oxazolone and Disease-Models--Animal

T helper type 2 (Th2)-characterized inflammatory responses are highly dynamic processes initiated by epithelial cell damage resulting in remodelling of the tissue architecture to prevent further harm caused by a dysfunctional epithelial barrier or migrating parasites. This process is a temporal and spatial response which requires communication between immobile cells such as epithelial, endothelial, fibroblast and muscle cells and the highly mobile cells of the innate and adaptive immunity. It is further characterized by a high cellular plasticity that enables the cells to adapt to a specific inflammatory milieu. Incipiently, this milieu is shaped by cytokines released from epithelial cells, which stimulate Th2, innate lymphoid and invariant natural killer (NK) T cells to secrete Th2 cytokines and to activate dendritic cells which results in the further differentiation of Th2 cells. This milieu promotes wound-healing processes which are beneficial in parasitic infections or toxin exposure but account for increasingly dysfunctional vital organs, such as the lung in the case of asthma and the colon in ulcerative colitis. A better understanding of the dynamics underlying relapses and remissions might lead ultimately to improved therapeutics for chronic inflammatory diseases adapted to individual needs and to different phases of the inflammation.

Topics: Animals; Cellular Microenvironment; Chronic Disease; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Inflammation; Neoplasms; Oxazolone; Th2 Cells

The gray, short-tailed opossum, Monodelphis domestica, has been used for photobiologic studies since 1984. The presence of a light-activated DNA repair pathway in the tissues of Monodelphis has been used to identify pyrimidine dimers in DNA as initiating events for a number of ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced pathologies of the skin and cornea. Furthermore, Monodelphis, unlike common laboratory rodents, is susceptible to the induction of melanoma by UVR alone.

Topics: Animals; Cornea; Dermatitis, Contact; Dinitrofluorobenzene; Disease Models, Animal; DNA Repair; Eye Neoplasms; Melanoma; Mice; Mice, Nude; Opossums; Oxazolone; Photobiology; Pyrimidine Dimers; Skin; Skin Neoplasms; Ultraviolet Rays; Urocanic Acid

A guinea pig experimental model which allows comparison of the macroscopic appearance of skin tests with the nature and degree of the dermal inflammatory cell infiltrate has been used to study the effects of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, azathioprine and cyclosporin A on contact reactions. The immunomodulating capabilities of the agents tested are assessed by their effects on the allergic contact reaction to oxazolone, a cell-mediated delayed hypersensitivity reaction. Non-specific, anti-inflammatory actions are assessed by effects on the toxic contact reaction to croton oil. Changes are compared to findings in reference animals for each reaction. The reference materials and the uses and limitations of the experimental model are evaluated. When administered prior to sensitization, all agents enhanced the macroscopic appearance of the allergic contact reactions. Changes in the dermal cellular infiltrates were not pronounced. When administered prior to testing, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and azathioprine caused changes compared to controls which varied in direction and degree both macroscopically and microscopically. Cyclophosphamide which was the most active agent showed non-specific, anti-inflammatory effects and caused a peripheral blood leukopenia, the level and character of which was essentially independent of the dermal cellular infiltrate of tests. Cyclosporin A demonstrated no non-specific, anti-inflammatory activity on the toxic reaction, but had by far the most pronounced immunosuppressant effect of the agents tested, with virtual quenching of both the macroscopic appearance and all aspects of the dermal cellular infiltrates of the allergic contact reaction.

Topics: Animals; Azathioprine; Basophils; Cell Division; Croton Oil; Cyclophosphamide; Cyclosporins; Dermatitis, Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Administration Schedule; Female; Guinea Pigs; Hypersensitivity, Delayed; Immunity, Cellular; Immunosuppression Therapy; Mast Cells; Methotrexate; Oxazolone

Topics: Acetylcholinesterase; Alzheimer Disease; Animals; Cholinesterase Inhibitors; Cognition; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Mice; Molecular Docking Simulation; Oxazolone; Structure-Activity Relationship

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Several studies have demonstrated that α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChRs) exert anti-inflammatory effects on immune cells and nicotine suppress UC onset and relapse. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) reportedly accumulate in the colon of UC patients. Therefore, we investigated the pathophysiological roles of α7nAChRs on pDCs in the pathology of UC using oxazolone (OXZ)-induced Th2-type colitis with BALB/c mice. 2-deoxy-D-glucose, a central vagal stimulant suppressed OXZ colitis, and nicotine also ameliorated OXZ colitis with suppressing Th2 cytokines, which was reversed by α7nAChR antagonist methyllycaconitine. Additionally, α7nAChRs were expressed on pDCs, which were located very close to cholinergic nerve fibers in the colon of OXZ mice. Furthermore, nicotine suppressed CCL21-induced bone marrow-derived pDC migration due to Rac 1 inactivation, which was reversed by methyllycaconitine, a JAK2 inhibitor AG490 or caspase-3 inhibitor AZ-10417808. CCL21 was mainly expressed in the isolated lymphoid follicles (ILFs) of the colon during OXZ colitis. The therapeutic effect of cholinergic pathway on OXZ colitis probably through α7nAChRs on pDCs were attributed to the suppression of pDC migration toward the ILFs. Therefore, the activation of α7nAChRs has innovative therapeutic potential for the treatment of UC.

Topics: Aconitine; alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Caspase 3; Caspase Inhibitors; Central Nervous System Stimulants; Cholinergic Neurons; Colitis, Ulcerative; Colon; Dendritic Cells; Deoxyglucose; Disease Models, Animal; Enzyme Inhibitors; Janus Kinase 2; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Neuroimmunomodulation; Neuropeptides; Nicotine; Oxazolone; rac1 GTP-Binding Protein; STAT3 Transcription Factor; Th2 Cells; Tyrphostins; Vagus Nerve

Cutaneous bacterial dysbiosis is a characteristic hallmark of atopic dermatitis (AD), and it decisively influences the severity of the disease. Despite this, frequently used murine models of AD have not been characterized regarding the changes in skin microbiome communities.. To analyse the skin microbiome of two frequently used murine models for AD for assessing their applicability in translational research.. AD was induced in mice by topical application of calcipotriol or oxazolone. Following comparable elicitation of AD-like dermatitis, including IgE induction, the skin microbial communities were analysed and compared with human AD.. We detected critical differences in the microbiota composition of diseased skin. In contrast to calcipotriol treatment, application of oxazolone induced significant changes in the cutaneous microbiota and a drastic drop of bacterial richness. Furthermore, an expansion of Staphylococci, particularly S. xylosus, was observed in the oxazolone group, also displaying positive correlations with AD key markers including pH, TEWL, IL-4, TSLP and IL-33.. In this article, we show that (a) the model of choice to investigate AD needs to be characterized for the cutaneous microbiota if applicable and (b) the oxazolone-mediated mixed Th1-Th2 immune response triggers microbiota-induced alterations which share similarities to dysbiosis in human AD and represents therefore a suitable model for translational research on AD if alterations of the microbiome are in the focus of the investigation.

Topics: Animals; Bacteria; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Dysbiosis; Humans; Interleukin-33; Interleukin-4; Mice; Microbiota; Oxazolone; Skin

Topics: Animals; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Glycine max; Inflammation; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Oxazolone; Plant Extracts; Skin

Clinical challenges in inflammatory bowel diseases require microscopic in vivo evaluation of inflammation. Here, label-free imaging holds great potential, and recently, our group demonstrated the advantage of using in vivo multiphoton endomicroscopy for longitudinal animal studies. This article extends our previous work by in-depth analysis of label-free tissue features in common colitis models quantified by the multiphoton colitis score (MCS).. Fresh mucosal tissues were evaluated from acute and chronic dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), TNBS, oxazolone, and transfer colitis. Label-free imaging was performed by using second harmonic generation and natural autofluorescence. Morphological changes in mucosal crypts, collagen fibers, and cellularity in the stroma were analyzed and graded.. Our approach discriminated between healthy (mean MCS = 2.5) and inflamed tissue (mean MCS > 5) in all models, and the MCS was validated by hematoxylin and eosin scoring of the same samples (85.2% agreement). Moreover, specific characteristics of each phenotype were identified. While TNBS, oxazolone, and transfer colitis showed high cellularity in stroma, epithelial damage seemed specific for chronic, acute DSS and transfer colitis. Crypt deformations were mostly observed in acute DSS.. Quantification of label-free imaging is promising for in vivo endoscopy. In the future, this could be valuable for monitoring of inflammatory pathways in murine models, which is highly relevant for the development of new inflammatory bowel disease therapeutics.

Topics: Animals; Colitis; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Inflammation; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Mice; Oxazolone

Contact allergy is a common skin allergy, which can be studied utilising contact hypersensitivity (CHS) animal model. However, it is not clear, whether CHS is a suitable model to investigate skin microbiota interactions. We characterised the effect of contact dermatitis on the skin microbiota and studied the biological effects of oxazolone (OXA) -induced inflammation on skin thickness, immune cell numbers and changes of the microbiota in CHS mouse model (n = 72) for 28 days. Through 16S rRNA gene sequencing we defined the composition of bacterial communities and associations of bacteria with inflammation. We observed that the vehicle solution of acetone and olive oil induced bacterial community changes on day 1, and OXA-induced changes were observed mainly on day 7. Many of the notably enriched bacteria present in the OXA-challenged positive group represented the genus Faecalibaculum which were most likely derived from the cage environment. Additionally, skin inflammation correlated negatively with Streptococcus, which is considered a native skin bacterium, and positively with Muribacter muris, which is typical in oral environment. Skin inflammation favoured colonisation of cage-derived faecal bacteria, and additionally mouse grooming transferred oral bacteria on the skin. Due to the observed changes, we conclude that CHS model could be used for certain skin microbiome-related research set-ups. However, since vehicle exposure can alter the skin microbiome as such, future studies should include considerations such as careful control sampling and statistical tests to account for potential confounding factors.

Topics: Acetone; Animals; Bacteria; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Inflammation; Mice; Microbiota; Olive Oil; Oxazolone; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S

Both human and mouse allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) frequently demonstrates a combined type 1 and type 2 immune response. However, the relative importance of type 2 immunity in this setting has been incompletely understood yet.. To explore an effector function of type 2 immunity in ACD with mixed type 1/type 2 immune response.. Gene expression characteristics of contact hypersensitivity (CHS) model was examined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cytokine profile of T cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. The involvement of type 2 immunity was assessed by antibody-mediated cytokine neutralization and cell depletion. The role of specific subset of cutaneous dendritic cells was evaluated using diphtheria toxin-induced cell-depleting mouse strains.. Oxazolone-induced CHS revealed a combination of type 1/type 2 gene expression. The severity of oxazolone-induced CHS was ameliorated by neutralization of IL-4 but not of IFN-γ, indicating that type 2 immunity plays a dominant effector function in this mixed type 1/type 2 model. Mechanistically, type 2 effector immunity was mounted by CD301b+Langeirn- dermal dendritic cells in part through thymic stromal lymphopoietin-interleukin 7 receptor alpha signaling-dependent manner.. Our findings suggest the clinical rationale for targeting type 2 immunity as a relevant therapeutic strategy for the mixed immune phenotype of ACD.

Topics: Animals; Antigens, Surface; Dendritic Cells; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Immunity; Immunoglobulins; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-17; Interleukin-4; Lectins, C-Type; Mannose-Binding Lectins; Mice; Oxazolone; Receptors, Cytokine; Signal Transduction; Skin; T-Lymphocytes; Transcriptome

Dictamnine is an active pharmaceutical ingredient in Dictamnus dasycarpus, a Chinese herbal medicine widely used for the treatment of skin inflammations such as atopic dermatitis (AD). Oxazolone has been demonstrated to induce significant skin inflammation and produce inflammatory cytokine expression identical to that of AD. An in vitro HaCaT inflammation model treated with dictamnine, which efficiently scavenged the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial ROS (mROS), and it reduced interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and NF-κB expression. To explore the anti-inflammatory mechanism of dictamnine and enhance sustained drug release and penetration into epidermal structures in a dermatitis mouse model, we prepared PLGA-nanocarrier-encapsulated dictamnine (Dic-PLGA-NC) in a specifically designed bioreactor, namely an ultrasound composite streams-impinging mixer (U-SiM). Mouse dermatitis model was treated with Dic-PLGA-NC medication, spleens were collected to evaluate body weight ratio, and skin was retrieved for histological examination and two-photon microscopy. The data demonstrate that Dic-PLGA-NC efficiently penetrated the dermal layer, making it superior to naked dictamnine; moreover, it ameliorated the dermatitis symptoms and inflammatory cytokine expression in vivo. Dic-PLGA-NC produced using the U-SiM bioreactor could be used in new manufacturing processes for drugs to treat AD.

