Research Information System
Acta Pharmaceutica Sciencia, vol.62, no.4, pp.712-721, 2024 (Scopus)
This review article discusses the differences between animal models using ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminum hydroxide (alum). OVA, derived from chicken eggs, is a widely used allergen due to its low cost and high purity. Environmental sensitization and/or using an adjuvant such as alum is required to induce an asthma-like response. Animal species and strain, as well as sex selection, influence the development of allergic airway inflammation and other asthma-related features in vivo models. Acute asthma models include OVA and alum to elicit airway inflammation, elevated IgE levels, and airway hyperresponsiveness. However, these models have limitations as they do not fully mimic the chronic inflammation and airway remodeling observed in human asthma. On the other hand, chronic asthma models involve prolonged exposure to low concentrations of allergens and have been shown to exhibit persistent airway hyperresponsiveness, airway remodeling, and other critical features of asthma. The aforementioned models have provided valuable insights into the pathophysiology of asthma and have been used to evaluate potential therapeutic agents. Overall, the use of OVA and alum in animal models has improved our understanding of asthma, and it is hoped that it has the potential to guide clinical therapies in the future.