Objective: To observe changes of serum Th1/Th2 cytokines and IgE of rats with experimental allergic rhinitis (AR) treating with Scoparone (20 ml/kg, the concentration is 168 mg/L).
Method: Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups : group NC, group AR, group Sco, group Dxm. The rats were sensitized with OVA and were then treated with Scoparone, during the treatment, the behaviors were observed and the change in nasal mucosa were recorded. The level of serum cytokines IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-5 and IgE were determined by ELISA.
Results: The behavior scores of group Sco were significantly lower than those of group AR, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Comparing to group Dxm and group NC respectively, the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The nasal inflammation of group Sco was significantly less than that of group AR. The level of serum IFN-gamma of group Sco was significantly higher than that of group AR, while the levels of serum IgE, IL4, IL-5 of group Sco were significantly lower (P < 0.01). There were no significantly difference between group Sco and group NC, group Dxm, the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: Scoparone is highly effective in treating allergic rhinitis by regulating the expression of Th1/Th2 cytokines and IgE.