Topics: Animals; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Inflammation; Mice; NF-kappa B; Oxazolone; Quinolines; Skin; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Chronic dermatitis is a hallmark of Dedicator of cytokinesis 8 (DOCK8) deficiency. The migration of DOCK8-deficient T cells to the skin and their survival there have been reported to be defective. Surprisingly, we found that Dock8

Topics: Animals; Dermatitis, Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors; Humans; Immune Tolerance; Interferon-gamma; Male; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Oxazolone; Skin; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory

Allergic contact dermatitis, also known as contact hypersensitivity, is a frequent T-cell‒mediated inflammatory skin disease characterized by red, itchy, swollen, and cracked skin. It is caused by the direct contact with an allergen and/or irritant hapten. Galectin-1 (Gal-1) is a β-galactoside‒binding lectin, which is highly expressed in several types of immune cells. The role of endogenous Gal-1 in contact hypersensitivity is not known. We found that Gal-1‒deficient mice display more sustained and prolonged skin inflammation than wild-type mice after oxazolone treatment. Gal-1‒deficient mice have increased CD8

Topics: Adoptive Transfer; Animals; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Galectin 1; Humans; Male; Mice; Oxazolone; Skin

Epidemiological studies have long reported that perturbations of the childhood microbiome increase the risk of developing allergies, but a causal relationship with atopic dermatitis remains unclear. Here we colonized germ-free mice at birth or at one or eight week-of-age to investigate the role of prenatal and early postnatal microbial exposure on development of oxozolone-induced dermatitis later in life. We demonstrate that only one week delayed microbial colonization increased IgE levels and the total histological score of the inflamed ear compared to mice colonized throughout life. In parallel, several pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines were upregulated in the ear tissue demonstrating an enhanced immunological response following delayed postnatal colonization of the gut. In contrast, sensitivity to oxazolone-induced dermatitis was unaffected by the presence of a maternal microbiota during gestation. Mice colonized at eight week-of-age failed to colonize Rikenellaceae, a group of bacteria previously associated with a high-responding phenotype, and did not develop an immunological response to the same extent as the early colonized mice despite pronounced histopathological manifestations. The study provides proof-of-principle that the first intestinal colonizers of mice pups are crucial for the development of oxazolone-induced dermatitis later in life, and that the status of the maternal microbiota during pregnancy has no influence on the offspring's allergic immune response. This highlights an important window of opportunity following birth for microbiota-mediated interventions to prevent atopic responses later in life. How long such a window is open may vary between mice and humans considering species differences in the ontogeny of the immune system.

Topics: Animals; Bacteria; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Dysbiosis; Female; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Immunoglobulin E; Mice; Oxazolone; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Boron Compounds; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dermatophagoides farinae; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Humans; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Mice; Oxazoles; Oxazolone; Phosphodiesterase 4 Inhibitors; Piperazines; Severity of Illness Index; Skin; Thiazoles

Whereas atopic dermatitis (AD) is considered as a T helper 2 (Th2)-centered disease, IL-17-producing Th (Th17) cells are also activated in AD lesional skin. However, the relationship between Th17 responses and Th2 responses in AD is still to be elucidated. Although Th17 cells are increased in AD skin, the expression and function of IL-26, which is also produced by Th17 cells, in AD are still unknown. In this report, we demonstrated that IL-26 mRNA expression levels were elevated in AD lesional skin compared with healthy controls and that IL-26-producing cells were increased in AD lesional skin by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, IL-26 promoted IL-8, IL-1β, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 20, IL-33, and β-defensin 2 production in keratinocytes through phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. Selective JAK inhibitors for JAK1, JAK2, and tyrosine kinase 2 blocked IL-26-induced cytokine production in keratinocytes. We also showed that injection of IL-26 exacerbated an oxazolone-induced AD mouse model and upregulated Th2 and Th17 cytokine expression in vivo. Because previous studies indicate that the above molecules induced by IL-26 can promote Th17 and/or Th2 immune responses, IL-26 may play an important role for bridging between Th17 and Th2 responses, resulting in the development of AD.

Topics: Adult; Animals; Biopsy; Case-Control Studies; Cell Line; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Healthy Volunteers; Humans; Interleukins; Janus Kinase Inhibitors; Keratinocytes; Male; Mice; Middle Aged; Oxazolone; Phosphorylation; Recombinant Proteins; RNA, Messenger; Severity of Illness Index; Signal Transduction; Skin; Th17 Cells; Th2 Cells; Young Adult

Cynaroside (CYN) is the predominant derivative of luteolin in aerial parts of Bidens tripartita which has been used in folk medicine as a diaphoretic, diuretic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent. In our study, alginate (ALG), which is an anionic polymer with bioadhesive properties, was used as a CYN carrier, and multiple hydrogel formulations were created. Additionally, the present study evaluated the in vivo anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities of all preparations.. Novel gel formulations as topical carriers for CYN obtained from B. tripartita were developed and characterized. The bioadhesive properties of the designed preparations were also evaluated in an ex vivo model using the skin of hairless mice. In vitro CYN release from all formulations was examined and analysed by HPLC. Histopathological evaluation of mouse skin sections stained with H&E after carrageenan and oxazolone administration was also carried out. In addition, the influence of CYN on cell proliferation was examined by the PCNA staining method.. The results showed that 10 % CYN inhibited the release of anti-inflammatory mediators, and both tested concentrations, which included 5 % and 10 % (2 mg and 20 mg CYN per site, respectively), reduced oxazolone-induced ear swelling. Histopathological examination of the samples revealed a marked reduction in paw skin and ear tissue inflammation and in inflammatory infiltrates. The influence of CYN on cell proliferation was examined by the PCNA staining method, and the staining and distribution of PCNA-immunoreactive (PCNA-IR) cells were observed. After the application of the 5 % and 10 % hydrogels, the investigated samples showed decreased nuclear immunoreactivity to PCNA, which was similar to that of the control. Moreover, after application of the placebo formulation, fewer PCNA-IR cells were also observed.. The obtained data suggest that the topical application of CYN significantly reduces the number of T cells, mast cells and histiocytes in mouse skin with inflammation or atopic dermatitis.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Allergic Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Compounding; Drug Liberation; Edema; Glucosides; Hydrogels; Luteolin; Male; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Oxazolone; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen

Nintedanib, a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor has been developed as therapeutics for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and non-small lung cancer. We found that the expression levels of RTK, especially VEGFR1 is increased in skin biopsies of dermatitis patients from multiple independent datasets. Moreover, VEGFR1 is highly expressed by infiltrated cells in dermis from oxazolone (OXA) treated mice. Interestingly, nintedanib alleviates dermatitis symptom in OXA-induced animal model. Especially, levels of epidermis thickness, infiltrated immune cells including mast cells and eosinophils were decreased from mice cotreated with nintedanib and OXA compared with OXA treated mice. Moreover, serum IgE and Th2 cytokines including IL-4 and IL-13 were decreased by nintedanib treatment. These results suggest an evidence that nintedanib alleviates animal model of dermatitis.

Topics: Animals; Biomarkers; Biopsy; Cell Line; Cell Survival; Dermatitis; Disease Models, Animal; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Gene Expression; Immunoglobulin E; Indoles; Mice; Oxazolone; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Skin; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin, characterized by dryness and more or less severe itching. The etiology of AD is complex and has not been fully clarified, involving genetic susceptibility, immunological abnormalities, epidermal barrier dysfunction, and environmental factors. Xyloglucan (XG) and pea protein (PP) are two compounds of natural origin characterized by the ability to create a physical barrier that protects mucosae membranes, reducing inflammation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of XG + PP in both a mouse model of AD and

Topics: Animals; Cell Degranulation; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Erythema; Female; Filaggrin Proteins; Glucans; Inflammation; Intermediate Filament Proteins; Mast Cells; Mice; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Occludin; Oxazolone; Pea Proteins; Skin; Staphylococcal Infections; Staphylococcus aureus; Tight Junctions; Xylans

Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) actually had different pathological mechanisms, as the former was mainly induced by Th1 and Th17 response and the latter by Th2 response. Our previous study found that oxazolone-induced Th2-mediated colitis could not be attenuated by vitamin D supplementation. This study investigated the influence of intestinal vitamin D receptor (VDR) knockout on oxazolone-induced colitis and explored the possible immunological mechanism. Intestinal VDR knockout mice had milder oxazolone-induced colitis than wildtype controls, as demonstrated by less body weight decrease and faster recovery, more intact local structure, reduced cell apoptosis, and better preserved barrier function. Th2-mediated inflammation was significantly inhibited by VDR deficiency. Meanwhile, the percentage of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells did not increase as much in intestinal VDR knockout mice as in wild-type controls, nor did the iNKT cells develop normally as in the controls. Intestinal VDR knockout protected against oxazolone-induced colitis in mice by blocking Th2 cell response and reducing the function of intestinal iNKT cells. Vitamin D status had no influence on the severity of colitis. This study may explain the diverse outcomes after vitamin D supplementation in literature and add some clue to the targeted therapy of IBD.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Colitis; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Humans; Male; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Oxazolone; Survival Analysis; Vitamin D

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of HP-NAP in AD mice model.. The model of AD was built with oxazolone (OXA) in BALB/c mice, then HP-NAP was used to treat AD by intraperitoneal injection. Ear thickness was measured by a digital thickness gauge. The ears tissues were collected and subjected to hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and toluidine blue (TB) staining. The mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, and TNF-α) in ear tissue were measured using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The secretion of IgE, IL-4, and IFN-γ was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).. Treatment with HP-NAP successfully alleviated the symptoms of AD, such as erythema, horny substance, and swelling. The infiltration of lymphocytes and mast cells were significantly reduced following HP-NAP therapy. The secretion of IgE and IL-4 was significantly attenuated following treatment with HP-NAP. Additionally, HP-NAP observably downregulated inflammatory cytokine expression (e.g. IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, and TNF-α) in ear tissues.. Taken together, our results showed that HP-NAP possessed the potential to be a novel immunomodulatory candidate drug against AD.

Topics: Animals; Bacterial Proteins; Chemotaxis, Leukocyte; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Immunoglobulin E; Immunologic Factors; Inflammation Mediators; Mast Cells; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Oxazolone; Skin; Th1-Th2 Balance

Acute orbital inflammation can lead to irreversible vision loss in serious cases. Treatment thus far has been limited to systemic steroids or surgical decompression of the orbit. An animal model that mimics the characteristic features of acute orbital inflammation as found in thyroid eye disease can be used to explore novel treatment modalities.. We developed a murine model of orbital inflammation by injecting oxazolone into the mouse orbit. The mice underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and were euthanized at various time points for histologic examination. Immunofluorescence studies of specific inflammatory cells and cytokine arrays were performed.. We found clinical and radiographic congruity between the murine model and human disease. After 72 hours, sensitized mice exhibited periorbital dermatitis and inflammation in the eyelids of the injected side. By one week, increased proptosis in the injected eye with significant eyelid edema was appreciated. By four weeks, inflammation and proptosis were decreased. At all three time points, the mice demonstrated exophthalmos and periorbital edema. Histopathologically, populations of inflammatory cells including T cells, macrophages, and neutrophils shared similarities with patient samples in thyroid eye disease. Proteomic changes in the levels of inflammatory and angiogenic markers correlated to the expected angiogenic, inflammatory, and fibrotic responses observed in patients with thyroid eye disease.. A murine model of orbital inflammation created using oxazolone recapitulates some of the clinical features of thyroid eye disease and potentially other nonspecific orbital inflammation, typified by inflammatory cell infiltration, orbital tissue expansion and remodeling, and subsequent fibrosis.. This animal model could serve as a viable platform with which to understand the underlying mechanisms of acute orbital inflammation and to investigate potential new, targeted treatments.

Topics: Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Graves Ophthalmopathy; Humans; Inflammation; Mice; Oxazolone; Proteomics

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are potent anti-inflammatory drugs, the secretion of which is mediated and controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. However, they are also secreted de novo by peripheral tissues for local use. Several tissues express 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1), including the skin. The inactive GC cortisone is converted by 11β-HSD1 to active GC cortisol, which is responsible for delayed wound healing during a systemic excess of GC. However, the role of 11β-HSD1 in inflammation is unclear. We assessed whether 11β-HSD1 affects the development of atopic dermatitis (AD) in vitro and in vivo. The expression of 11β-HSD1 in the epidermis of AD lesions was higher than that in the epidermis of healthy controls. Knockdown of 11β-HSD1 in human epidermal keratinocytes increased the production of thymic stromal lymphopoietin. In an oxazolone-induced mouse model of AD, localized inhibition of 11β-HSD1 aggravated the development of AD and increased serum cytokine levels associated with AD. Mice with whole-body knockout (KO) of 11β-HSD1 developed significantly worse AD upon induction by oxazolone. We propose that 11β-HSD1 is a major factor affecting AD pathophysiology via suppression of atopic inflammation due to the modulation of active GC in the skin.

Topics: 11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1; Animals; Case-Control Studies; Cell Line; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Epidermis; Female; Gene Knockout Techniques; Humans; Keratinocytes; Mice; Oxazolone; Thymus Gland; Up-Regulation

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic eczema commonly observed among children in Western countries. The gut microbiota is a significant factor in the pathogenesis, and ways to promote intestinal colonizers with anti-inflammatory capabilities are therefore favorable. The present study addressed the effects of a prebiotic, xylooligosaccharide (XOS), on the gut microbiota and ear inflammation in an oxazolone-induced dermatitis model in BALB/c mice. Mice were fed a XOS supplemented or a control diet throughout the experiment. Ear thickness and clinical skin inflammation were scored blindly after three weeks topical challenge with 0.4% oxazolone. The mice were divided into high and low responders to oxazolone-induced dermatitis based on clinical inflammation and histological evaluation of ear biopsies, and significantly fewer high responders were present in the XOS fed group. In addition, XOS fed mice had higher abundance of Prevotella spp. in their gut microbiota compared to the control fed mice. Serum IgE and ear tissue cytokine levels correlated significantly with the clinical scores, and with the abundance of Prevotella spp. The strong association between the low-responding phenotype and high abundance of Prevotella spp., indicates an alleviating effect of this intestinal colonizer in allergic sensitization. Prevotella should be considered as a relevant target for future microbiota-directed treatment strategies in atopic patients.

