Assessment of leukocyte trafficking in humans using the cantharidin blister model

Abstract

The cantharidin blister model provides an in vivo assessment of the innate inflammatory response in humans. It allows researchers to profile the acute and resolving inflammatory response in healthy and diseased states and for the design of crossover trials for the testing of new treatments for acute inflammation. Below we describe the materials and methods required to prepare, induce, aspirate and analyse the forearm cantharidin blisters, in preparation for future study design.

Figure 1

Induction of cantharidin blisters. Cantharidin (0.1%) is pipetted onto each filter paper disc (a). Each filter paper disc is then covered by a film disc (b) and two foam pads (c,d) before being secured by an adhesive dressing (e,f)

Figure 2

Fluid aspiration from cantharidin blisters after 24 hours. Once the dressing has been removed, blisters are measured (a), before being pierced (b) and the fluid aspirated from the adjacent skin (c, d)

Figure 3

Securing the 72-hour blister. The pierced blister is dressed (a) and an ulcer dressing is cut and fixed around the intact blister (b & c). The cap is then attached to the ulcer dressing with surgical tape (d & e) before being covered with a support bandage (f)