Age-related response of IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 transgenic mice to phthalic anhydride exposure

Abstract

Age-related changes are associated with susceptibility to infection, malignancy, autoimmunity, response to vaccination and wound healing. To investigate the relationship of several pathological phenotypes of allergic inflammation to age, alterations in the IL-4 derived luciferase signal and general phenotype biomarkers were measured in young (2-monthold) and old (12-month-old) IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 transgenic (Tg) mice with phthalic anhydride (PA)-induced allergic inflammation for 2 weeks. There was no difference in the ear phenotypes and thickness between young and old mice, although these levels were higher in the PA-treated group than the acetone-olive oil (AOO)-treated group. The luciferase signal was detected in the mesenteric lymph node (ML), thymus and pancreas of both young and old PA-treated mice, but showed a greater increase in old Tg mice (except in the thymus). A greater increase in the epidermal thickness and dermal thickness was measured in old PA-treated mice than young PA-treated mice, while total mast cell number remained constant in both groups. Furthermore, the concentration of IgE was greater in young PA-treated mice than in old PA-treated mice, as was the expression of VEGF and IL-6. Taken together, the results of this study showed that an animal's age is an important factor that must be considered when PA-induced allergic inflammation in IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 Tg mice are investigated to screen for allergens and therapeutic compounds.