Topics: Animals; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dietary Supplements; Disease Models, Animal; Ear; Female; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Immunoglobulin E; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Oxazolone; Prebiotics; Prevotella

The interleukin 7 receptor alpha chain (IL-7Rα) is predominately expressed by lymphocytes, and activation by its ligand IL-7 supports the development and maintenance of T cells and boosts T-cell mediated immunity. We recently reported that lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) in dermal lymphatics also express IL-7 and its receptor chains (IL-7Rα and CD132) and that IL-7 supports lymphatic drainage. This suggested that activation of IL-7Rα signaling in lymphatics could exert inflammation-resolving activity, by promoting the clearance of excess tissue fluid. Here we investigated how the potentially opposing effects of IL-7Rα signaling in immune cells and in the lymphatic vasculature would affect the development and progression of psoriasis-like skin inflammation. We found that during acute and chronic skin inflammation mice with an endothelial-specific deletion of IL-7Rα (IL-7Rα

Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Neutralizing; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Disease Models, Animal; Endothelial Cells; Female; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Imiquimod; Inflammation; Interleukin-7; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic Vessels; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Organ Specificity; Oxazolone; Psoriasis; Receptors, Interleukin-7; Signal Transduction; Skin; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate

Children born by cesarean section (CS) have an increased risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), possibly due to skewed microbial colonization during birth and consequently impaired bacterial stimulation of the developing immune system. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between CS and experimental colitis in a murine model of IBD. It was hypothesized that CS aggravates colonic inflammation due to a change in gut microbiota (GM) composition. C57BL/6 mice, delivered by CS or vaginal delivery (VD), were intra-rectally challenged with oxazolone at 8 weeks of age and monitored for colitis symptoms. The results showed that CS delivered mice experienced an increased body weight loss and colon weight, together with higher colonic concentrations of TNF-α and MPO compared with VD mice. Increased infiltration of inflammatory cells was present in CS delivered mice, as well as a downregulation in expression of the gut integrity genes occludin and tight junction protein 1 indicative of an impaired barrier function. The GM from CS delivered mice without colitis partly contributed to the increase in colitis symptoms when inoculated into germ-free recipient mice. In conclusion, CS increased sensitivity to oxazolone induced colitis in mice.

Topics: Animals; Cesarean Section; Colitis; Colon; Disease Models, Animal; Fecal Microbiota Transplantation; Female; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Inflammation Mediators; Intestinal Mucosa; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Oxazolone; Peroxidase; Pregnancy; Severity of Illness Index; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Hapten contact hypersensitivity (CHS) elicits a well-documented inflammation response that can be used to illustrate training of immune cells through hapten-specific CHS memory. The education of hapten-specific memory T cells has been well-established, recent research in mice has expanded the "adaptive" characteristic of a memory response from solely a function of the adaptive immune system, to innate cells as well. To test whether similar responses are seen in a non-rodent model, we used hapten-specific CHS to measure the ear inflammation response of outbred pigs to dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB), oxazolone (OXA), or vehicle controls. We adapted mouse innate memory literature protocols to the domestic pig model. Animals were challenged up to 32 days post initial sensitization exposure to the hapten, and specific ear swelling responses to this challenge were significant for 7, 21, and 32 days post-sensitization. We established hapten-specific CHS memory exists in a non-rodent model. We also developed a successful protocol for demonstrating these CHS responses in a porcine system.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Dinitrofluorobenzene; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Haptens; Hypersensitivity; Immunologic Memory; Male; Otitis; Oxazolone; Swine

To investigate the potential effects of acorn shells on atopic dermatitis (AD), we utilized oxazolone (OX)- or 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD-like lesion mouse models. Our research demonstrates that Acorn shell extract (ASE) improved the progression of AD-like lesions, including swelling, which were induced by oxazolone on Balb/c mouse ears. Additionally, ASE significantly decreased the ear thickness (OX: 0.42 ± 0.01 mm, OX-ASE: 0.32 ± 0.02 mm) and epidermal thickness (OX: 75.3 ± 32.6 µm, OX-ASE: 46.1 ± 13.4 µm). The continuous DNCB-induced AD mouse model in SKH-1 hairless mice demonstrated that ASE improved AD-like symptoms, including the recovery of skin barrier dysfunction, Immunoglobulin E hyperproduction (DNCB: 340.1 ± 66.8 ng/mL, DNCB-ASE: 234.8 ± 32.9 ng/mL) and an increase in epidermal thickness (DNCB: 96.4 ± 21.9 µm, DNCB-ASE: 52.4 ± 16.3 µm). In addition, we found that ASE suppressed the levels of AD-involved cytokines, such as Tumor Necrosis Factor α, IL-1β, IL-25 and IL-33 in both animal models. Furthermore, gallic acid and ellagic acid isolated from ASE suppressed β-hexosaminidase release and IL-4 expression in RBL-2H3 cells. The acorn shell and its active phytochemicals have potential as a new remedy for the improvement of atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory diseases.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Cell Line, Tumor; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dinitrochlorobenzene; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Mice; Mice, Hairless; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Oxazolone; Phytochemicals; Plant Extracts; Quercus; Rats

A number of different B cell subsets have been shown to exhibit regulatory activity using a variety of mechanisms to attenuate inflammatory diseases. Here we show, using anti-CD20-mediated partial B cell depletion in mice, that a population of mature B cells distinguishable by IgD

Topics: Animals; B-Lymphocyte Subsets; Cell Separation; Cells, Cultured; Coculture Techniques; Dermatitis, Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Flow Cytometry; Gene Expression Profiling; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Healthy Volunteers; Humans; Immune Tolerance; Immunoglobulin D; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Oxazolone; Spleen; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Tumor Necrosis Factors

Contact dermatitis and psoriasis are skin disorders caused by immune dysregulation, yet much remains unknown about their underlying mechanisms. Ghrelin, a recently discovered novel peptide and potential endogenous anti-inflammatory factor expressed in the epidermis, is involved in skin repair and disease. In this study, we investigated the expression pattern and therapeutic effect of ghrelin in both contact dermatitis and psoriasis mouse models induced by oxazolone (OXA) and imiquimod (IMQ), respectively, and in TNF-α-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, NHEKs and skin fibroblasts. Ghrelin expression was reduced in both the OXA-induced contact dermatitis and IMQ-induced psoriasis mouse models. Furthermore, treatment with ghrelin attenuated skin inflammation in both the contact dermatitis and psoriasis mouse models. Mice administered PBS after OXA- or IMQ-induced model generation exhibited typical skin inflammation, whereas ghrelin treatment in these mouse models substantially decreased the dermatitis phenotype. In addition, exogenous ghrelin attenuated the inflammatory reaction induced by TNF-α in RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, ghrelin administration limited activation of NF-κB signaling. In summary, ghrelin may represent a potential molecular target for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory skin diseases, including contact dermatitis and psoriasis.

Topics: Animals; Dermatitis, Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Fibroblasts; Gene Expression Regulation; Ghrelin; Humans; Imiquimod; Immune System Diseases; Inflammation; Mice; NF-kappa B; Oxazolone; Psoriasis; RAW 264.7 Cells; Signal Transduction; Skin; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Filaggrin (Flg) and hornerin (Hrnr) share similar structural and functional features. Both proteins have been implicated as essential proteins for skin barrier maintenance. Loss-of-function mutations of these genes constitute a risk factor for atopic dermatitis and eczema-related asthma. Furthermore, both FLG and HRNR protein levels are downregulated in patients with atopic dermatitis. Thus, mice deficient for Flg and Hrnr provide a novel model to study skin barrier impairment and the susceptibility for cutaneous inflammation.. By using appropriate targeting vectors and breeding strategies, we established a homozygous FlgHrnr double-deficient (FlgHrnr. Neonates appeared normal, but developed a transient scaly phenotype with overall flaky appearance, but no overt skin phenotype in adulthood, thereby reflecting a subclinical barrier defect seen in humans. Structurally, FlgHrnr. Together, our FlgHrnr

Topics: Adaptive Immunity; Animals; Biopsy; Calcium-Binding Proteins; Disease Models, Animal; Epidermis; Filaggrin Proteins; Hypersensitivity; Immunity, Innate; Immunohistochemistry; Intermediate Filament Proteins; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Oxazolone; Permeability; Phenotype

This study is aimed to further investigate the anti-atopic dermatitis (AD) activities of dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin (DHMEQ) ointment and compare its effect with that of tacrolimus ointment based on the previous study that DHMEQ improves AD-like lesions. AD were induced by 2,4-dinitroclilorobenzene/oxazolone (DNCB/OX) repeatedly on the ears of BABL/C mice while medical tape was additionally used to disrupt stratum corneum in order to exacerbate the lesions. The mice were randomly divided into groups, which are normal, vehicle, DHMEQ (0.1%) and tacrolimus (0.1%). Those in the last two groups were externally applied with DHMEQ ointment and tacrolimus ointment, respectively. The results showed that both of them significantly improved dermatitis symptoms of DNCB/OX-induced AD-like lesions, such as redness, itching, weeping, scaling and thickening of the skin, while reducing epidermis thickness, dermis thickness and the number of mast cells as well, which were examined histopathologically. In contrast with DHMEQ, tacrolimus led to a significant decrease in body weight after long-term application. Both DHMEQ and tacrolimus suppress DNCB-induced increase of serum total IgE and attenuate expression of inflammatory factors IL-4, IL-6, IL-13, IL-1β and interferon (IFN)-γ in the disrupted ear tissues. On the other hand, the mice applied with tacrolimus became obviously irritable, jumping up and down, and inflammatory exudation on the lesioned-skin surface of the mice was remarkably observed. Contrary to the side effects made by tacrolimus, DHMEQ didn't cause any adverse stimulus response. As a conclusion, DHMEQ is safer, milder and more suitable for long-term use than tacrolimus for the treatment of AD-like lesions.

Topics: Animals; Benzamides; Cyclohexanones; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dinitrochlorobenzene; Disease Models, Animal; Epidermis; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Immunosuppressive Agents; Inflammation Mediators; Mast Cells; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Ointments; Oxazolone; Tacrolimus

Atopic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin disease caused by the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. By allelic copy number analysis at missense single-nucleotide polymorphisms on 26 genes with copy number variation, we identified a significant association between atopic dermatitis and human KPRP. Human KPRP expression, which was localized to the upper granular layer of epidermis, was significantly decreased in atopic dermatitis compared with normal skin. KPRP was histologically colocalized with loricrin and was mainly detected in cytoskeleton fractions of human keratinocytes. To further investigate the role of KPRP in skin, Kprp-knockout mice were generated. Heterozygous knockout (Kprp

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Case-Control Studies; Croton Oil; Cytoskeletal Proteins; Dermatitis, Atopic; Desmosomes; Disease Models, Animal; DNA Copy Number Variations; Epidermis; Humans; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Keratinocytes; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Oxazolone; Proteins; Water Loss, Insensible

In the United States, poison ivy exposure is the most common naturally occurring allergen to cause allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). The immune and pruritic mechanisms associated with poison ivy ACD remain largely unexplored. Here, we compared skin whole transcriptomes and itch mediator levels in mouse ACD models induced by the poison ivy allergen, urushiol, and the synthetic allergen, oxazolone. The urushiol model produced a Th2-biased immune response and scratching behavior, resembling findings in poison ivy patients. Urushiol-challenged skin contained elevated levels of the cytokine thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a T-cell regulator and itch mediator, and pruritogenic serotonin (5-HT) and endothelin (ET-1), but not substance P (SP) or histamine. The oxazolone model generated a mixed Th1/Th2 response associated with increased levels of substance P, 5-HT, ET-1, but not TSLP or histamine. Injections of a TSLP monoclonal neutralizing antibody, serotonergic or endothelin inhibitors, but not SP inhibitors or antihistamines, reduced scratching behaviors in urushiol-challenged mice. Our findings suggest that the mouse urushiol model may serve as a translational model of human poison ivy ACD study. Inhibiting signaling by TSLP and other cytokines may represent alternatives to the standard steroid/antihistamine regimen for steroid-resistant or -intolerant patients and in exaggerated systemic responses to poison ivy.

