In vitro action of sho-seiryu-to on allergen-exposed mononuclear cells

Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2014 Oct-Dec;27(4):607-10. doi: 10.1177/039463201402700416.

Abstract

Although Sho-seiryu-to (SST), used as a traditional herbal (Kampo) medicine mainly in China and Korea, is shown to have immunomodulating potential, such as an anti-allergic one, its underlying mechanism has not been completely clarified. To partially address the issue, we explored its effects on allergen-exposed mononuclear cells. Male balb/c mice were intraperitoneally administered ovalbumin (OVA: 20 &#956;g) plus alum or vehicle twice (Day 0 and Day 14). At Day 21, mice were sacrificed and splenocytes (mononuclear cells) were isolated and cultured in the presence or absence of OVA with or without SST. Thereafter, helper T-related cytokines in the culture supernatants were evaluated by means of ELISA. Protein level of interferon-&#947; was lower than 5.0 pg/mL in the supernatants from OVA– non-exposed or -exposed mononuclear cells in the presence or absence of OVA stimulation. On the other hand, SST induced the cytokine from both types of mononuclear cells in the presence (P < 0.05) or absence of OVA stimulation as compared to corresponding control. By contrast, interleukin (IL)-4 level tended to be decreased by SST in OVA-non-exposed mononuclear cells as did IL-13 in both non-exposed and exposed mononuclear cells as compared to vehicle. In conclusion, immunoregulating efficacy by SST on allergy-prone subjects may include, at least in part, restoring helper T balance mainly through hyperproduction of IFN-&#947; against mononuclear cells such as lymphocytes.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / pharmacology*
  • Interferon-gamma / biosynthesis
  • Interleukin-13 / biosynthesis
  • Interleukin-4 / biosynthesis
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / drug effects*
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / immunology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Ovalbumin / immunology
  • Spleen / cytology

Substances

  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • Interleukin-13
  • sho-seiryu-to
  • Interleukin-4
  • Interferon-gamma
  • Ovalbumin