Construction and evaluation of an animal model for recurrent chronic urticaria with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome
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1. Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China; 2. Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China

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    Abstract:

    Objective This study aimed to construct and evaluate an animal model of recurrent chronic urticaria(CU) with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome using drug intervention and re-challenge after rest. Methods Thirty BALB/ c mice were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (n=12) and a model group (n=18). The control group was fed a standard diet and housed under normal conditions. The model group was subjected to passive cutaneous sensitization, reserpine injection into the quadriceps femoris, and low-dose re-challenge after rest to establish the recurrent CU model with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. The model was evaluated based on general condition, body mass, scratching behavior, qi deficiency and blood stasis scores, tongue appearance, open-field test result, mechanical pain sensitivity, mechanical pain threshold, serum biomarkers, and histopathological examination. Results After modeling, the model group exhibited significantly increased scratching behavior (P < 0. 01). Following the 6th and 7th immunizations, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and toluidine blue staining revealed typical pathological features of CU. The model mice displayed lethargy, reduced responsiveness to external stimuli, decreased activity, drowsiness, physical weakness, emaciation, dull fur, and dark-red ears, perianal regions, and claws. Compared with the control group, the model group showed reduced body mass ( P < 0. 01),decreased average speed and total distance in the open-field test (P < 0. 01), elevated serum levels of adrenocortical hormones, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α1, and adenosine diphosphate ( P < 0. 01 ), reduced adenosine triphosphate (P < 0. 05), and a significantly lower mechanical pain threshold (P < 0. 01). Tongue image analysis indicated significantly decreased R, G, and B values (P < 0. 01), presenting as a “purplish tongue” or “dark-red tongue”. Conclusions The method combining passive cutaneous sensitization, reserpine injection into the quadriceps femoris, and low-dose re-challenge after rest can established an animal model of recurrent CU with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. Key evaluation indicators included scratching behavior, qi deficiency and blood stasis scores, tongue appearance, open-field test performance, mechanical pain se

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History
  • Received:July 10,2025
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  • Online: March 20,2026
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