Administration of Melatonin Inhibits the development of DNFB-induced Dermatitis in NC/Nga Mice (36.9)

Abstract

Abstract Epicutaneously administered chemical haptens like 2, 4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) evoke an Atopic dermatitis (AD)-like dermatitis reaction in NC/Nga mice under Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) conditions. Melatonin (N-Acetye-5-methoxytryptamine, MA), synthesized by pineal gland, has different physiological functions, including control of seasonal reproduction, immnune system modulation, anti-aging effect, and function as a free radical scavenger. In the present study, we examined whether treatment with MA suppress AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice treated with DNFB under SPF conditions. Intraperitonealy (i.p.) administration of MA to DNFB-treated NC/Nga mice was found to inhibit ear thickness increases and the skin lesions induced by DNFB. IL-4 and IFN-γ production by activated CD4+T cells from the lymph nodes of DNFB-treated NC/Nga mice was significantly inhibited by MA treatment. Moreover, total IgE level in serum was decreased by MA treatment. Our findings suggest that MA may suppress the development of AD-like dermatitis in DNFB-treated NC/Nga mice by reducing total IgE in serum, IL-4 and IFN-γ production of activated CD4+T cells.