Biol. Pharm. Bull. 30(9) 1745—1747 (2007)

duced pollinosis is the most widespread allergic disease in Japan, affecting over 15% of the population. Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is one of the most uncomfortable clinical symptoms of pollinosis. It is mediated by an interaction between mast cells and antigen (Ag)-specific IgE and is treated with eye drops containing medications that stabilize mast cells and block histamine H1 receptors. However, the effectiveness of these treatments can be unsatisfactory and clinics often administer steroids, which cause complications such as glaucoma. Animal models play an important role in our search to understand the mechanisms underlying AC and in the identification of more effective therapeutics. In animal models of AC, short ragweed pollen (RW) is most common antigen used. However, Cry j-induced AC is far more common in Japan than RW-induced AC. Since different allergens may induce different immune response characteristics, investigations using Cry j-induced conjunctivitis can provide information that is relevant to Japanese pollinosis patients. Although there have been 3 reports available with regard to Cry j-induced conjunctivitis in guinea pigs, there have been no reports with regard to Cry j-induced conjunctivitis in mice. Here, we aimed to establish Cry j-induced experimental conjunctivitis (EC) in mice and to evaluate whether or not this model is suitable for the evaluation of eye drops conatining anti-allergic agents.