OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect and safety of the formulation and dosage of aluminium adjuvant, Al(OH)(3), in the preparation of allergic rhinitis animal model.

METHODSSixty health BALB/c mice were divided randomly into 6 groups. Al(OH)(3) powder (5 mg) was used in one group, Al(OH)(3) colloid gel of different concentration (0.5 - 5 mg) was used in four groups, and normal saline was used in the control group. Ovalbumin injection and nasal topical challenge were used in the 5 testing groups to induce allergic rhinitis in mice. Normal saline was used in the control group.

RESULTSTypical allergic rhinitis symptoms including frequent nasal scratching, and edema of peri-nasal mucosa were found in mice of the 5 mg Al(OH)(3) powder group. Eosinophils accumulation, goblet cells hyperplasia and hypersecretion were found in the mucosa of lateral nasal wall and inferior nasal turbinate. Neither obvious allergic rhinitis symptom, nor eosinophils accumulation in nasal mucosa was observed in the Al(OH)(3) colloid gel groups. Hemorrhagic ascites and lots of white nodules (foreign body granuloma) formation were found in the liver, spleen, and kidney of all mice of the 5 mg Al(OH)(3) colloid gel group. Five out of 10 mice of the 2 mg Al(OH)(3) colloid gel group exhibited above signs but of lower grade. Despite dispersed fine white sediment in the liver and mesentery, no obvious ascites was found in mice of the 1 mg and 0.5 mg Al(OH)(3) colloid gel groups.

CONCLUSIONSAl(OH)(3) powder, 5 mg, is effective and safe in the preparation of allergic rhinitis animal model. Al(OH)(3) colloid gel of different concentration (0.5 - 5 mg) may cause side effects such as foreign body granuloma.