Electroacupuncture as an eosinophil-targeting treatment in ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis involving β2-adrenergic receptor in a mouse model - Report - MDSpire

Electroacupuncture as an eosinophil-targeting treatment in ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis involving β2-adrenergic receptor in a mouse model

  • By

  • Tran Van Bao Quach

  • Thanh-Hien Vu Nguyen

  • Ngoc Chi Lan Nguyen

  • Che-Hsuan Lin

  • Yi-Hung Chen

  • June 16, 2026

  • 0 min

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Electroacupuncture as a Targeted Approach for Eosinophilic Inflammation in Allergic Rhinitis

Overview

Electroacupuncture (EA) significantly reduces eosinophilic inflammation and allergic rhinitis behaviors in a mouse model, showing comparable efficacy to the antihistamine chlorpheniramine. The mechanism involves β2-adrenergic receptor modulation.

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent condition affecting 10-40% of the global population, characterized by Th2 inflammation and eosinophil involvement. Current treatments have limitations, particularly in addressing eosinophilic inflammation, which is linked to disease severity and asthma risk. This study explores electroacupuncture as a non-pharmacologic approach to modulate eosinophilic responses in AR.

Data Highlights

ParameterEA TreatmentCLP Treatment
Nasal RubbingReducedReduced
Nasal RednessReducedReduced
Olfactory DysfunctionReducedNot Assessed
IL-5 LevelsReducedReduced
IL-13 LevelsReducedReduced

Key Findings

  • EA alleviated nasal rubbing, redness, and olfactory dysfunction in OVA-challenged mice.
  • Both EA and CLP reduced IL-5, IL-13, and serum OVA-specific IgE levels.
  • Only EA reversed OVA-induced nasal eosinophil infiltration and suppressed RNASE2A expression.
  • Pre-treatment with β2-adrenergic antagonist butoxamine abolished EA's effects on eosinophilic inflammation.
  • EA was associated with elevated plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine levels.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that electroacupuncture may serve as a complementary intervention for managing eosinophilic inflammation in allergic rhinitis. This approach could provide an alternative for patients who do not respond adequately to standard antihistamine therapies.

Conclusion

Electroacupuncture demonstrates potential in reducing eosinophilic inflammation and associated symptoms in allergic rhinitis through β2-adrenergic receptor modulation, warranting further investigation in clinical settings.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Immunology, 2026 -- Electroacupuncture at LI11 and SP10 is associated with alleviation of acute urticaria-like reactions in passive cutaneous anaphylaxis: an exploratory analysis of complement-related proteins and multiscale omics
  2. The New Gastroenterologist, 2025 -- Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Highlights from the Past Year
  3. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Impacts of specific acupuncture techniques combined with infrared radiation therapy on the symptom improvement and quality of life of patients with allergic rhinitis
  4. ARIA–EAACI Guidelines, 2024-2025 -- Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma: Guidelines on Intranasal Treatments
  5. Nature Reviews Immunology, 2024 -- Spatial adaptation of eosinophils and their emerging roles in homeostasis, infection and disease
  6. Frontiers in Immunology — BFJPM ameliorates OVA-induced food allergy in a murine model accompanied by gut microbiota remodeling
  7. Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma (ARIA)‐EAACI Guidelines—2024–2025 Revision: Part I—Guidelines on Intranasal Treatments - PMC
  8. Spatial adaptation of eosinophils and their emerging roles in homeostasis, infection and disease | Nature Reviews Immunology
  9. Intranasal acupuncture therapy for allergic rhinitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - ScienceDirect

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