Topics: Allergens; Animals; Catechols; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Toxicodendron; Disease Models, Animal; Gene Expression Profiling; Humans; Inflammation Mediators; Male; Mice; Oxazolone; Pruritus; Signal Transduction; Skin; Th2 Cells; Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin; Toxicodendron

Topics: Animals; Apoptosis; Artemisinins; Colitis; Disease Models, Animal; Enzyme Induction; Heme Oxygenase-1; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Lymphocyte Activation; Lymphocyte Subsets; Mice; Oxazolone; T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid

The function of regulatory immune cells in peripheral tissues is crucial to the onset and severity of various diseases. Interleukin-10 (IL-10)-producing regulatory B (IL-10

Topics: Animals; B-Lymphocyte Subsets; B-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Immunoglobulin Isotypes; Interleukin-5; Male; Mast Cells; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Oxazolone; Peripheral Tolerance

Cathelicidin has been reported to be multifunctional. The current study aimed to investigate the influences of exogenous cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP) on inflammatory responses in different disease models. In OVA-induced allergic airway inflammation, CRAMP significantly enhanced the infiltration of inflammatory cells and accumulation of proinflammatory Th2 cytokine IL-13 and IL-33 in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF), exacerbated lung tissue inflammation and airway goblet cell hyperplasia, and elevated OVA-specific IgE level in serum. In oxazolone-induced intestinal colitis, the expression levels of CRAMP and its receptor FPR2 significantly increased in comparison with those of TNBS-induced mice, vesicle and normal controls. Exogenous CRAMP significantly prevented the development of ulcerative colitis, evidenced by improved body weight regain, decreased colons weight/length ratio, elevated epithelial integrity, and ameliorated colon tissue inflammation. In addition, pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4 and IL-13, as well as chemokines CXCL2 and CXCL5 for neutrophils recruitment were significantly decreased in CRAMP-treated mice, and epithelial repair-related factors MUC2 and Claudin1 were increased, determined by real time-PCR and ELISAs. The results indicated that although CRAMP has pro-inflammatory effects in airway, local application of exogenous CRAMP might be a potential approach for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Topics: Administration, Intranasal; Administration, Rectal; Animals; Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides; Asthma; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Cathelicidins; Colitis, Ulcerative; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Disease Progression; Female; Goblet Cells; Humans; Lung; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Ovalbumin; Oxazolone

Adenosine represents a powerful modulating factor, which has been shown to orchestrate the scope, duration, and remission of the inflammatory response through the activation of four specific receptors, classified as A

Topics: Adenosine A2 Receptor Agonists; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Colitis; Colon; Disease Models, Animal; Furans; Male; Oxazolone; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Animals; Aprepitant; Behavior, Animal; Calcineurin Inhibitors; Dermatitis, Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Filaggrin Proteins; Ganglia, Spinal; Humans; Intermediate Filament Proteins; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Transgenic; Ointments; Oxazolone; Oximes; Pruritus; Skin; Substance P; Tacrolimus; TRPA1 Cation Channel

The fruits of Juniperus rigida have been used in Korean traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases in humans such as rheumatoid arthritis.. This study aimed to investigate the anti-atopic properties of J. rigida fruit in in vivo murine atopic dermatitis (AD) models.. BALB/c mouse ears ad SKH-1 hairless mice stimulated with oxazolone (4 weeks) and DNCB (3 weeks), respectively, were treated with the 1% Juniperus rigida fruit EtOH extract (JFE). The JFE improved AD symptoms in both oxazolone- and DNCB-induced AD mice by accelerating skin barrier recovery function and suppressing the overproduction of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and interleukin 4 (IL-4). The JFE was found to contain isoscutellarein-7-O-β-xylopyranoside, cupressuflavone, podocarpusflavone A, and hinokiflavone as major components based on phytochemical analysis. Eight flavonoids were isolated from JFE, and of those, cupressuflavone and isoscutellarein-7-O-β-xylopyranoside strongly down-regulated IL-4 expression and β-hexosaminidase release in RBL-2H3 cells.. Therapeutic attempts with J. rigida fruit and its active components might be useful in treating AD and related skin inflammatory diseases.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; beta-N-Acetylhexosaminidases; Cell Line, Tumor; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dinitrochlorobenzene; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Fruit; Immunoglobulin E; Interleukin-4; Juniperus; Mice, Hairless; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Oxazolone; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal; Rats; Skin

Although previous studies have suggested that appendix seems to be involved in the colitis, the role of this in the pathogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we assessed the importance of appendiceal lymphoid follicles, specifically the cecal patches (CP) in mice, using an experimental colitis model. Treatment with oxazolone resulted in ulcerations particularly at CP with follicular expansion as well as colitis. The colitis was attenuated by either appendectomy or the absence of mature B cells. We therefore established an intravital imaging system accompanied by the fluorescence resonance energy transfer technology to analyze the dynamic immune response of CP B cells. Our observation revealed frequent Ca

Topics: Animals; Appendix; B-Lymphocytes; Calcium Signaling; Cecum; Colitis; Colon; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Intravital Microscopy; Lymphocyte Activation; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Oxazolone; Tertiary Lymphoid Structures

Ulcerative colitis (UC) patients exhibit elevated histamine, but how histamine exacerbates disease is unclear as targeting histamine 1 receptor (H1R) or H2R is clinically ineffective. We hypothesized that histamine functioned instead through the other colon-expressed histamine receptor, H4R. In humans, UC patient biopsies exhibited increased H4R RNA and protein expression over control tissue, and immunohistochemistry showed that H4R was in proximity to immunopathogenic myeloperoxidase-positive neutrophils. To characterize this association further, we employed both the oxazolone (Ox)- and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced experimental colitis mouse models and also found upregulated H4R expression. Mast cell (MC)-derived histamine and H4R drove experimental colitis, as H4R

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Animals; Cells, Cultured; Colitis; Colitis, Ulcerative; Colon; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Histamine; Histidine Decarboxylase; Humans; Intestinal Mucosa; Male; Mast Cells; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Middle Aged; Neutrophil Infiltration; Oxazolone; Receptors, Histamine H4; Young Adult

Atopic dermatitis is a common skin disease characterized by a Th2 cell-dominant inflammatory infiltrate, elevated serum IgE levels and impaired epidermal barrier function. It is associated to abnormal epidermal lamellar body secretion, producing alteration in lipid composition and extracellular lamellar membrane organization.. The oxazolone-induced atopic dermatitis in hairless mice was used to evaluate in vivo the effect of the application of a lipid system that mimics the morphology, structure and composition of epidermal lamellar bodies.. The skin barrier function was evaluated measuring TEWL and skin hydration in vivo. Inflammation was assessed by analysis of serum IgE levels and histological analysis. The microstructure of the intercellular lipid region was also evaluated before and after treatment.. The skin condition was improved after 10 days of treatment indicated by decreased TEWL, decreased serum IgE levels, reduced epidermal thickness and reduced lymphocyte-dominated infiltrate. However, the treatment did no improve skin hydration.. The treatment with this lipid system seems to improve the skin condition by reinforcing the barrier function and reducing the skin inflammation. Therefore, the present study provides evidence that this lipid system combining appropriate lipid composition and morphology could be of interest for the development of future treatments for atopic dermatitis.

Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Animals; Biomimetic Materials; Biopsy; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Epidermis; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Lipids; Mice; Mice, Hairless; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Oxazolone; Water Loss, Insensible

It remains unclear how monocytes are mobilized to amplify inflammatory reactions in T cell-mediated adaptive immunity. Here, we investigate dynamic cellular events in the cascade of inflammatory responses through intravital imaging of a multicolor-labeled murine contact hypersensitivity model. We found that monocytes formed clusters around hair follicles in the contact hypersensitivity model. In this process, effector T cells encountered dendritic cells under regions of monocyte clusters and secreted IFN-γ, which mobilizes CCR2-dependent monocyte interstitial migration and CXCR2-dependent monocyte cluster formation. We showed that hair follicles shaped the inflammatory microenvironment for communication among the monocytes, keratinocytes, and effector T cells. After disrupting the T cell-mobilized monocyte clusters through CXCR2 antagonization, monocyte activation and keratinocyte apoptosis were significantly inhibited. Our study provides a new perspective on effector T cell-regulated monocyte behavior, which amplifies the inflammatory reaction in acquired cutaneous immunity.

Topics: Adaptive Immunity; Animals; Apoptosis; CD11c Antigen; Cell Communication; Cells, Cultured; CX3C Chemokine Receptor 1; Dendritic Cells; Dermatitis, Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Genes, Reporter; Humans; Intravital Microscopy; Keratinocytes; Luminescent Proteins; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Transgenic; Microscopy, Confocal; Monocytes; Oxazolone; Skin; T-Lymphocyte Subsets; Time-Lapse Imaging

Oxazolone-induced colitis has been frequently used in literature as a model of IBD, but insights into the underlying immune response and pathological features are surprisingly still very limited. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has proven to be effective in innate and Th1/Th17 predominant inflammatory models, including pre-clinical models of colitis, however to what extent VNS is also effective in ameliorating Th2-driven colitis remains to be studied. In the present study, we therefore further characterized the immune response in oxazolone-induced colitis and investigated the potential therapeutic effect of VNS.. Colitis was induced in Balb/c mice by cutaneous sensitization with 3% oxazolone followed by intracolonic administration of 1% oxazolone 7 days later. To evaluate the effect of VNS on the development of Th2-driven colitis, VNS and sham-treated mice were challenged with 1% oxazolone.. Intracolonic oxazolone administration resulted in a severe destruction of the colonic mucosa and a rapid drop in body temperature leading to a 65% mortality rate at day 5. Severe infiltration of neutrophils and monocytes was detected 6h after oxazolone administration which was associated with a Th2-type inflammatory response. VNS significantly improved survival rate which correlated with decreased levels of HMGB1 and reduced colonic (il6 and cxcl1 mRNA) and serum cytokine levels (IL-6, TNFα and CXCL1) compared to sham treated mice.. Oxazolone-induced colitis rather represents a model of sepsis and, at best, may resemble a severe type of ulcerative colitis, associated with early and severe mucosal damage and a high mortality rate. VNS reduces colonic inflammation and improves survival in this model, supporting the anti-inflammatory properties of VNS, even in an aggressive model as oxazolone-induced colitis.

Topics: Animals; Colitis; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Hypothermia; Inflammation; Intestinal Mucosa; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Natural Killer T-Cells; Oxazolone; Survival Analysis; Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Animals; CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-beta; CD3 Complex; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Colitis, Ulcerative; Colon; Cross-Sectional Studies; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Forkhead Transcription Factors; Humans; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Middle Aged; Mucous Membrane; Oxazolone; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) result in diarrhea and abdominal pain with further potential complications such as tissue fibrosis and stenosis. Animal models help in understanding the immunopathogenesis of IBDs and in the design of novel therapeutic concepts. Here we present an updated version of a protocol we published in 2007 for key models of acute and chronic forms of colitis induced by 2,4,6-trinitro-benzene sulfonic acid (TNBS), oxazolone and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). This protocol update describes an adaptation of the existing protocol that modifies the technique. This protocol has been used to generate improved mouse models that better reflect the nature of IBDs in humans. In TNBS and oxazolone colitis models, topical administration of hapten reagents results in T-cell-mediated immunity against haptenized proteins and luminal antigens. By contrast, to generate DSS colitis models, mice orally receive DSS, causing death of epithelial cells, compromising barrier function and causing subsequent inflammation. The analysis of the acute colitis models can be performed within 1-2 weeks, whereas that of the chronic models may take 2-4 months. The strengths of the acute models are that they are based on the analysis of short-lasting barrier alterations, innate immune effects and flares. The advantages of the chronic models are that they may offer better insight into adaptive immunity and complications such as neoplasia and tissue fibrosis. The protocol requires basic skills in laboratory animal research.

Topics: Animals; Chronic Disease; Colitis; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Mice; Oxazolone; Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronically relapsing inflammatory skin disease characterized by hyperproliferation and abnormal differentiation of the epidermis, and dermal infiltration of inflammatory cells. Appropriate animal models that recapitulate human AD and allow the analysis of disease processes in a reliable manner are essential to the study of AD. In this study, we established two AD models in rabbits by applying an allergen, Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f), or a hapten, oxazolone (OXZ). Application of the allergen or hapten induced a rapid onset and a chronically sustained AD-like skin lesion. The clinical symptoms, which include skin erythema, scaling, papula and edema, of AD-like rabbit skin were similar to those in human AD. Histological analysis showed that allergen- or hapten-treated rabbit skin showed increased epidermal thickening and inflammatory cell infiltration. Furthermore, PCNA and keratin 10 (K10) staining revealed excessive proliferation and insufficient differentiation of the epidermis in the rabbit AD-like skin. Western blot analysis showed decreased expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), an AD cytokine, in the rabbit AD-like skin. Our results suggest that the allergen- or hapten-induced rabbit AD models have pathological features of human AD-like symptoms and will be useful for evaluating both pathogenic mechanisms and potential therapeutic agents for human AD.

Topics: Allergens; Animals; Cell Proliferation; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dermatophagoides farinae; Disease Models, Animal; Edema; Epidermis; Erythema; Female; Oxazolone; Rabbits; Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin

Accumulating evidence suggests that Toll-like receptor (TLR)-3 signaling is involved in non-infectious immune and inflammatory reactions as well as in viral infections. The skin of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) is often infected with virus and bacteria, leading to the aggravation of atopic symptoms. These findings suggest TLR3 signaling may be involved in the pathogenesis of AD, but the exact role of TLR3 in AD remains to be defined.. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of TLR3 in chronic contact hypersensitivity reactions induced by repeated elicitation, resembling the features of AD.. Wild-type (WT) and Toll-like receptor 3 knockout (Tlr3 KO) mice were sensitized, and chronic contact hypersensitivity reactions were elicited in their ear skin via repeated application of a hapten, 2,4,6-trinitro-1-chlorobenzene (TNCB) or oxazolone.. The Tlr3 KO mice exhibited less ear swelling, less leukocyte infiltration into the skin, and lower serum total IgE levels than WT mice after hapten challenge. The Tlr3 KO mice also displayed lower expression levels of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-33, IL-4, IL-10, and interferon-ɤ in their TNCB-treated ear skin than WT mice.. These results showed that TLR3 deficiency suppressed the development of chronic contact hypersensitivity reactions, suggesting that TLR3 signaling may participate in the pathogenesis of AD.

