Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B contributes to induction of nasal polypoid lesions in an allergic rhinosinusitis murine model

Background: Studies on the pathophysiology of nasal polyps in human subjects have been limited; thus an animal model is needed. There is increasing evidence supporting the role of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB) in the pathogenesis of nasal polyposis. The aim of this study was to investigate the histological and immunologic effects of SEB on the formation of nasal polypoid lesions in an allergic rhinosinusitis murine model. Methods: After induction of an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinosinusitis, OVA with SEB (5 or 500 ng) was instilled into the nasal cavity of mice for 8 weeks. Control mice did not receive SEB or OVA instillation. Histopathological changes were observed using hematoxylin and eosin, Sirius red, Giemsa, Masson's trichrome, and Alcian blue stains. The levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-8, IL-13, eotaxin, interferon gamma, total IgE, and OVA-specific IgE from serum or nasal lavage fluid were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The group treated with OVA plus 5 ng of SEB had significantly more mucosal lesions with epithelial disruption and nasal polypoid lesions than mice treated with OVA only, showing a significant increase in the infiltration of total inflammatory cells, eosinophils, and lymphocytes than the other groups. Levels of IL-5, eotaxin, and OVA-specific IgE in nasal lavage fluid were increased in the group treated with OVA plus 5 ng of SEB than in the other groups. A higher number of secretory cells in the groups treated with OVA plus SEB was observed than in other groups. Conclusion: Low-dose SEB induced nasal polypoid lesions with an increased eosinophilic infiltration in an allergic rhinosinusitis murine model. (Am J Rhinol Allergy 25, e255-e261, 2011; doi:10.2500/ajra.2011.25.3727)