Effects of Ato-tang on DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis in Mice

Objectives : The aim of this study is to investigate anti-atopic dermatitis effect using ato-tang. Methods : Ato-tang was external treatment to NC/Nga mice for 4 weeks, where atopic dermatitis was induced by DNCB at 1% and 0.4% for 3 weeks. Atopic dermatitis index score was measured using eye observation and picture evaluation. The histopathological change of dorsal skin was observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Cytokines including IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 were measured by Luminex or reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis and immunoglobulin E (IgE) was measured by ELISA reader. Results : The dorsal skin of Ato-tang group showed decrease in erythema, pruritus, dry skin, edema, excoriation, erosion and lichenification level through naked eye observations. Immunoglobulin cell infiltration and the thickness of epidermis were significantly decreased in the dorsal skin compared to control. Production of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) and IgE level in serum were all significantly decreased, in comparison with control. In addition, mRNA expression level of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) in spleen was decreased, in comparison with control. Conclusion : The results indicated that external treatment of ato was improved skin barrier function in the symptoms of atopic dermatitis disease. Also, atopic dermatitis factors where cytokine as well as immunoglobulin E in serum and mRNA expression were decreased, respectively, in comparison with control. Therefore, we suggest that ato could be effectively used as a external therapeutic drug based on atopic dermatitis factors.