OVA/SEB allergic peritonitis: cellular and soluble parameters.
AP was induced in female C57BL/6 mice by OVA/SEB s.c sensitization (day 0 and 7) and challenge by i.p injection with lower concentrations of OVA/SEB on day 14 (Fig. 1A). As shown in Fig. 1B, in this model the peak of inflammation, as detected by the increase of total cells and Eos (CD170+/CD193+) numbers, was found 48h following challenge. Total cells and Eos numbers started to decrease 96h after challenge, returning to baseline levels (time point 0h) within 168h. MCs (CD117+/FCεRI+) numbers did not display significant fluctuations with a trend of increase 48h after challenge (Fig. 1B). Noteworthy, macrophages (F4/80+/CD11b+) numbers increased significantly already at 48h, reaching a peak at 168h and their number remained significantly higher than time point 0h until 240h (Fig. 1B). Additionally, macrophages, as assessed at 48h, showed increased mRNA expression levels of the M1 marker iNOS (17), indicating a pro-inflammatory phenotype at this time point (S1). Moreover, sCD48 levels peaked 48h after challenged and returned to baseline levels at 168h (Fig. 1C). Noteworthy, C57BL/6 males showed a similar inflammation pattern, albeit less strong than in female mice (S2).