare.…”

Sublingual Immunotherapy for Experimental Allergic Conjunctivitis in a Murine Model Induced by Dermatophagoides farinae Allergen

“…Murine models are the most common and useful supplement to clinical and in vitro studies of allergic diseases [1] and may provide valuable information associated with the effect and therapeutic mechanisms of new treatments in allergic diseases [11]. The majority of AC experimental models were sensitized by pollen allergens [11].…”

“…The majority of AC experimental models were sensitized by pollen allergens [11]. The animal AC model induced by house dust mite allergen is scarce and has not yet been used for investigating the mechanisms of AC treatment [12].…”