From Mouse to Man: Translational Value of Animal Models of Allergic Rhinitis

House Dust Mite Allergy Models—Reliability for Research of Airway Defensive Mechanisms

“…Studies using mice, especially transgenics and knockout strains, have been important for understanding the role of cytokines, adhesion molecules and cell receptors in allergic inflammatory responses [36].…”

“…Until recently, allergic rhinitis models have relied on short-term protocols and therefore present weaknesses of focusing mainly on acute inflammation and less attention is drawn on airway remodelling. However, more effort is being put into developing chronic models to address nasal obstruction, rhinorrhoea and remodelling which define allergic rhinitis in humans [36].…”

“…Primary laboratory animals used to describe nasal responses to allergic stimuli are Dunkin-Hartley guinea pigs and, to lesser extent, the Brown Norway rats and BALB/c mice [36].…”

“…An immediate and transient episode of itching and sneezing begins within seconds of exposure and lasts for 5 up to 30 minutes. Late phase is characterized by rhinorrhoea and airway obstruction that can last for hours [36].…”

“…The initial irritation and sneeze reflex is promoted by mediators released from mast cells and basophils (histamine, tryptase, cysteinyl leukotrienes, platelet activating factor). Mucus hypersecretion with airway obstruction in secondary phase is accompanied by progression in mucosal swelling, tissue infiltration of eosinophils and neutrophils and the synthesis and release of prostaglandins, interleukins and reactive oxygen species [36].…”