The Effects of Pyeongwi-san-gamibang on NC/Nga mice with atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Objective : To investigate the effects of Pyeongwi-san-gamibang on atopic dermatitis, this study measured TEWL(transepidermal water loss), observed scratching behaviors and checked levels of Total IgE, IL-4, IFN-γ and conducted skin biopsy on NC/Nga mice with atopic dermatitis. Methods : NC/Nga mice were challenged with DNCB during 5 weeks to develop atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions. The NC/Nga mice with atopic dermatitis were divided into three groups of control group, PW-d, PW-e group. Once a day for 22 days, Pyeongwi-san-GamiBang extract with water was administered for the PW-d group and the extract with 80% ethanol was administered for PW-e group compared with saline solution for control group. During drug administration, sensitization by DNCB had lasted for three times per week. Results : 1. TEWL had no statistical difference among 3 groups. 2. The scratching behaviors had no statistical difference among 3 groups. 3. The levels of Total IgE in PW-d, PW-e group had a statistically significantly higher than that of the control group although difference between the control group and the PW-d, PW-e group were similar. 4. The level of IL-4 had no statistical difference among 3 groups. 5. The level of IFN-γ had no statistical difference among 3 groups. 6. As the observation of toluidine blue stained lesion , both PW-d and PW-e group had lower level of histamine releasement compared with the control group. Conclusion : Result based on these experiments, Pyeongwi-san-GamiBang on atopic dermatitis-like skin inflammation in NC/Nga mice is not effective. But, as the study showed significantly individual differece, we need to repeat these study after supplementing the object number and modified indicator of clinical severity.