I am developing model of asthma in mice using HDM. I was asked this question in order to submit the a protocol for developing a disease in animals. Searching in the literature, I can not find any evidence of symptoms of asthma appeared on mice after house dust mite administration. Is that True?
Thank you.
Hi, sure they do.
However, your observation may be not reliable (they rub their noses, and feel irritated). The most objective measurement of the in vivo lung function is performed by whole-body plethysmography. You measure the airway reactivity (as fold increase of enhanced pause (Penh) values for the increasing concentration of methacholine relative to baseline. Please refer to the manuscript, as attached
Hi Radwa,
As indicated by Dr.Feleszko, measuring lung function will permit a detailed quantification of airway hyperresponsiveness. There are various methods to measure lung function, which are associated with different benefits and trade-offs.
Non-invasive outcomes Non-invasive measurements such as whole body plethysmography (WBP) can analyze breathing patterns and provide outcomes like respiratory rate, estimates of tidal volume, mid-expiratory flow (EF50) and penh. It should be noted that penh is an empirical variable that correlates with changes in breathing patterns. Many journals will require that changes in penh be supported with additional evidence of bronchoconstriction.
Invasive measurements
Invasive measurements performed in intubated or tracheotomized subjects quantify the mechanical properties of the lung (resistance, compliance, parenchymal stiffness, airway hyperreactivity, lung volumes, spirometry).
Full disclosure – I work for SCIREQ, a company that specializes in respiratory research instrumentation. Below are some links to relevant publications and additional information:
Relevant links
Comparison of HDM and OVA asthma modelling
https://emka.scireq.com/ova-vs-hdm-asthma-animal-models
vivoFlow - Non-Invasive Whole Body Plethysmography
https://www.scireq.com/plethysmographs/
flexiVent – highly detailed (but invasive) lung function outcomes
https://www.scireq.com/flexivent/
Please feel free to contact me or our team for more info.
Good luck with your studies!
David