Journal Article Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Ppublish 10 citations
PubMed: 29027199 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.14948
Characterization of a mouse model of sickle cell trait: parallels to human trait and a novel finding of cutaneous sensitization.
Br J Haematol 179(4):657-666
Authors: Katherine J Zappia, Yihe Guo, Dawn Retherford, Nancy J Wandersee, Cheryl L Stucky, Cheryl A Hillery
Affiliations
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- Department of Biology, UNC Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- Blood Research Institute, Blood Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Abstract
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.
MeSH
Cells, Sickle Cell Trait, Hematology, Anemia, Sickle Cell, Pain, Globins, Hypoxia
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