Orai1 is an essential pore-forming subunit of the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ channels and plays a key role in the store-operated Ca2+ entry. However, little is known about the function of this pathway in allergic airway diseases. In this study, we evaluated
Orai1 expression in normal and allergic rhinitis (AR) mice airway and spleen. AR models were established by repetitive intraperitoneal
sensitization followed by intranasal challenge with ovalbumin. Sneezing was counted, and eosinophils infiltration was analyzed
through Luna stain. We performed the analysis of Orai1 protein in airway and spleen by immunohistochemical staining, Western
blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and quantitatively examined Orai1 mRNA in the above tissues by real-time reverse
transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Sneezes and eosinophil counts in the AR group were increased in comparison to those
in the normal group. Orai1 protein was expressed in mucosal epithelium and submucosal glands epithelium of airway, and in
immune cells of spleen. The immunostaining appeared stronger in AR mice than that in normal ones. Both the Orai1 protein and
mRNA levels showed up-regulation in the AR group compared with those in the normal one. Our results indicate that Orai1 is
up-regulated in the airway and spleen in allergic inflammation and may participate in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis.
Keywords Orai1 - Allergic rhinitis - Mouse model - Airway - Spleen