Observation of the olfactory mucosa in mice with allergic rhinitis olfactory dysfunction

OBJECTIVE To set up an intranasal ovabumin-induced animal model of AR(allergic rhinitis) accompanied with olfactory dysfunction in mice.To observe the biological behavior of the animals,evaluate their olfactory function and measure the relatively morphologic,structural and immunological changes in olfactory epithelium.To discuss the impact of AR on olfaction.METHODS Forty 2-month-old BALB/ C mice were randomly divided into two groups,the research group(n=30)and the control group(n= 10).The research group was intraperitoneaily injected and sensitized with ovabumin absorbed on aluminum hydroxide.After 10 days interval,they were intranasally challenged with 1% ovabumin solution once per day, totally 7 days.Buried food pellet test was performed again to evaluate the olfactory function of 2 groups by using the olfactory behavioral research device in advance.ELISA was performed to measure the level of IgE in serum and nasal lavage fluid,respectively. The pathological changes of olfactory epithelium were examined after challenges.Immunohistochemistry was used to demonstrate the expression of OMP(Olfactory Marker Protein),which was the specific marker of mature ORNs(Olfactory receptor neurons),and NSE(Neuron- specific Enolase)in olfactory epithelium.RESULTS Eosinophil infiltration in nasal mucosa was more obvious in AR with olfactory dysfunction group than the control group.OMP in olfactory epithelium decreased much more in AR with olfactory dysfunction group than AR without olfactory dysfunction group(P=0.046)and the control group(P=0.039).The similar results was found in NSE as well.CONCLUSION An animal model of allergic rhinitis accompanied with olfactory dysfunction in mice was successfully established.By the observation of the olfactory epithelium of the AR with olfactory dysfunction group,it is concluded that the morphologic and structural change in the olfactory epithelium induced by the inflammatory reaction is one of the major pathogenesis of olfactory dysfunction in llergic rhinitis.