A modified method in establishing mouse asthma model

Objective:To establish and assess a modified mouse asthma model.Methods:Clean female BALB/c mice were divided into 2 groups(n20,10 for each group).The asthmatic group was sensitized by i.p.and i.n.with OVA aluminum potassium sulfate solution on day 0 and 14.Mice were challenged via the airways with OVA(5% in saline) for 14 days (from day 21 to 35) using ultrasonic nebulization.The control group received saline as the substitution of OVA.Results:The asthmatic group demonstrated the symptoms of acute asthma,such as scratching the head continuously,breathing deeply and fast,staying still,bowing the back,lifting the forelimbs,and so on.There were more leukocytes and eosinophils in the BALF of asthmatic group.In either blood or BALF,the levels of IL-4 and OVA specific IgE were significantly elevated while the IFN-γ level was lower in the asthmatic group,as compared with the control group.In asthmatic mice,inflammatory cell increased.The goblet cell hyperplasia,smooth muscle cell proliferation and pulmonary emphysema were much more serious in asthmatic mice than in control mice.Conclusion:This successful modified mouse asthma model may provide a necessary tool in the fundamental research of asthma.