Ma Huang Tang ameliorates asthma though modulation of Th1/Th2 cytokines and inhibition of Th17 cells in ovalbumin-sensitized mice

摘要

AIM: Ma Huang Tang(Ephedra decoction, MHT) is a famous classical formula from Shang Han Lun by Zhang Zhongjing in the Han Dynasty. The anti-asthmatic effects of MHT and the possible mechanisms were tested. METHOD: An asthma model was established by ovalbumin(OVA)-induction in mice. A total of forty-eight mice were randomly assigned to six experimental groups: control, model, dexamethasone(2 mg·kg-1) and MHT(5, 10, and 20 mg·kg-1). Airway resistance(Raw) was measured by the forced oscillation technique, histological studies were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining, Th1/Th2 and Th17 cytokines were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and Th17 cells were evaluated by flow cytometry(FCM). RESULTS: This study demonstrated that MHT inhibited OVA-induced increases in Raw and eosinophil count; interleukin(IL)-4 and IL-17 levels were recovered in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, increased IFN-γ level in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Histological studies demonstrated that MHT substantially inhibited OVA-induced eosinophilia in lung tissue. Flow cytometry studies demonstrated that MHT substantially inhibited Th17 cells. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that MHT may effectively ameliorate the progression of asthma, and could be further investigated for potential use as a therapy for patients with allergic asthma.