Anti-allergic Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Flos Sophora japonica L. on Ca~++ Ionophore Stimulated Murine RBL-2H3 Cells

摘要

Elevation of intracellular calcium (Ca~++) triggers degranulation of mast cells by bypassing receptor activation. Flos Sophora japonica L. has been used as a natural dying source and has been reported to have biological activities such as anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects through FceRI and IgE crosslinking. In the present investigation, we report the regulatory effect of ethanolic extract of Flos Sophora japonica L. (S.F) on allergic mediators produced by Ca~++ ionophore activation in mastcells. S.F significantly inhibited calcium ionophore (A23187)-induced interleukin (IL)-4 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a production as well as mast cell degranulation. Furthermore, administration of S.F suppressed allergic reactions in a 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced allergic dermatitis mouse model. Both oral administration and ear painting using 50 mg/kg of S.F significantly reduced levels of cytokines such as 1L-4, TNF, and interferon-y in ear tissues compared to the DNFB alone-treated group. Serum IgE level in the S.F-treated group also decreased compared to the DNFB alone-treated group. Weights of spleens and lymph nodes in the S.F-treated groups also decreased compared to the control group. Considering the data, we conclude that S.F mediates its anti-allergic effects not only through FceRI stimulation but also Ca~++ influx in mast cells.