Abstract: Objective To establish and evaluate a guinea pig model of allergic rhinitis(AR)and perform Mongolian medicine tongue and urine diagnosis using this model. Methods SPF guinea pigs were randomly divided into control and model groups. To establish the AR guinea pig model, the individuals in the model group were intraperitoneally administered ovalbumin(OVA)combined with adjuvant aluminum hydroxide for basic sensitization and a nasal drip to enhance sensitization. Behavioral scoring was conducted by observing the nasal symptoms of guinea pigs; the degree of allergic reaction was determined using a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test; the level of ovalbumin specific IgE(OVA-sIgE)in the peripheral blood was determined using ELISA; the pathological morphological changes in the nasal mucosa and lung tissue were observed using hematoxylin eosin(HE)staining. The image of the tongue, as well as the skin, urine color, foam, and urine residue of the guinea pigs were observed. Results Compared with those of the control group, the behavioral scores of sneezing, nasal scratching, and runny nose in the model group guinea pigs increased significantly after the nasal drip(P<0.01); the PCA test revealed a significant increase in the diameter of redness and swelling(P<0.01)and the level of OVA-sIgE(P<0.05). HE staining of the nasal mucosa revealed cilia damage, mucosal epithelial detachment, submucosal interstitial edema, and inflammatory cell infiltration; HE staining of the lung tissue showed thickening of the alveolar wall, increased secretion of tracheal mucus, and a modicum of inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with those of the control group, the tongues of guinea pigs in the model group showed redness, with obvious red spots, and a thin coating; the urine was dark yellow, with brown layers and without foam, and a light-yellow thick urine residue was observed; and the skin was of uniform shape and size or thickened. Conclusion An AR guinea pig model can be successfully established using OVA combined with adjuvant aluminum hydroxide sensitization. Macroscopic characterization and laboratory indicators are required to comprehensively evaluate the AR model. This method is feasible and can provide an experimental reference for the dialectical classification of AR models in the future through Mongolian tongue and urine diagnosis analysis.

Key words: Mongolian medicine, Ovalbumin, Allergic rhinitis, Guinea pigs, Model