Betula platyphylla attenuated mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation in vivo and in vitro.
OBJECTIVE
Betula platyphylla (B. platyphylla) has traditionally been used in Korea to treat inflammatory diseases. However, the exact mechanism that accounts for the anti-inflammatory effect of B. platyphylla is not completely understood. The aim of the present study is to elucidate whether and how B. platyphylla modulates the mast cell-mediated allergy inflammation in vitro and in vivo.


METHODS
We investigated to ascertain the pharmacological effects of B. platyphylla on both compound 48/80 or histamine-induced scratching behaviors and 2, 4-dinitrochlrobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis in mice. Additionally, to find a possible explanation for the anti-inflammatory effects of B. platyphylla, we evaluated the effects of B. platyphylla on the release of histamine in compound 48/80-induced rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs), production of inflammatory mediators and activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and caspase-1 in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI)-stimulated human mast cells (HMC-1).


RESULTS
The finding of this study demonstrated that B. platyphylla reduced compound 48/80 or histamine-induced scratching behaviors and DNFB-induced atopic dermatitis in mice. Additionally, B. platyphylla inhibited the release of histamine in RPMC and production of inflammatory cytokines as well as the activation of NF-κB and caspase-1 in stimulated HMC-1.


CONCLUSIONS
Collectively, the findings of this study provide us with novel insights into the pharmacological actions of B. platyphylla as a potential molecule for use in the treatment of allergic inflammatory diseases.
Department of Natural Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Sindang-dong, Dalseo-gu, Dae-gu, 704-701, Republic of Korea.
Sa-Rang
SR
Oh
Jae-Young
JY
Um
Hyong-Jun
HJ
Choi
Chae-Kwang
CK
Im
Kwang-Joong
KJ
Kim
Ji-Wook
JW
Jung
Gil-Saeng
GS
Jeong
Seung-Heon
SH
Hong
Su-Jin
SJ
Kim
D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D029662:Betula / Q000737:chemistry*; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002460:Cell Line; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008813:Mice, Inbred ICR; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000737:chemistry; D051381:Rats; D056910:Republic of Korea; D003189:p-Methoxy-N-methylphenethylamine / Q000494:pharmacology
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; D003189:p-Methoxy-N-methylphenethylamine