Histopathologic and immunological features of Imiquimod induced psoriatic mouse model

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the dermatopathologic and immunological features of Imiquimod induced psoriatic mice model. Methods: Twenty BALB/c mice were grouped in IMQ-model group and control group randomly, each had 10 mice. The IMQ-model mice received a daily topical dose of 62.5 mg of IMQ cream(5%) on the shaved back and left ear for 7 consecutive days. The control group mice were treated similarly with vaseline. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score and thickness of left ear were measured daily. The dorsal skin samples were evaluated using H&E section and immunohistochemistry test of Ki-67. The spleens were weighed and the splenocyte were counted. Flow cytometry was used for detection of T-helper-cell subsets. Results: Erythema, scaling, skin thickening and ear swelling appeared on day 2 and deteriorated gradually. The cumulative score kept increasing by day 7. Histologically, the skin of IMQ-model mice showed epidermal proliferation and proinflammatory cells infiltration resembling psoriasis vulgaris. The thickness of epidermis (t=15.12, P0.05). Conclusion: Imiquimod induced psoriatic mouse model could resemble psoriasis vulgaris closely, which allowed further exploration of psoriasis.

Keywords

• psoriatic model animal
• imiquimod
• ki-67
• th1
• th17