Topics: Animals; Chronic Disease; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Leukocytes; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Knockout; Oxazolone; Picryl Chloride; Signal Transduction; Skin; Toll-Like Receptor 3

Lymphatic vessels play an important role in body fluid, as well as immune system homeostasis. Although the role of malfunctioning or missing lymphatics has been studied extensively, less is known on the functional consequences of a chronically expanded lymphatic network or lymphangiogenesis.. To this end, we used K14-VEGF-C (keratin-14 vascular endothelial growth factor-C) transgenic mice overexpressing the vascular endothelial growth factor C in skin and investigated the responses to inflammatory and fluid volume challenges. We also recorded interstitial fluid pressure, a major determinant of lymph flow. Transgenic mice had a strongly enhanced lymph vessel area in skin. Acute inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide and chronic inflammation by delayed-type hypersensitivity both resulted in increased interstitial fluid pressure and reduced lymph flow, both to the same extent in wild-type and transgenic mice. Hyperplastic lymphatic vessels, however, demonstrated enhanced transport capacity after local fluid overload not induced by inflammation. In this situation, interstitial fluid pressure was increased to a similar extent in the 2 strains, thus, suggesting that the enhanced lymph vessel area facilitated initial lymph formation. The increased lymph vessel area resulted in an enhanced production of the chemoattractant CCL21 that, however, did not result in augmented dendritic cell migration after induction of local skin inflammation by fluorescein isothiocyanate.. An expanded lymphatic network is capable of enhanced chemoattractant production, and lymphangiogenesis will facilitate initial lymph formation favoring increased clearance of fluid in situations of augmented fluid filtration.

Topics: Animals; Chemokine CCL21; Chemotaxis; Dendritic Cells; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Extracellular Fluid; Female; Fluid Shifts; Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate; Genotype; Keratin-14; Lipopolysaccharides; Lymph; Lymphangiogenesis; Lymphatic Vessels; Lymphedema; Male; Mice, Inbred C3H; Mice, Transgenic; Oxazolone; Phenotype; Pressure; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Signal Transduction; Time Factors; Up-Regulation; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C

GATA3 is a transcription factor that regulates T-cell production of cytokines. We investigated the role of GATA3 in development of colitis in mice.. We performed quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence analyses of colon tissues from patients with Crohn's disease (n = 61) or ulcerative colitis (UC, n = 74) or from patients without inflammatory bowel diseases (n = 22), to measure levels of GATA3. Colitis was induced by administration of oxazolone or 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid to control mice, mice with T-cell-specific deletion of GATA3, and mice with deletion of tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) 1 and TNFR2 (TNFR double knockouts); some mice were given a GATA3-specific DNAzyme (hgd40) or a control DNAzyme via intrarectal administration, or systemic injections of an antibody to TNF before or during sensitization and challenge phase of colitis induction. Colon tissues were collected and immunofluorescence and histochemical analyses were performed. Lamina propria mononuclear cells and T cells were isolated and analyzed by flow cytometry or cytokine assays. Colonic distribution of labeled DNAzyme and inflammation were monitored by in vivo imaging (endoscopy) of mice.. Levels of GATA3 messenger RNA were higher in colon tissues from patients with UC, but not ileal Crohn's disease, than control tissues; levels of GATA3 correlated with levels of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL] 9, IL17A, IL6, IL5, IL4, IL13, and TNF). We observed increased expression of GATA3 by lamina propria T cells from mice with colitis compared with controls. Mice with T-cell-specific deletion of GATA3 did not develop colitis and their colonic tissues did not produce inflammatory cytokines (IL6, IL9, or IL13). The DNAzyme hgd40 inhibited expression of GATA3 messenger RNA by unstimulated and stimulated T cells, and distributed throughout the inflamed colons of mice with colitis. Colon tissues from mice given hgd40 had reduced expression of GATA3 messenger RNA, compared with mice given a control DNAzyme. Mice given hgd40 did not develop colitis after administration of oxazolone or 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid; lamina propria cells from these mice expressed lower levels of IL6, IL9, and IL13 than cells from mice given the control DNAzyme. Mini-endoscopic images revealed that hgd40 and anti-TNF reduced colon inflammation over 3 days; hgd40 reduced colitis in TNFR double-knockout mice.. Levels of GATA3 are increased in patients with UC and correlate with production of inflammatory cytokines in mice and humans. A DNAzyme that prevents expression of GATA3 reduces colitis in mice, independently of TNF, and reduces levels of cytokines in the colon. This DNAzyme might be developed for treatment of patients with UC.

Topics: Administration, Rectal; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Animals; Case-Control Studies; Child; Colitis; Colitis, Ulcerative; Colon; Crohn Disease; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; DNA, Catalytic; Female; GATA3 Transcription Factor; Humans; Intestinal Mucosa; Male; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Middle Aged; Oxazolone; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type I; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type II; RNA, Messenger; T-Lymphocytes; Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid; Young Adult

Inflammatory bowel disease results from chronic dysregulation of the mucosal immune system and aberrant activation of both the innate and adaptive immune responses. IL-19 is a member of the IL-10 family, and IL-10 plays an important role in inflammatory bowel disease. We have previously shown that IL-19 knockout mice are more susceptible to innate-mediated colitis. Next, we ask whether IL-19 contributes to T cells-mediated colitis. Here, we investigated the role of IL-19 in a mouse model of Th2 cell-mediated colitis. Inflammatory responses in IL-19-deficient mice were assessed using a Th2-mediated colitis induced by oxazolone. The colitis was evaluated by analyzing the body weight loss and histology of the colon. Lymph node cells were cultured in vitro to determine cytokine production. IL-19 knockout mice exacerbated oxazolone-induced colitis by stimulating the transport of inflammatory cells into the colon, and by increasing IgE production and the number of circulating eosinophil. The exacerbation of oxazolone-induced colonic inflammation following IL-19 knockout mice was accompanied by an increased production of IL-4 and IL-9, but no changes in the expression of IL-5 and IL-13 in lymph node cells. IL-19 plays an anti-inflammatory role in the Th2-mediated colitis model, suggesting that IL-19 may represent a potential therapeutic target for reducing colonic inflammation.

Topics: Animals; Cells, Cultured; Colitis; Colon; Disease Models, Animal; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Inflammation Mediators; Interleukin-10; Interleukins; Lymph Nodes; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Oxazolone; Phenotype; Protective Factors; Th2 Cells; Time Factors

Zebrafish are an excellent model for the study of intestinal immunity. The availability of several transgenic reporter fish for different innate and adaptive immune cells and the high homology in terms of gut function and morphology enables in depth analysis of the process of intestinal inflammation. Here, we describe a method to induce intestinal inflammation by intra-rectal injection of the hapten oxazolone in adult zebrafish.

Topics: Administration, Rectal; Aminobenzoates; Anesthetics, General; Animals; Animals, Genetically Modified; Crohn Disease; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Gene Expression; Genes, Reporter; Green Fluorescent Proteins; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Immunity, Mucosal; Intestinal Mucosa; Luminescent Proteins; Male; Oxazolone; Red Fluorescent Protein; Severity of Illness Index; Zebrafish

DNA methylation and specifically the DNA methyltransferase enzyme DNMT3A are involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of hematological diseases and in regulating the function of immune cells. Although altered DNA methylation patterns and mutations in

Topics: Animals; Azacitidine; Cell Degranulation; Cell Proliferation; Cells, Cultured; Decitabine; Dermatitis, Contact; Disease Models, Animal; DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1; DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases; DNA Methylation; DNA Methyltransferase 3A; Down-Regulation; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Epigenesis, Genetic; Female; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Immunoglobulin E; Interleukin-3; Mast Cells; Mastocytosis, Systemic; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Mutation; Oxazolone; Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis; ras GTPase-Activating Proteins; RNA Interference; RNA, Small Interfering

This study aimed to investigate whether mangiferin played a protective role in a well-established dermatitis mouse model and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease in the clinic, while its underlying mechanism still remains to be elucidated. Mangiferin, 1,3,6,7-tetrahydroxyxanthone-C2-β-d-glucoside (C-glucosyl xanthone), a natural antioxidant that was reported to inhibit inflammatory reactions, has been recently proved to be a potential therapy for inflammation. As a result, the oxazolone-induced dermatitis mice models were established to explore whether mangiferin has an anti-inflammatory role in vivo. The phosphate-buffered saline treatment groups showed emblematic skin inflammation, whereas the administration of mangiferin obviously inhibited dermatitis in the mice models. Furthermore, exogenous mangiferin alleviated the inflammatory reaction in TNF-α-induced macrophages by suppressing the production of inflammation- and oxidative stress-associated molecules. Also, mangiferin treatment repressed the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB signaling pathway. To sum up, mangiferin could provide a new target for the therapy and prevention of skin inflammation.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Dermatitis, Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Inflammation; Macrophages; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Oxazolone; RAW 264.7 Cells; Signal Transduction; Skin; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Xanthones

Atopic Dermatitis (AD) has been associated with gut microbiota (GM) dysbiosis in humans, indicating a causative role of GM in AD etiology. Furthermore, the GM strongly correlates to essential disease parameters in the well-known oxazolone-induced mouse model of AD. Here, we demonstrate that it is possible to transfer both a high-responding and a low-responding AD phenotype with GM from conventional mice to germ-free mice. The mice inoculated with the high-responding GM had significantly higher clinical score, increased ear thickness, and increased levels of IL-1β, TNFα, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-6 compared to the mice inoculated with the low-responding GM. The inter-individual variation was in general not affected by this increase in effect size. Germ-free mice induced with AD revealed a high disease response as well as high inter-individual variation indicating protective properties of certain microbial taxa in this model. This study underlines that the GM has a strong impact on AD in mouse models, and that the power of studies may be increased by the application of mice inoculated with a specific GM from high responders to increase the effect size.

Topics: Animals; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Dysbiosis; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Mice; Oxazolone; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Anti-oxidant coenzyme Q10 (Co-Q10) is commonly used in clinic. Recently, Co-Q10 was reported to antagonize TNF-α-induced inflammation and play a protective role in various inflammatory conditions. However, its role in dermatitis is unknown. Herein, RAW264.7 macrophage cell line was cultured with stimulation of TNF-α, and administration of Co-Q10 alleviated TNF-α-mediated inflammatory reaction in vitro. Furthermore, oxazolone-induced dermatitis mice model was established, and treatment of Co-Q10 markedly attenuated dermatitis phenotype in this mice model. Moreover, the protective role of Co-Q10 in vitro and in dermatitis was probably due to its repression on NF-κB signaling. Collectively, Co-Q10 may represent a potential molecular target for prevention and treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antioxidants; Cell Line; Dermatitis, Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Inflammation; Interleukin-1beta; Interleukin-6; Macrophages; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; NF-kappa B; Oxazolone; Skin; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Ubiquinone

Mast cells in the gut play an important role in the innate and adaptive immune responses that are relevant to human inflammatory bowel disease. However, the contribution of mast cells to the development of inflammatory bowel disease is not well understood. This study aimed to determine the role of mast cells in oxazolone-induced colitis and to explore whether the mast cell membrane stabiliser tranilast could ameliorate colonic inflammation.. Wild-type rats and mast cell-deficient rats were sensitised and challenged with oxazolone, then treated with tranilast after challenge. Controls were treated with saline.. Mast cell-deficient rats presented a weak response to oxazolone, while wild-type rats showed severe ulcerative colitis after stimulation with oxazolone. The mast cell-deficient rats model had a significantly lower disease activity index score than wild-type rats model (1.8±1.64 vs. 8.3±0.58 respectively; P<0.01). Tranilast could reduce the secretion of cytokines, immunoglobulins and myeloperoxidase activity in tranilast treatment groups compared with the model group. The number of mast cells in the wild-type model was higher than in the other groups. There was no significant change in mast cell-deficient rats.. Mast cells play an important role in oxazolone-induced colitis. The mast cell membrane stabiliser tranilast can ameliorate oxazolone-induced colitis via a mast cell-dependent pathway.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Colitis; Colon; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Histamine H1 Antagonists; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Interleukin-13; Interleukin-33; Interleukin-6; Mast Cells; ortho-Aminobenzoates; Oxazolone; Rats

Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Animals; Cell Movement; Dendritic Cells; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Dinitrofluorobenzene; Disease Models, Animal; Haptens; Immunosuppressive Agents; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Oxazolone; Picryl Chloride; T-Lymphocytes

Topics: Animals; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disaccharides; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Therapy, Combination; Epidermis; Immunoglobulins; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Oxazolone; Random Allocation; Receptor, PAR-2; Receptors, Cytokine; Treatment Outcome

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is one of the constituents of animal products with possible health benefits such as anti-carcinogenic and anti-obesity effects. In this study, we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of CLA using a mouse model of allergic dermatitis. Mice were orally administered either a CLA mixture containing equal amounts of 9c, 11 t-CLA and 10 t, 12c-CLA, or high linoleic acid safflower oil, and allergic dermatitis was induced on the ear by repeated topical applications of oxazolone. Oral administration of the CLA mixture but not the high linoleic safflower oil attenuated the symptoms of allergic dermatitis in both ear weights and clinical scores. This effect was associated with decreased levels of ear interleukin-4 (IL-4) and plasma immunoglobulin E. The immunomodulatory effects of the CLA isomers were compared by an in vitro cytokine production assay. The results showed that 9c, 11 t-CLA, the most predominant isomer in animal products, significantly inhibited IL-4 and interferon-γ production from mouse splenocytes with similar potency to 10 t, 12c-CLA. These findings suggest that CLA, a constituent of animal products, has a potentially beneficial effect for amelioration of allergic dermatitis.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Ear; Female; Immunoglobulin E; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-4; Isomerism; Linoleic Acids, Conjugated; Meat Products; Mice, Inbred ICR; Oxazolone; Ruminants; Safflower Oil; Spleen

IL-1β and IL-17A are two cytokines with strong proinflammatory activities and are now known to be involved in a number of chronic inflammatory disorders. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a nuclear protein regulating the expression of these proinflammatory cytokines. The NLRP3 inflammasome promotes the maturation of the IL-1β and its activation has been shown as a critical mechanism in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, underlying mechanisms to modulate their production in IBD are still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression levels of mRNA for the NLRP3 inflammasome, HMGB1 and proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, IL-17A in the inflamed colon of rats with experimental oxazolone-induced colitis. Experiments were carried out on male wistar rats. IL-1β, IL-17A, HMGB1 and NLRP3 inflammasome mRNA expression were analyzed by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Our results indicated that the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-17A, NLRP3 and HMGB1 were elevated in the inflamed colon of rats with oxazolone-induced colitis.

