Abstract | BACKGROUND: Animal models are used to mimic human asthma, however, not all models replicate the major characteristics of the human disease. Spontaneous development of asthma with hallmark features similar to humans has been documented to occur with relative frequency in only one animal species, the cat. We hypothesized that we could develop an experimental model of feline asthma using clinically relevant aeroallergens identified from cases of naturally developing feline asthma, and characterize immunologic, physiologic, and pathologic changes over 1 year. METHODS: House dust mite ( HDMA) and Bermuda grass (BGA) allergen were selected by screening 10 privately owned pet cats with spontaneous asthma using a serum allergen-specific IgE ELISA. Parenteral sensitization and aerosol challenges were used to replicate the naturally developing disease in research cats. The asthmatic phenotype was characterized using intradermal skin testing, serum allergen-specific IgE ELISA, serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) IgG and IgA ELISAs, airway hyperresponsiveness testing, BALF cytology, cytokine profiles using TaqMan PCR, and histopathologic evaluation. RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: Using clinically relevant aeroallergens to sensitize and challenge the cat provides an additional animal model to study the immunopathophysiologic mechanisms of allergic asthma. Chronic exposure to allergen in the cat leads to a variety of immunologic, physiologic, and pathologic changes that mimic the features seen in human asthma.
|
Authors | Carol R Norris Reinero, Kendra C Decile, Roy D Berghaus, Kurt J Williams, Christian M Leutenegger, William F Walby, Edward S Schelegle, Dallas M Hyde, Laurel J Gershwin |
Journal | International archives of allergy and immunology
(Int Arch Allergy Immunol)
Vol. 135
Issue 2
Pg. 117-31
(Oct 2004)
ISSN: 1018-2438 [Print] Switzerland |
PMID | 15345910
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
|
Chemical References |
- Cytokines
- Immunoglobulin A
- Immunoglobulin G
- Immunoglobulin E
|
Topics |
- Animals
- Asthma
(complications, immunology, physiopathology)
- Bronchial Hyperreactivity
(etiology, immunology)
- Bronchial Provocation Tests
- Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid
(immunology)
- Cats
- Cynodon
(immunology)
- Cytokines
(biosynthesis)
- Disease Models, Animal
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Eosinophilia
(etiology)
- Hypersensitivity
(immunology)
- Hypersensitivity, Immediate
(immunology, physiopathology)
- Immunoglobulin A
(analysis)
- Immunoglobulin E
(blood)
- Immunoglobulin G
(analysis)
- Lung
(immunology, pathology)
- Lymphocyte Activation
(immunology)
- Lymphocytes
(immunology)
- Pyroglyphidae
(immunology)
|