A model of allergic nasal congestion in dogs sensitized to ragweed.
Keywords
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Acoustic rhinometry is a noninvasive method that uses sound waves to measure dimensions of the nasal cavity.
METHODS
In this study, nasal patency was measured by acoustic rhinometry in allergic Beagle dogs sensitized to ragweed allergen. Ragweed (0.03-0.3%) or vehicle were administered intranasally in isoflurane-anesthetized dogs.
RESULTS
The instillation of ragweed caused a dose-related decrease in nasal cavity volume and minimal cross-sectional area (Amin) without adverse systemic effects. Nasal cavity volume and Amin decreased within 30 minutes after instillation of the highest ragweed dose by 35.1 +/- 6.0% and 66.4 +/- 13.8%, respectively, and persisted for at least 90 minutes. Oral administration of alpha-adrenergic agonist, d-pseudoephedrine (3 mg/kg), or histamine H1 antagonist chlorpheniramine (10 mg/ kg) blocked the ragweed-induced nasal congestion.
CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that the canine model may be used to study upper-airway diseases such as allergic rhinitis and to evaluate the pharmacologic activity of nasal decongestants.
