Avaliação do uso de modelos murinos BALB/c para estudos de cicatrização de lesões de pele induzidas

Abstract

The use of topical dermatological agents plays an essential role in the treatment of various skin conditions in animals, including dermatitis, infections, burns, and wounds. These medications effectively reduce local inflammation, providing relief for symptoms such as edema, redness, pain, and itching. This approach contributes to animal well-being and accelerates the healing process. The research of therapeutic molecules, including drugs for dermatological purposes, requires preclinical and clinical testing, making it imperative to include experiments on animal models to ensure commercial viability. BALB/c mice are widely employed in dermatological studies due to their established genetic and immunological characteristics. This study aims to clarify the relevance and viability of the BALB/c model in dermatological research. To achieve this goal, dermal lesions were induced to assess the effectiveness of topical products intended for dogs and cats, comparing their effects with the use of topical physiological solution. Results showed that BALB/c mice treated with physiological solution exhibited superior skin recovery compared to those treated with commercially used products in the clinical practice of companion animals. The study involved daily assessments, photographic records, lesion area measurements, histological evaluation, and cytokine quantification. These findings raise questions about the indiscriminate selection of the BALB/c strain in clinical trials, emphasizing the importance of careful model selection in dermatological research. It underscores the need for a cautious approach when choosing such experimental models, especially when there is an intention to extrapolate drugs and treatments to other species or strains.