Topics: Animals; Colitis; Colon; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; HMGB1 Protein; Inflammation Mediators; Interleukin-17; Interleukin-1beta; Male; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein; Oxazolone; Rats, Wistar; RNA, Messenger; Up-Regulation

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common allergic skin disease, characterized by dryness, itchiness, thickening and inflammation of the skin. Infiltration of eosinophils into the dermal layer and presence of edema are typical characteristics in the skin biopsy of AD patients. Previous in vitro and clinical studies showed that the Pentaherbs formula (PHF) consisting of five traditional Chinese herbal medicines, Flos Lonicerae, Herba Menthae, Cortex Phellodendri, Cortex Moutan and Rhizoma Atractylodis at w/w ratio of 2:1:2:2:2 exhibited therapeutic potential in treating AD. In this study, an in vivo murine model with oxazolone (OXA)-mediated dermatitis was used to elucidate the efficacy of PHF. Active ingredients of PHF water extract were also identified and quantified, and their in vitro anti-inflammatory activities on pruritogenic cytokine IL-31- and alarmin IL-33-activated human eosinophils and dermal fibroblasts were evaluated. Ear swelling, epidermis thickening and eosinophils infiltration in epidermal and dermal layers, and the release of serum IL-12 of the murine OXA-mediated dermatitis were significantly reduced upon oral or topical treatment with PHF (all p < 0.05). Gallic acid, chlorogenic acid and berberine contents (w/w) in PHF were found to be 0.479%, 1.201% and 0.022%, respectively. Gallic acid and chlorogenic acid could suppress the release of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and chemokine CCL7 and CXCL8, respectively, in IL-31- and IL-33-treated eosinophils-dermal fibroblasts co-culture; while berberine could suppress the release of IL-6, CXCL8, CCL2 and CCL7 in the eosinophil culture and eosinophils-dermal fibroblasts co-culture (all p < 0.05). These findings suggest that PHF can ameliorate allergic inflammation and attenuate the activation of eosinophils.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Berberine; Cells, Cultured; Chemokines; Chlorogenic Acid; Coculture Techniques; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Eosinophils; Fibroblasts; Gallic Acid; Humans; Interleukin-12; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Mice; Oxazolone

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is an inflammatory skin disease induced by allergen exposure and characterized by erythema, oedema and immune cell infiltration. The sensory peptide galanin (GAL) and its three receptors (GAL1-3 ) are involved in regulating inflammation. As GAL and its receptors are expressed in human and murine skin and GAL expression is increased in oxazolone-induced contact allergy, it could play a role in dermatitis. As GAL reduces neurogenic plasma extravasation in the mouse skin via GAL3 activation, the role of GAL3 in the oxazolone-induced dermatitis model was explored. Following topical challenge with oxazolone, GAL3 gene-deficient mice showed a trend towards reduced ear thickness. Plasma extravasation and neutrophil infiltration increased considerably upon oxazolone challenge in both GAL3 knockout animals and wild-type controls without any observable effect of the gene deletion. We conclude that a lack of GAL3 does not influence oxazolone-induced ACD.

Topics: Animals; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Mice; Oxazolone; Receptor, Galanin, Type 3

Murine models of intestinal inflammation have been widely used in biomedical research. Similarities in anatomy and physiology between such murine models and patients with inflammatory bowel diseases may allow a better understanding of the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Additionally, models of intestinal inflammation may be used for the analysis of potentially new therapeutic agents. One key class of models consists of chemically induced inflammation models. Within this group, colitis induced by the haptenizing agent oxazolone is an important model that results in induction of acute or chronic inflammation of the large bowel. Here, we describe the induction and the analysis of this experimental colitis model.

Topics: Animals; Colitis, Ulcerative; Crohn Disease; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Intestine, Large; Mice; Oxazolone; Th2 Cells

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders caused by a dysregulated mucosal immune response and epithelial barrier disruption. Conventional treatment of IBD is currently limited to overcoming patient symptoms and is often associated with severe adverse effects from the drugs used. Modified Pulsatilla decoction has been used previously to treat ulcerative colitis (UC) in clinical practice in China, however, the underlying mechanism in the treatment of UC remains to be elucidated. In the present study, the efficiency and mechanisms of modified Pulsatilla decoction in the treatment of oxazolone‑induced colitis were investigated. Assessment of clinical colitis and histological examination found that the administration of modified Pulsatilla decoction attenuated the severity of oxazolone‑induced colitis in mice. Measurement of cytokine concentration, western blotting and reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction demonstrated modified Pulsatilla decoction treatment significantly reduced the secretion of pro‑inflammatory cytokines and restored alterations in tight junction proteins in the colon tissues. In addition, modified Pulsatilla decoction suppressed the activation of the nuclear factor‑κB signaling pathway. Thus, the findings of the present study demonstrated that modified Pulsatilla decoction offers an effective therapeutic approach for the treatment of IBD and revealed the underlying mechanisms of action offered by modified Pulsatilla decoction.

Topics: Animals; Colitis; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Inflammation Mediators; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Intestinal Mucosa; Male; Mice; NF-kappa B; Oxazolone; Plant Extracts; Pulsatilla; Signal Transduction; Tight Junction Proteins

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer in 8-10 years after disease onset. Current colitis treatment strategies do not offer a cure for the disease, but only treat the symptoms with limited success and dangerous side-effects. Also, there is no preventive treatment for either UC or colorectal cancer. Quinacrine is an anti-malarial drug with versatile use in the treatment of diseases involving inflammatory response such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus. It also has putative anti-cancer effect. Quinacrine's anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant properties, and anti-tumorigenic properties make it a potential small molecule preventive agent for both UC and associated colorectal cancer.. There were obvious changes in the CDI, histology, and inflammatory load in quinacrine-treated groups in a dose and time dependent manner in both models of UC, induced by chemical or haptenating agent.. We tested quinacrine at two different doses as a colitis treatment agent in two mouse models of UC - the dextran sulfate sodium and oxazolone. The clinical disease index (CDI), histological changes of the colon, levels of inflammatory markers (Cox-2, iNOS, p53) and overall health vitals were evaluated.. We demonstrate that quinacrine successfully suppresses colitis without any indication of toxicity or side-effects in two mouse models of UC.

Topics: Animals; Antimalarials; Cell Line; Colitis, Ulcerative; Colon; Cyclooxygenase 2; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Repositioning; Humans; Macrophages; Mice; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Oxazolone; Quinacrine; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53

Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) have different immunological mechanisms, while both of them are potential targets of vitamin D treatment. In this study, we have tried to address the role of vitamin D in CD and UC using two mouse models. Mice of C57B6L were given vitamin D before the induction of colitis. Our results showed that vitamin D attenuated 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis but not oxazolone-induced colitis. Vitamin D could preserve the local histology, alleviate inflammation, suppress apoptosis, maintain tight junction function and decrease permeability. Interestingly, it has more of an effect on local structure preservation and inflammation inhibition in CD than in UC mice. Vitamin D blocked the increase of helper T-cell type 1 (Th1)- and helper T-cell type 17 (Th17)-related cytokines in TNBS-induced colitis. But the increase of helper T-cell type 2 (Th2)- and regulatory T cells (Treg)-related cytokines was augmented at the same time in oxazolone-induced colitis which counteracted each other. Our study helps elucidate the differential protective effects of vitamin D on CD and UC patients, as reported in literature.

Topics: Animals; Apoptosis; Colitis, Ulcerative; Crohn Disease; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Inflammation; Intestinal Mucosa; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Oxazolone; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Th1 Cells; Th17 Cells; Th2 Cells; Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid; Vitamin D

Allergic contact dermatitis is a chronic T cell-driven inflammatory skin disease that is caused by repeated exposure to contact allergens. Based on murine studies of acute contact hypersensitivity, mast cells (MCs) are believed to play a role in its pathogenesis. The role of MCs in chronic allergic contact dermatitis has not been investigated, in part because of the lack of murine models for chronic contact hypersensitivity. We developed and used a chronic contact hypersensitivity model in wild-type and MC-deficient mice and assessed skin inflammatory responses to identify and characterize the role of MCs in chronic allergic contact dermatitis. Ear swelling chronic contact hypersensitivity responses increased markedly, up to 4-fold, in MC-deficient Kit

Topics: Allergens; Animals; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Chronic Disease; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Immunologic Memory; Mast Cells; Mice; Mice, Transgenic; Oxazolone; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit; Skin

The inflammasomes induce maturation of pro-interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and pro-IL-18. We investigated roles of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). After induction of oxazolone-induced colitis, a mouse UC model, colonic tissues were assayed for inflammatory mediators. Histological studies were performed on inflamed colonic tissue from mice and UC patients. Histological severity of murine colitis peaked on day 1, accompanied by an increase in the expression of Th2 cytokines including IL-4 and IL-13. Oxazolone treatment stimulated maturation of pro-caspase-1 and pro-IL-1β, while it reduced IL-18 expression. Either exogenous IL-1β or IL-18 ameliorated the colitis with or without reduction in Th2 cytokine expression, respectively. Induction of colitis decreased MUC2 expression, which was reversed by administration of IL-18, but not IL-1β. Compared to wild-type mice, NLRP3

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Animals; Caspase 1; Colitis; Colitis, Ulcerative; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Gene Expression Regulation; Gene Knockout Techniques; Humans; Inflammasomes; Macrophages; Male; Mice; Middle Aged; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein; Oxazolone; Severity of Illness Index; Young Adult

Skin inflammation plays a central role in the pathophysiology and symptoms of diverse chronic skin diseases including atopic dermatitis (AD). In this study, we examined if caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a skin-permeable bioactive compound from propolis, was protective against skin inflammation using in vitro cell system and in vivo animal disease models. CAPE suppressed TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation and expression of inflammatory cytokines in human keratinocytes (HaCaT). The potency and efficacy of CAPE were superior to those of a non-phenethyl derivative, caffeic acid. Consistently, topical treatment of CAPE (0.5 %) attenuated 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate(TPA)-induced skin inflammation on mouse ear as CAPE reduced ear swelling and histologic inflammation scores. CAPE suppressed increased expression of pro-inflammatory molecules such as TNF-α, cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible NO synthase in TPA-stimulated skin. TPA-induced phosphorylation of IκB and ERK was blocked by CAPE suggesting that protective effects of CAPE on skin inflammation is attributed to inhibition of NF-κB activation. Most importantly, in an oxazolone-induced chronic dermatitis model, topical application of CAPE (0.5 and 1 %) was effective in alleviating AD-like symptoms such as increases of trans-epidermal water loss, skin thickening and serum IgE as well as histologic inflammation assessment. Collectively, our results propose CAPE as a promising candidate for a novel topical drug for skin inflammatory diseases.

Topics: Acute Disease; Animals; Caffeic Acids; Cell Line; Chronic Disease; Cyclooxygenase 2; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Inflammation; Keratinocytes; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; NF-kappa B; Oxazolone; Phenylethyl Alcohol; Propolis; Skin; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Water Loss, Insensible

Rebamipide is a routine drug for the treatment of gastritis in a clinical setting. Recently, it has been shown to protect against various inflammatory diseases, and has provided a potential therapy for these diseases. However, whether rebamipide has a role in dermatitis remains to be elucidated. Here, we found that rebamipide alleviated the inflammatory reaction induced by tumor necrosis factor-α in RAW264.7, a stable macrophage cell line. Furthermore, rebamipide treatment repressed activation of nuclear factor-kappaB signaling, a well-established inflammatory signaling pathway. Moreover, an oxazolone-induced dermatitis mouse model was established to investigate the role of rebamipide in vivo. PBS control group exhibited typical skin inflammation, whereas treatment with rebamipide remarkably attenuated a dermatitis phenotype in this mouse model. The protective role of rebamipide in dermatitis in vivo was probably due to its inhibition of nuclear factor-kappaB signaling. Collectively, rebamipide may represent a promising molecular target for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.

Topics: Alanine; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Cell Line, Transformed; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Gene Expression Regulation; Genes, Reporter; Inflammation Mediators; Lymph Nodes; Macrophage Activation; Macrophages; Male; Mice, Inbred C57BL; NF-kappa B; Oxazolone; Quinolones; Severity of Illness Index; Signal Transduction; Skin; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Keratinocytes have a pivotal role in the regulation of immune responses, but the impact of antigen presentation by these cells is still poorly understood, particularly in a situation where the antigen will be presented only in adult life. Here, we generated a transgenic mouse model in which keratinocytes exclusively present a myelin basic protein (MBP) peptide covalently linked to the major histocompatibility complex class II β-chain, solely under inflammatory conditions. In these mice, inflammation caused by epicutaneous contact sensitizer treatment resulted in keratinocyte-mediated expansion of MBP-specific CD4(+) T cells in the skin. Moreover, repeated contact sensitizer application preceding a systemic MBP immunization reduced the reactivity of the respective CD4(+) T cells and lowered the symptoms of the resulting experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. This downregulation was CD4(+) T-cell-mediated and dependent on the presence of the immune modulator Dickkopf-3. Thus, presentation of a neo self-antigen by keratinocytes in the inflamed, adult skin can modulate CD4(+) T-cell auto-aggression at a distal organ.

