Allergenicity of recombinant human lactoferrin to an animal model Brown Norway rats

The assessment of allergenicity of recombinant human lactoferrin (rhLF) using an animal model for its extensive use. In this study, 32 Brown Norway (BN) rats were divided into four groups that were exposed to ovalbumin (OVA) (positive control), rhLF, bovine lactoferrin (bLF) and saline (negative control), respectively, with daily intragastric administration for 42 days. The level of specific antibody (IgE, IgG and IgG2a), blood cell counts, blood pressure and pathology of important organs were measured and compared among the groups. OVA stimulated significant higher levels of specific-IgE and eosinophil (EO) counts (p <0.05), lower blood pressure (p<0.05) and more serious lesion in the lung of BN rats compared to the other groups. And the animals did not show obvious humeral, cell-mediated and local allergic response to rhLF and bLF. The results demonstrate a weak allergenicity of rhLF on the animal and reveal its potential value for further identified study.