Subcutaneous Injection and brush application of ovalbumin-aluminum salt solution induces dermatitis-like changes in mice

Abstract

Background: Intraperitoneal sensitization combined with topical and/or epicu- taneous treatment using an ovalbumin (OVA)-aluminum salt solution (OVA-AL) repre- sents a model for inducing atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the combination of sensiti- zation with subcutaneous treatment and cutaneous application of OVA-AL via a brush has not been explored as a method for inducing AD. Methods: Adult mice were subcuta- neously injected with OVA-AL following sensitization on days 0, 7, and 14 and were treated with OVA-AL via brush application to the dorsal skin fortnightly until days 35 and 49. Concomitant alloknesis and skin changes were assessed. Mice of the Balb/c and ICR-CD1 strains were treated with OVA-AL until day 35, with only the ICR-CD1 strain continuing treatment until day 49. Control animals received saline. At 35 and 49 days, dorsal skin was harvested and processed for histological analysis. Results: Mice treated with OVA-AL developed dry skin, with no scratching or alloknesis. Histological exami- nation of dorsal skin revealed an increase in mast cells and collagen deposition. Conclu- sions: Dermatitis-like symptoms were observed in mice treated with OVA-AL using this administration method