This study is aimed to evaluate the effects of Psoraleae fructus (PF) on Th2 responses in a rat model of
asthma in vivo and
psoralen, a major constituent in PF, on Th2 responses in vitro. A rat model of
asthma was established by sensitization and challenged with
ovalbumin (OVA).
Airway hyperresponsiveness was detected by direct airway resistance analysis. Lung tissues were examined for cell infiltration and mucus hypersecretion. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was assessed for
cytokine levels. In vitro study, Th2
cytokine production was evaluated in the culture supernatant of D10.G4.1 (D10 cells) followed by the determination of cell viability, meanwhile Th2
transcription factor GATA-3 expression in D10 cells was also determined. The
oral administration of PF significantly reduced
airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to aerosolized
methacholine and decreased
IL-4 and
IL-13 levels in the BALF. Histological studies showed that PF markedly inhibited inflammatory infiltration and mucus secretion in the lung tissues. In vitro study,
psoralen significantly suppressed Th2
cytokines of
IL-4,
IL-5 and
IL-13 by ConA-stimulated D10 cells without inhibitory effect on cell viability. Furthermore, GATA-3
protein expression was also markedly reduced by
psoralen. This study demonstrated that PF exhibited inhibitory effects on hyperresponsiveness and airway
inflammation in a rat model of
asthma, which was associated with the suppression of Th2 response.
Psoralen, a major constituent of PF, has immunomodulatory properties on Th2 response in vitro, which indicated that
psoralen might be a critical component of PF for its
therapeutic effects.