Acta Pharmacologica Sinica 2006 June; 27 (6): 735-740; doi: 10.1111/j.1745-7254.2006.00330.x

Aim: To explore the anti-inflammatory effects of amurensin H on asthma-like reaction induced by allergen in sensitized mice.

Methods: BALB/c mice were sensitized by ovalbumin (OVA, ip) on d 0 and d 14 and challenged with 1% OVA on d 18 to 22. Mice developed airway eosinophilia, mucus hypersecretion, and elevation in cytokine levels. Mice were administered amurensin H orally at the doses of 49, 70, or 100 mg/kg once every day from d 15 to the last day. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected at 24 h and 48 h after the last OVA challenge. Levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 4 (IL-4), interleukin 5 (IL-5), and interleukin 13 (IL-13) in BALF were measured using ELISA method. Differential cell counts of macrophages, lymphocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils were performed in 200 cells per slide (one slide per animal). Lung tissue sections of 6-µm thickness were stained with Mayer's hematoxylin and eosin for assessment of cell infiltration, mucus production, and tissue damage.

Results: Oral administration of amurensin H significantly inhibited OVA-induced increases in total cell counts, eosinophil counts, and TNF-α, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 levels in BALF. In addition, amuresin H dramatically decreased OVA-induced lung tissue damage and mucus production.

Conclusion: Amurensin H may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of allergic airway inflammation.

Keywords: amurensin H; asthma; ovalbumin; tumor necrosis factor-α; Th2 cells; cytokines