Modulation Of The Allergic Immune Response In Ag-sensitized Kunming Mice By Oral Kangminheji (Chinese Herb Agents)

Objective We used a murine model of antigen-induced airways inflammation that involves sensitization with ovalbumin (OVA) delivered intraperitoneally followed by antigen aerosol challenge.We investigate the effectiveness of kangminheji(Chinese herb agents)in suppressing the development of allergic sensitization in a murine model of allergy and in suppressing IgE production.Methods Kunming mices were purchased from Laboratory Animal Research Center(Madical School of Soochow Univensity)and housed in a specific pathogen-free facility. All mices were 5 wk old at the time of the experiments. Mice received primary immunization with i. p. injection of 100mg soluble OVA on days 0 . On day 14, mices were placed in a Plexiglas chamber (10 x 20 x 20 cm) and exposed to aerosolized 1% ovalbumin in sterile PBS for 30min on two occasions 4 h apart. PBS (i.p. and aerosolized) was administered to mice on a similar schedule as in negative controls. The aerosolized OVA was produced by a nebulizer at a flow rate of 10 liters/min. Ag-sensitized (OVA-sensitized and OVA-challenged) mice were treated by oral Kangminheji from day 7 after systemic sensitization following 3 regimens, designated high(0.8g), middle(0.4g), low(0.2g). At different times after systemic sensitization, animals were killed. The efficacy of thisimmunization/sensitization protocol is shown in serum IgE concentration. IgE levels in serum were measured at various time-points. Lung specimens were fixed in 10% neutrally buffered formalin and paraffin embedded. Deparaffinized sections (5um thick)were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and analyzed under a light microscope.Results Mice immunized intraperitoneally showed high titers of IgE 1 week after primary sensitization, there are higher titers of IgE after aerosol challenge of mice with ovalbumin. Mice that were treated with kangminheji in vivo after intraperitoneal immunization with OVA had significantly lower IgE levels than the PBS-treated group. Sensitization and aerosol challenge of mice with ovalbumin resulted in a airways inflammatory response ,Inflammatory infiltrates were primarily characterized by the presence of eosinophils. Kangminheji-treated mice had reduced inflammatory cell infiltration into the lung tissue.Conclusion These data suggest that kangminheji may be useful in modulating an established Th2 response or in preventing its development by suppressing the production of IgE antibodies without toxic side effects, thus appearing as a promising approach of the therapy of allergic diseases.