Establishment of Psoriasis Mouse Model by IMQ based on Balb/c Mice

Catalog Number: CT0004

Model Name: Psoriasis

Animal Strains: BALB/C Mice

 

Model Description

Psoriasis is a skin disease characterized by the hyperproliferation of epidermal keratinocytes. The typical clinical manifestations include localized or widespread papules, erythema, scales, and pustules, and it is non-contagious.  Generally, psoriasis is non-lethal;  however,  it can be associated with Crohn's disease, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases, increasing the disease burden on patients and severely affecting their quality of life and mental health.

In preclinical research, the most commonly used animal model is the imiquimod (IMQ)-induced skin injury and inflammation model, which exhibits a phenotype similar to human psoriasis.

 

Modeling Methods

a.  Experimental design


By applying 5% imiquimod to the dorsal skin of BALB/c mice daily, an inflammatory response is observed by day2, reaching its peak on days 6-7, with the mice exhibiting typical manifestations of psoriasis.

 

Applications

1.  Research on psoriasis;

2.  Research related to Immunology and Inflammation.

 

Validation Data

1.   Body weight change curve

a. Body weight


Figure 1. Body weight change curve. The results showed that (a) the body weight of the Control group mice remained stable, while the body weight of the Model group and DEX Treatment group mice initially decreased and then stabilized.

 

2.   Photographs of the clinical features and score
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       a. Photographs of the clinical features                                       b. Score


Figure 2. Photographs of the clinical features and score. The results showed that (a) compared to the Control group, the Model group exhibited symptoms of psoriasis on the back skin, including scales, increased skin thickness, and erythema; compared to the Model group, the symptoms in the DEX Treatment group were significantly alleviated. (b) Statistical scoring for (a).

 

3.  Spleen index

a. Spleen                                                               b. Spleen index


Figure 3. Spleen index. The results showed that (a-b) compared to the Control group, the Model group exhibited splenomegaly;  compared to the Model group,  the spleen in the DEX Treatment group was significantly smaller. Compared with the Model group, *, P < 0.05; **, P<0.01;***, P < 0.001.

 

4.   H&E staining

a. H&E staining

G1: Control                              G2: Model                               G6: DEX applied

Figure 4. H&E staining. The results showed that (a-c) compared to the Control group, the Model group exhibited epidermal thickening and increased scores;  the DEX Treatment group showed significant improvement. Epidermal Munro abscesses are indicated by yellow arrows; keratinization/keratin dysplasia is indicated by black arrows. Compared with the Model group, *, P < 0.05; **, P<0.01;***, P < 0.001.

 

Notes

*The data presented in this manual were obtained under internal facility conditions at Cyagen and are for reference only. The specific disease conditions in mice should be based on actual observations, and usage should be adjusted according to the actual circumstances.