3,5,6,7,8,3',4'-Heptamethoxyflavone reduces interleukin-4 production in the spleen cells of mice.
In our previous studies, we reported anti-inflammatory functions of 3,5,6,7,8,3',4'-heptamethoxyflavone (HMF), which is a polymethoxyflavone rich in various citrus fruits. Here, we investigated the immunomodulatory function of HMF in mice. HMF administration (50 mg/kg, i.p., 2 times/week) tended to reduce the production of antigen-specific IgE induced by ovalbumin in combination with aluminum hydroxide gel. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis revealed the reduction of interleukin-4(+)CD4(+) spleen cells and sustained presence of interferon-γ(+)CD4(+) spleen cells in mice administered HMF, whereas the ratio of CD4(+)CD8(-) versus CD4(-)CD8(+) spleen cells was not affected. Interleukin-4 release from CD3/CD28-stimulated spleen cells of mice administered HMF was reduced, whereas interferon-γ release was not affected. These results suggest that HMF has an immunomodulatory function via reduced interleukin-4 expression.
Department of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, School of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Matsuyama University.
Mitsunari
M
Nakajima
Minetaro
M
Ogawa
Yoshiaki
Y
Amakura
Morio
M
Yoshimura
Satoshi
S
Okuyama
Yoshiko
Y
Furukawa
D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology; D056747:Immunomodulation / Q000187:drug effects; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*
D016207:Cytokines; D005419:Flavonoids; C059294:3,3',4',5,6,7,8-heptamethoxyflavone; D015847:Interleukin-4; D007073:Immunoglobulin E