Topics: Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; Animals; Autoantigens; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Cyclopropanes; Dermatitis; Disease Models, Animal; Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental; Genes, MHC Class II; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Keratinocytes; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Mice, Transgenic; Myelin Basic Protein; Oxazoles; Skin

ES-62 is the major secreted protein of the rodent filarial nematode Acanthocheilonema viteae. The molecule contains covalently attached phosphorylcholine (PC) residues, which confer anti-inflammatory properties on ES-62, underpinning the idea that drugs based on this active moiety may have therapeutic potential in human diseases associated with aberrant inflammation. Here we demonstrate that two synthetic small molecule analogues (SMAs) of ES-62 termed SMA 11a and SMA 12b are protective in the oxazolone-induced acute allergic contact dermatitis mouse model of skin inflammation, as measured by a significant reduction in ear inflammation following their administration before oxazolone sensitisation and before oxazolone challenge. Furthermore, it was found that when tested, 12b was effective at reducing ear swelling even when first administered before challenge. Histological analysis of the ears showed elevated cellular infiltration and collagen deposition in oxazolone-treated mice both of which were reduced by treatment with the two SMAs. Likewise, the oxazolone-induced increase in IFNγ mRNA in the ears was reduced but no effect on other cytokines investigated was observed. Finally, no influence on the mast cell populations in the ear was observed.

Topics: Acanthocheilonema; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Helminth Proteins; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Otitis Externa; Oxazolone; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Even with the widespread clinical use of cannabinoid receptor (CBR) stimulating compounds, such as palmitoylethanolamine, the role of CBR agonists on inflammatory skin diseases is not yet fully understood. This study was performed to investigate the effects of CBR agonists on skin inflammation, using acute and chronic inflammation animal models.. The effectiveness of the newly synthesized cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) agonists was determined using in vitro assays. Markers for epidermal permeability barrier function and skin inflammation were measured, and histological assessments were performed for evaluation.. Topical application of CB1R-specific agonist significantly accelerated the recovery of epidermal permeability barrier function and showed anti-inflammatory activity in both acute and chronic inflammation models. Histological assessments also confirmed the anti-inflammatory effects, which is consistent with previous reports.. All of the results suggest that topical application of CB1R-specific agonist can be beneficial for alleviating the inflammatory symptoms in chronic skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis.

Topics: Acute Disease; Administration, Cutaneous; Animals; Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists; Chronic Disease; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dermatitis, Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Female; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Oxazolone; Permeability; Propanolamines; Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1; Skin; Skin Physiological Phenomena; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; Water Loss, Insensible

Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) is an effective Chinese plant-derived medicine for colitis in the clinic, but the underlying molecular mechanisms of its use remain poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms involved in its therapeutic action.. A colitis mouse model was induced by oxazolone enema. TMP was administered at 80 mg/kg/day and sulphasalazine (SASP) was used as positive control and administered at 100 mg/kg/day for the treatment of colitis. On the fourth day after enema, mice were sacrificed. The inflammatory response was assessed by the disease activity index and histology. Colon mucosa was isolated and biochemically analyzed. In addition, in vitro studies were performed to evaluate the activity of TMP in Caco-2 cells.. Our results showed that TMP improved the colonic inflammatory status as evidenced by histological findings, as well as SASP. These effects were associated with a decrease in nucleus translocation of NF-κB. Paired with this inhibitive activity, there was a decrease in downstream signaling, such as C-MYC, iNOS and COX-2. In vitro assays revealed that TMP inhibited NF-κB translocation and its downstream production of inflammatory factors, such as TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8, and that ROS production that was induced by LPS in Caco-2 cells.. TMP improved the colitis induced by oxazoline, and its activity was associated with inhibition of NF-κB translocation, and subsequent inhibition of pro-inflammatory factor production and oxidative stress.

Topics: Animals; Caco-2 Cells; Colitis; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Inflammation Mediators; Intestinal Mucosa; Male; Mice; NF-kappa B; Oxazolone; Oxidative Stress; Phytotherapy; Pyrazines; Signal Transduction

The mechanisms by which mucosal homeostasis is maintained are of central importance to inflammatory bowel disease. Critical to these processes is the intestinal epithelial cell (IEC), which regulates immune responses at the interface between the commensal microbiota and the host. CD1d presents self and microbial lipid antigens to natural killer T (NKT) cells, which are involved in the pathogenesis of colitis in animal models and human inflammatory bowel disease. As CD1d crosslinking on model IECs results in the production of the important regulatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 (ref. 9), decreased epithelial CD1d expression--as observed in inflammatory bowel disease--may contribute substantially to intestinal inflammation. Here we show in mice that whereas bone-marrow-derived CD1d signals contribute to NKT-cell-mediated intestinal inflammation, engagement of epithelial CD1d elicits protective effects through the activation of STAT3 and STAT3-dependent transcription of IL-10, heat shock protein 110 (HSP110; also known as HSP105), and CD1d itself. All of these epithelial elements are critically involved in controlling CD1d-mediated intestinal inflammation. This is demonstrated by severe NKT-cell-mediated colitis upon IEC-specific deletion of IL-10, CD1d, and its critical regulator microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP), as well as deletion of HSP110 in the radioresistant compartment. Our studies thus uncover a novel pathway of IEC-dependent regulation of mucosal homeostasis and highlight a critical role of IL-10 in the intestinal epithelium, with broad implications for diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Topics: Animals; Antigens, CD1d; Carrier Proteins; Colitis; Disease Models, Animal; Epithelial Cells; Female; HSP110 Heat-Shock Proteins; Humans; Immunity, Mucosal; Inflammation; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Interleukin-10; Intestinal Mucosa; Male; Mice; Natural Killer T-Cells; Oxazolone; STAT3 Transcription Factor

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13 are critical drivers of immune activation and inflammation in ulcerative colitis, asthma and other diseases. Because these cytokines may have redundant function, dual targeting holds promise for achieving greater efficacy. We have recently described a bifunctional therapeutic targeting IL-4 and IL-13 developed on a novel protein scaffold, generated by combining specific binding domains in an optimal configuration using appropriate linker regions. In the current study, the bifunctional IL-4/IL-13 antagonist was evaluated in the murine oxazolone-induced colitis model, which produces disease with features of ulcerative colitis. The bifunctional IL-4/IL-13 antagonist reduced body weight loss throughout the 7-day course of the model, and ameliorated the increased colon weight and decreased colon length that accompany disease. Colon tissue gene expression was modulated in accordance with the treatment effect. Concentrations of serum amyloid P were elevated in proportion to disease severity, making it an effective biomarker. Serum concentrations of the bifunctional IL-4/IL-13 antagonist were inversely proportional to disease severity, colon tissue expression of pro-inflammatory genes, and serum amyloid P concentration. Taken together, these results define a panel of biomarkers signifying engagement of the IL-4/IL-13 pathway, confirm the T helper type 2 nature of disease in this model, and demonstrate the effectiveness of dual cytokine blockade.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antibodies, Neutralizing; Colitis, Ulcerative; Disease Models, Animal; Gene Expression Regulation; Interleukin-13; Interleukin-13 Receptor alpha2 Subunit; Interleukin-4; Mice; Oxazolone; Recombinant Fusion Proteins; Serum Amyloid A Protein; Serum Amyloid P-Component; Severity of Illness Index

Contact hypersensitivity (CHS) induced by topical application of haptens is a commonly used model to study dermal inflammatory responses in mice. Several recent studies have indicated that CHS-induced skin inflammation triggers lymphangiogenesis but may negatively impact the immune-function of lymphatic vessels, namely fluid drainage and dendritic cell (DC) migration to draining lymph nodes (dLNs). On the other hand, haptens have been shown to exert immune-stimulatory activity by inducing DC maturation. In this study we investigated how the presence of pre-established CHS-induced skin inflammation affects the induction of adaptive immunity in dLNs. Using a mouse model of oxazolone-induced skin inflammation we observed that lymphatic drainage was reduced and DC migration from skin to dLNs was partially compromised. At the same time, a significantly stronger adaptive immune response towards ovalbumin (OVA) was induced when immunization had occurred in CHS-inflamed skin as compared to uninflamed control skin. In fact, immunization with sterile OVA in CHS-inflamed skin evoked a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response comparable to the one induced by conventional immunization with OVA and adjuvant in uninflamed skin. Striking phenotypic and functional differences were observed when comparing DCs from LNs draining uninflamed or CHS-inflamed skin. DCs from LNs draining CHS-inflamed skin expressed higher levels of co-stimulatory molecules and MHC molecules, produced higher levels of the interleukin-12/23 p40 subunit (IL-12/23-p40) and more potently induced T cell activation in vitro. Immunization experiments revealed that blockade of IL-12/23-p40 during the priming phase partially reverted the CHS-induced enhancement of the adaptive immune response. Collectively, our findings indicate that CHS-induced skin inflammation generates an overall immune-stimulatory milieu, which outweighs the potentially suppressive effect of reduced lymphatic vessel function.

Topics: Adaptive Immunity; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Cell Movement; Cytokines; Dendritic Cells; Dermatitis, Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Interleukin-12; Lymph Nodes; Lymphangiogenesis; Lymphocyte Activation; Mice; Mice, Transgenic; Oxazolone; T-Lymphocytes; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

Long-standing or repeated skin barrier damage followed by atopic dermatitis (AD) is the initial step of the atopic march that eventually progresses to respiratory allergies. Maintenance of an acidic pH in the stratum corneum (SC) is an important factor for normal skin barrier function. We performed this study to determine whether an oxazolone (Ox)-induced AD murine model can develop airway inflammation by topical application and nasal inhalation of a house dust mite, Dermatofagoides pteronyssinus (Dp), which is a novel 'atopic march animal model', and whether an acidic SC environment, made by repeated application of acidic cream, can interrupt this atopic march. During repeated treatment with Ox and Dp to make an atopic march murine model, acidic cream (pH 2.8) and neutral cream (pH 7.4) adjusted by citric acid and sodium hydroxide mixed with vehicle were applied twice daily. Repeated treatment with Ox and Dp to hairless mice induced AD-like skin lesions followed by respiratory allergy, defining it as an atopic march model. Acidic cream inhibited the occurrence of respiratory allergic inflammation as well as AD-like skin lesions. These results indicate that a novel atopic march animal model can be developed by repeated topical and nasal treatments with house dust mite on Ox-induced AD mice and that the acidification of SC could be a novel intervention method to block the atopic march.

Topics: Administration, Inhalation; Administration, Topical; Allergens; Animals; Antigens, Dermatophagoides; Asthma; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Immunoglobulin E; Mice; Mice, Hairless; Oxazolone; Skin Cream; Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin

Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the oesophagus with limited treatment options. No previous transgenic model has specifically targeted the oesophageal mucosa to induce oesophageal eosinophilia.. We developed a mouse model that closely resembles EoE by utilising oxazolone haptenation in mice with transgenic overexpression of an eosinophil poietic and survival factor (interleukin (IL)-5) in resident squamous oesophageal epithelia.. Overexpression of IL-5 in the healthy oesophagus was achieved in transgenic mice (L2-IL5) using the squamous epithelial promoter Epstein-Barr virus ED-L2. Oxazolone-challenged L2-IL5 mice developed dose-dependent pan-oesophageal eosinophilia, including eosinophil microabscess formation and degranulation as well as basal cell hyperplasia. Moreover, oesophagi expressed increased IL-13 and the eosinophil agonist chemokine eotaxin-1. Treatment of these mice with corticosteroids significantly reduced eosinophilia and epithelial inflammation.. L2-IL5 mice provide a novel experimental model that can potentially be used in preclinical testing of EoE-related therapeutics and mechanistic studies identifying pathogenetic features associated with mucosal eosinophilia.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Biomarkers; Dexamethasone; Disease Models, Animal; Eosinophilic Esophagitis; Epithelium; Herpesvirus 4, Human; Interleukin-5; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Transgenic; Oxazolone; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Up-Regulation; Viral Regulatory and Accessory Proteins

Oxazolone-induced colitis in mice has become a recognized model to study the efficacy of therapeutics targeting the immunological response underlying the development of inflammatory bowel disease. However, this model cannot be used when therapeutics designed to address human targets do not interact with the respective murine counterpart. In this study, we examined the induction of oxazolone mediated colitis in non-obese diabetic-severe combined immunodeficiency interleukin-2Rγ(null) (NOD-SCID IL2Rγ(null)) mice engrafted with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMC) derived from patients suffering from ulcerative colitis (UC), atopic dermatitis (AD) and healthy volunteers. NOD-SCID IL2Rγ (null) mice were engrafted with hPBMC followed by challenge with oxazolone or ethanol vehicle. Mice developed the same symptoms as observed previously in immunocompetent mice. The clinical activity score increased and the colon architecture was characterized by the development of oedema, fibrosis, crypt loss and dense infiltration of predominantly T cells into the lamina propria. Fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis of lymphocytes in the colon identified natural killer (NK) T cells as a major constituent. In contrast to studies with immunocompetent mice, we observed the same phenotype in the group challenged with ethanol vehicle. The phenotype was most pronounced in mice engrafted with PBMC derived from a patient suffering from UC, suggesting that the immunological history of the donors predisposes the engrafted mice to react to ethanol. The model described here has the potential to study the efficacy of therapeutics targeting human lymphocytes in a model which is more reflective of the human disease. In addition, it might be developed to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying the disease.

