Neural correlates of IgE-mediated food allergy

Abstract

Although many authors have considered the possibility of a direct interaction between food allergy and behavioral changes, the evidence supporting this hypothesis is elusive. Here, we show that after oral ovalbumin (OVA) challenge, allergic mice present higher levels of anxiety, increased Fos expression in emotionality-related brain areas, and aversion to OVA-containing solution. Moreover, treatment with anti-IgE antibody or induction of oral tolerance abrogate both food aversion and the expression of c-fos in the central nervous system (CNS). Our findings establish a direct relationship between brain function and food allergy, thus creating a solid ground for understanding the etiology of psychological disorders in allergic patients.