Footpad swelling and expression of T-cell markers in Pd-induced allergic mice.

<p>(A) Time course of footpad swelling under different conditions of sensitization and challenge. BALB/c mice were sensitized twice with 125µl of 10 mM Pd and 10 µg/ml LPS and then challenged three times with 25 µl of 10 mM PdCl₂ (closed triangle) or PBS (open triangle) (n=7). In addition, mice were challenged three times with Pd (closed circle) or PBS (open triangle) without sensitization (n=10). Changes of footpad thickness were measured before and 1, 3, 7, 10 and 14 days after the last challenge of Pd. Data were indicated mean ± standard deviation (SD). Statistical significance was tested by unpaired Student’s <i>t</i>-test. (B) Expression levels of CD3ε mRNA were dependent upon sensitization condition. Mice were treated with different sensitization and challenge conditions (n=7). CD3ε expression was measured by qPCR 7 days after the last challenge. Bars and error bars indicate mean ± standard deviation. Statistical significance was only detected in mice administered two sensitizations and three challenges. (C) Time course of gene expression for histidine decarboxylase (HDC) and CD3ε in Pd-induced allergy mice. Expression of HDC and CD3ε were measured by qPCR at different time points after the last challenge. Data indicates mean ± SD (n=10). Statistical significance was tested by unpaired Student <i>t</i>-test (*<i>p</i><0.05, **<i>p</i><0.005).