Characterization of a mouse model of sickle cell trait: parallels to human trait and a novel finding of cutaneous sensitization. Br J Haematol 2017 Nov;179(4):657-666
Date
10/14/2017Pubmed ID
29027199Pubmed Central ID
PMC5696068DOI
10.1111/bjh.14948Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85031318234 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 11 CitationsAbstract
Sickle cell trait (SCT) has classically been categorized as a benign condition except in rare cases or upon exposure to severe physical conditions. However, several lines of evidence indicate that individuals with SCT are not always asymptomatic, and additional physiological changes and risks may remain unexplored. Here, we utilized mice harbouring one copy of normal human β globin and one copy of sickle human β globin as a model of SCT to assess haematological, histopathological and somatosensory outcomes. We observed that SCT mice displayed renal and hepatic vascular congestion after exposure to hypoxia. Further, we observed that SCT mice displayed increased cold aversion as well as mechanical and heat sensitivity, though to a lesser degree than homozygous sickle cell disease mice. Notably, mechanical hypersensitivity increased following hypoxia and reoxygenation. Overall our findings suggest that SCT is not entirely benign, and further assessment of pain and cutaneous sensitization is warranted both in animal models and in clinical populations.
Author List
Zappia KJ, Guo Y, Retherford D, Wandersee NJ, Stucky CL, Hillery CAAuthor
Cheryl L. Stucky PhD Professor in the Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AnimalsBlood Viscosity
Cold Temperature
Disease Models, Animal
Hot Temperature
Humans
Hypoxia
Mice
Sickle Cell Trait
Skin Physiological Phenomena
Somatosensory Disorders
