GLUTATHIONE-S-TRANSFERASE INDUCES MURINE DERMATITIS THAT RESEMBLES HUMAN ATOPIC-DERMATITIS

Background The molecular and functional basis of allergen-induced infl ammation seen in atopic dermatitis (AD) remains undefined. Objective T he objective of this study is to establish a murine model to dissect t he pathological mechanisms of inflammatory reactions leading to the de velopment of AD. Methods An inbred strain of mice, BALB/c, when inject ed peritoneally with 30 mu g of recombinant Sj26 protein (rSj26), a gl utathione S-transferase of Schistosoma japonicum worm, developed syste matic dermatitis 21 days after immunization. The pathology of the derm atitis was examined by histological evaluation and immunostaining. The immediate skin hypersensitivity was demonstrated by serum transfer an d skin test. Epicutaneous patch test was used to demonstrate the antig en-specific late phase response. Results Significant responses of rSj2 6-specific IgE were detected 2 weeks after immunization, and such chan ges paralleled formation of skin lesions. The diseased skin pathology showed inflammatory changes such as infiltration of mononuclear cells and eosinophils in the dermis and mild spongiosis in the epidermis. Nu merous IgE bearing cells were also detected in the dermis. Peripheral blood showed eosinophilia at the same time. In addition, rSj26-specifi c positive skin test and epicutaneous patch test could be demonstrated in rSj26-sensitized mice. Conclusions These results suggest that rSj2 6 is capable of eliciting atopic dermatitis-like lesions in BALB/c mic e. This can be a useful animal model for elucidating allergen-induced immune responses and the development of various therapeutic interventi ons of atopic dermatitis in humans.