A NEW MURINE MODEL OF ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS AND EFFECTIVENESS OF NEDOCROMIL SODIUM

Background: Allergic conjunctivitis is the most common atopic disease affecting the eye. To study the pathophysiology and effectiveness of a ntiallergic drugs, it is necessary to develop animal models that close ly mimic human allergic conjunctivitis. Objective: The study was perfo rmed to develop an experimental murine model of ocular allergic conjun ctivitis to an airborne allergen. Methods: SWR/J mice were divided int o the following groups: group 1, untreated, experimental; group 2, pho sphate-buffered saline-treated; group 3, nedocromil sodium-treated; an d group 4, unmanipulated controls. Groups 1, 2, and 3 were exposed to ragweed by topical contact with the nasal and conjunctival mucosae. Al lergic conjunctivitis was evaluated by scoring of clinical signs, seru m IgE levels, and histologic findings. Results: Mice exposed to ragwee d had clinicopathologic signs of allergic conjunctivitis and specific anti-ragweed IgE. Allergic conjunctivitis was modulated by nedocromil sodium. Treated mice had fewer clinical signs of allergy, lower levels of ragweed-specific IgE, reduction of conjunctival eosinophil infiltr ation, decrease in the number of intact and degranulating mast cells, and reduction of cytokine release. Conclusion: This is the first repor t of a murine model of allergic conjunctivitis to an airborne allergen that can be used to study the disease pathophysiology and its respons e to treatment.