Abstract | BACKGROUND: A mild restraint stressor suppressed an increase in the levels of Th2-dependent cytokines and IgE, thereby reducing the symptoms of pollinosis. In the present study, to clarify the mechanism of action of adrenocorticotropic hormone ( ACTH) in improving the symptoms of pollinosis, we studied the effects of ACTH on the plasma level of histamine, mast cell number in nasal-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) and the T cell differentiation in splenocytes. METHODS: The role of ACTH in the development of pollen antigen-induced pollinosis was studied in mice. Allergic symptoms and parameters were measured on day 17 after sensitization. To investigate the effects of ACTH on T cell differentiation, we stimulated splenocytes obtained from control mice with ACTH and CD3/CD28 in vitro, and measured the cytokine production in the culture supernatant. RESULTS: The plasma levels of IL-10, IgE and histamine and mast cell number in NALT were increased in the sensitized animals in association with a concomitant increase in the incidence of sneezing and nasal rubbing. The intraperitoneal administration of ACTH decreased the IL-10, IgE and histamine levels in the plasma and mast cell number in NALT, while increasing the IFN-γ level and suppressing the incidence of nasal rubbing. Furthermore, the production of IFN-γ increased, while the IL-4 level was suppressed after 2 days in culture. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings showed that ACTH directly affects T cell differentiation and promotes Th1-type reactions. The regulation of the Th1/Th2 balance by ACTH may result in a decrease in the pathological features of pollinosis.
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Authors | Maki Hashimoto, Eisuke F Sato, Keiichi Hiramoto, Emiko Kasahara, Masayasu Inoue, Seiichi Kitagawa |
Journal | Neuroimmunomodulation
(Neuroimmunomodulation)
Vol. 22
Issue 4
Pg. 256-62
( 2015)
ISSN: 1423-0216 [Electronic] Switzerland |
PMID | 25501673
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Copyright | © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel. |
Chemical References |
- Antigens, Plant
- Interleukin-10
- Interleukin-4
- Immunoglobulin E
- Histamine
- Interferon-gamma
- Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
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Topics |
- Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
(administration & dosage, metabolism)
- Animals
- Antigens, Plant
- Cell Differentiation
(immunology)
- Disease Models, Animal
- Histamine
(blood)
- Immunoglobulin E
(blood)
- Interferon-gamma
(immunology)
- Interleukin-10
(blood)
- Interleukin-4
(immunology)
- Mast Cells
(immunology)
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Pollen
(immunology)
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal
(immunology)
- T-Lymphocytes
(immunology)
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