A Rat Model of Rhinosinusitis induced by Platelet Activating Factor (PAF)

Kim, Jin Pyeong; Kim, Eun Ah; Jeon, Sea Yuong; Hwang, Eui Gee

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Platelet activating factor (PAF), a biologically active phospholipid, has been known to be a potent inflammatory mediator especially in allergic inflammation. However, the exact role of PAF in the pathogenesis of rhinosinusitis has not been established yet. The aim of this study was to develop a rat model of rhinosinusitis induced by PAF.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Rats (4~6 week-old) were applied intranasally with 50 microliter of 16 microgram/ microliter PAF, while the control rats were applied with 50 microliter of 0.9% normal saline. After 1, 3 or 5 days, the rats were killed. The nasal sinuses were prepared for histological investigation. The histological section of the nasal sinuses were examined in a blind manner for the number of nasal sinus cavity occupied by neutrophil clusters, and for the number of eosinophils, goblet cells, epithelial loss and iNOS positive inflammatory cells per high power field (x400) of sinus mucosa.
RESULTS
Infected rats killed at 3days had significantly more sinus area occupied by neutrophil clusters, and significantly more eosinophils, goblet cells, epithelial loss and iNOS positive inflammatory cells within the mucosa.
CONCLUSION
Topically applied PAF induces acute rhinosinusitis in rats as measured by neutrophil clusters, eosinophils, goblet cells, epithelial loss and iNOS positive inflammatory cells. This study proves a rat model of acute rhinosinusitis.