Objective : The purpose of this research is to examine the effects of Pinelliae Rhizoma (PR) extract on immune cells and cytokines in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mice. Methods : In vivo, C57BL/6 mice were sensitized and handicapped by OVA for 12...
Objective : The purpose of this research is to examine the effects of Pinelliae Rhizoma (PR) extract on immune cells and cytokines in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mice. Methods : In vivo, C57BL/6 mice were sensitized and handicapped by OVA for 12 weeks. During this experiment, the one group was then treated with PR extract for the 8 weeks (3 times per week) and analyzed by ELISA and flow cytometer. Results : In vivo, there were significant decreases in eosinophils, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IgE in BALF (bronchoalveolar lavage fluid) compared with that of control group. However, $IFN-{\gamma}$ in BALF of GS group increased significantly, compared with that of control group. Additionally, the population of $CD3e^-/CCR3^+,\;CD69^+/CD3e^+,\;IgE^+/B220^+,\;CD11b^+/Gr-l^+$ cells in the PR group decreased, compared with that of control group. Conclusion : The results of this study support a role for PR as an effective treatment for asthma in its experimental success in significantly decreasing inflammation and asthma reactions, and in increasing $IFN-{\gamma}$, which helps prevent such reactions.