Topics: Animals; Cell Line; Colitis, Ulcerative; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Ethanol; Graft vs Host Disease; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Immunoglobulin G; Interleukin Receptor Common gamma Subunit; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Inbred NOD; Mice, SCID; Mice, Transgenic; Oxazolone; Receptors, Interleukin-2; Transplantation, Heterologous

The intermediate-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel (K(Ca)3.1) modulates the Ca(2+) response through the control of the membrane potential in the immune system. We investigated the role of K(Ca)3.1 on the pathogenesis of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) in auricular lymph node (ALN) CD4(+) T-lymphocytes of oxazolone (Ox)-induced DTH model mice.. The expression patterns of K(Ca)3.1 and its possible transcriptional regulators were compared among ALN T-lymphocytes of three groups [non-sensitized (Ox-/-), Ox-sensitized, but non-challenged (Ox+/-) and Ox-sensitized and -challenged (Ox+/+)] using real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and flow cytometry. KCa 3.1 activity was measured by whole-cell patch clamp and the voltage-sensitive dye imaging. The effects of K(Ca)3.1 blockade were examined by the administration of selective K(Ca)3.1 blockers.. Significant up-regulation of K(Ca)3.1a was observed in CD4(+) T-lymphocytes of Ox+/- and Ox+/+, without any evident changes in the expression of the dominant-negative form, K(Ca)3.1b. Negatively correlated with this, the repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor (REST) was significantly down-regulated. Pharmacological blockade of K(Ca)3.1 resulted in an accumulation of the CD4(+) T-lymphocytes of Ox+/+ at the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, and also significantly recovered not only the pathogenesis of DTH, but also the changes in the K(Ca)3.1 expression and activity in the CD4(+) T-lymphocytes of Ox+/- and Ox+/+.. The up-regulation of K(Ca)3.1a in conjunction with the down-regulation of REST may be involved in CD4(+) T-lymphocyte proliferation in the ALNs of DTH model mice; and K(Ca)3.1 may be an important target for therapeutic intervention in allergy diseases such as DTH.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Cell Cycle; Disease Models, Animal; Ear Auricle; Hypersensitivity, Delayed; Intermediate-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels; Lymph Nodes; Male; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Oxazolone; Potassium Channel Blockers; Pyrazoles; Repressor Proteins

This study aimed to analyze the effects of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) on intestinal microbiota and immune regulation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to investigate the correlation between intestinal microbiota and immune factors.. Colitis in mice was induced by oxazolone. The community composition of luminal and mucosal microbiota was analyzed by a terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism. The expression of occludin, toll-like receptor (TLR)-2, TLR-4 and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) p65 proteins were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Linear correlation between intestinal microbial community and the severity of the colitis or intestinal microbial community and expressions of immune factors were determined.. Protective bacteria decreased while aggressive bacteria increased in the colitis group. The richness and diversity of both luminal and mucosal microbiota decreased in the colitis group the decrease was enhanced in the 5-ASA-treated group. The diversity of mucosal microbiota significantly correlated with the extent of the colitis. Expressions of occludin, TLR-2, TLR-4, tumor necrosis factor-α and NF-κB p65 were significantly correlated with the diversity of mucosal microbiota.. Mucosal microbiota are important in the pathogenesis of IBD. 5-ASA increases protective bacteria but decreases aggressive bacteria, thus inducing the new intestinal microbial homeostasis.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Bacteria; Colitis, Ulcerative; Colon; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Intestinal Mucosa; Mesalamine; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Microbiota; Occludin; Oxazolone; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; Severity of Illness Index; Toll-Like Receptor 2; Toll-Like Receptor 4; Transcription Factor RelA; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a refractory and recurrent inflammatory skin disease. Various factors including heredity, environmental agent, innate and acquired immunity, and skin barrier function participate in the pathogenesis of AD. T -helper (Th) 2-dominant immunological milieu has been suggested in the acute phase of AD. Antigen 85B (Ag85B) is a 30-kDa secretory protein well conserved in Mycobacterium species. Ag85B has strong Th1-type cytokine inducing activity, and is expected to ameliorate Th2 condition in allergic disease. To perform Ag85B function in vivo, effective and less invasive vaccination method is required. Recently, we have established a novel functional virus vector; recombinant human parainfluenza type 2 virus vector (rhPIV2): highly expressive, replication-deficient, and very low-pathogenic vector. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of rhPIV2 engineered to express Ag85B (rhPIV2/Ag85B) in a mouse AD model induced by repeated oxazolone (OX) challenge. Ear swelling, dermal cell infiltrations and serum IgE level were significantly suppressed in the rhPIV2/Ag85B treated mouse group accompanied with elevated IFN-γ and IL-10 mRNA expressions, and suppressed IL-4, TNF-α and MIP-2 mRNA expressions. The treated mice showed no clinical symptom of croup or systemic adverse reactions. The respiratory tract epithelium captured rhPIV2 effectively without remarkable cytotoxic effects. These results suggested that rhPIV2/Ag85B might be a potent therapeutic tool to control allergic disorders.

Topics: Animals; Antigens, Bacterial; Cell Line; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Gene Expression; Genetic Vectors; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Male; Mice; Oxazolone; Parainfluenza Virus 2, Human; RNA, Messenger; Skin; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Vaccines, DNA

Short dimeric or mulitmeric peptides derived from a highly conserved stretch of amino acids from gammaretroviral envelope proteins has been found to have immunosuppressive properties in vitro. Here we test the hypothesis that such immunosuppressive peptides may serve as immunomodulatory reagents for treatment of inflammatory disorders.. The anti-inflammatory effect of a synthetic retrovirus-derived immunosuppressive peptide of 17 amino acids was tested in two murine skin inflammation models, a TPA-induced acute toxic contact eczema model and an oxazolone-induced allergic contact dermatitis. Overall, mice (n = 24) treated with a topically applied cream containing the dimeric immunosuppressive peptide exhibited a reduction of 28.8% in ear thickness (range 20.1-42.5), whereas the application of a scrambled peptide dimer or a monomer of the immunosuppressive peptide remained without effect (p = 0.028). Furthermore, ear biopsies from mice treated with the dimeric immunosuppressive peptide showed a significant reduction in mRNA of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-17C, and IL-6 as well as the chemokine CXCL2 compared to mice treated with control peptides.. Using two murine skin inflammation models, we show that an immunosuppressive retroviral peptide is capable of reducing inflammatory disorders. The results indicate that virus-derived immunosuppressive peptides capable of down-regulating several proinflammatory cytokines may represent a novel class of drugs for the treatment of excess inflammation.

Topics: Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Chemokine CXCL2; Dermatitis, Contact; Dermatitis, Irritant; Dimerization; Disease Models, Animal; Gene Expression; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Interleukin-17; Interleukin-6; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Molecular Sequence Data; Oxazolone; Peptides; Retroviridae; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Animal models mimicking human diseases have been used extensively to study the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and the efficacy of potential therapeutics. They are, however, limited with regard to their similarity to the human disease and cannot be used if the antagonist and its cognate receptor require high similarity in structure or binding. Here, we examine the induction of oxazolone-mediated features of atopic dermatitis (AD) in NOD-scid IL2Rγ(null) mice engrafted with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The mice developed the same symptoms as immunocompetent BALB/c mice. Histological alterations induced by oxazolone were characterized by keratosis, epithelial hyperplasia and influx of inflammatory cells into the dermis and epidermis. The cellular infiltrate was identified as human leukocytes, with T cells being the major constituent. In addition, oxazolone increased human serum IgE levels. The response, however, required the engraftment of PBMC derived from patients suffering from AD, which suggests that this model reflects the immunological status of the donor. Taken together, the model described here has the potential to evaluate the efficacy of therapeutics targeting human lymphocytes in vivo and, in addition, might be developed further to elucidate molecular mechanisms inducing and sustaining flares of the disease.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; CD4-CD8 Ratio; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Immunoglobulin G; Interleukin Receptor Common gamma Subunit; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Inbred NOD; Mice, Knockout; Mice, SCID; Oxazolone; Skin; Transplantation, Heterologous

The T cell is pivotal in orchestrating and promoting an immune response during ulcerative colitis (UC). The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is involved in the regulation of T cell responses, and 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM) is a known ligand of AhR. The aim of this study was to examine the therapeutic effects of DIM in experimental colitis and to investigate the possible mechanisms underlying its effects on mucosal T cell responses. The therapeutic effects of DIM were studied in an oxazolone-induced colitis model. The pathologic markers of colitis were measured, moreover, T-helper cell (Th)- and regulatory T cell (Treg)-related transcription factor expression and associated colonic cytokine production were determined. The impact of DIM on T cell differentiation was further investigated in cultures of naive Th cells that were stimulated with anti-CD3/CD28 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). The administration of DIM attenuated experimental colitis, as determined by pathological indices. DIM may affect signaling pathways downstream of AhR, leading to decreased Th2/Th17 cells and increased Tregs. Ultimately, this could result in the alleviation of experimental colitis. DIM has shown anti-UC activity in animal models via inhibition of Th2/Th17 cells and promotion of Tregs and may thus offer potential treatments for UC patients.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antigens, CD; Cell Differentiation; Cells, Cultured; Colitis, Ulcerative; Disease Models, Animal; Gene Expression Regulation; Indoles; Intestinal Mucosa; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Oxazolone; Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon; Signal Transduction; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Th17 Cells; Th2 Cells

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4)-immunoglobulin (Ig) has immunosuppressive properties both in vivo and in vitro, but much is still unknown about the mechanisms by which CTLA-4-Ig exerts its immunosuppressive activities in vivo. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of CTLA-4-Ig in a mouse model of contact hypersensitivity (CHS). The inflammatory response in the presence or absence of CTLA-4-Ig was evaluated by measuring the increase in ear thickness in sensitized animals after challenge. We observed a dose-dependent suppression of the ear swelling in both dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)- and oxazolone-induced CHS. The suppressive effect was still present 3 weeks after administration, even in the absence of circulating levels of CTLA-4-Ig. It was further shown that CTLA-4-Ig inhibits activation of T cells in the draining lymph node after sensitization and affects the maturation level of both dendritic cells and B cells. Furthermore, CTLA-4-Ig reduces infiltration of activated CD8(+) T cells into the inflamed ear tissue and suppresses both local and systemic inflammation, as illustrated by reduced expression of cytokines and chemokines in the inflamed ear and a reduced level of acute-phase proteins in circulation. Finally, our results suggest that CTLA-4-Ig has a mainly immunosuppressive effect during the sensitization phase. We conclude that CTLA-4-Ig induces long-term immunosuppression of both DNFB- and oxazolone-induced inflammation and our data are the first to compare the effect of this compound in both DNFB- and oxazolone-induced CHS and to show that CTLA-4-Ig exerts an immunosuppressive effect on both local and systemic inflammatory mediators which is mediated principally during the sensitization phase.

Topics: Abatacept; Animals; Cells, Cultured; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Contact; Dinitrofluorobenzene; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Humans; Immune Tolerance; Immunization; Immunoconjugates; Immunotherapy; Inflammation Mediators; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Oxazolone; Protein Binding; Receptor Cross-Talk

Patients suffering from ulcerative colitis (UC) exhibit chronic colonic inflammation caused by a dysregulated mucosal immune response and epithelial barrier disruption. Th2 cytokines, including IL-13, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of UC. IL-13 induces phosphorylation of STAT6, and we previously demonstrated increased epithelial p-STAT6 in children with UC. In this study, we investigated the role of STAT6 in oxazolone colitis, a murine model of UC, by inducing colitis in STAT6-deficient (STAT6(-/-)) and wild type (WT) mice. We observed increased epithelial cell, T cell, macrophage, and NKT cell STAT6 phosphorylation, as well as increased p-STAT6(+) IL-13-producing NKT cells, in colitic WT mice. Colitis was attenuated in STAT6(-/-) mice, with improvements in weight, colon length, and histopathology. There was decreased induction of the pore-forming tight junction protein claudin-2 in STAT6(-/-) mice. Similarly, short hairpin RNA STAT6 knockdown reduced claudin-2 induction and transepithelial resistance decrease in IL-13-treated human T84 cells. Tissue expression of IL-13, IFN-γ, IL-17, and IL-10 mRNA was similarly induced in WT and STAT6(-/-) colitic mice; however, we observed increased mRNA expression for the Th2-inducing cytokines IL-33 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin in WT mice with colitis, which was abrogated in STAT6(-/-) mice. Mesenteric lymph node cells from STAT6(-/-) mice with colitis exhibited reduced secretion of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IFN-γ. IL-33 augmented mesenteric lymph node cell secretion of IL-5, IL-13, IL-6, and IFN-γ. These data implicate STAT6 in the pathogenesis of colitis in vivo with important roles in altering epithelial barrier function and regulating Th2-inducing cytokine production.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Cell Line; Claudin-2; Colitis, Ulcerative; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Down-Regulation; Gene Expression Regulation; Haptens; Humans; Intestinal Mucosa; Male; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Natural Killer T-Cells; Oxazolone; Severity of Illness Index; STAT6 Transcription Factor; Th2 Cells

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) resulting from exposure to low molecular weight chemicals is a common clinical condition in industrialized countries and can be mediated by either Th1 or Tc1 lymphocytes. The animal model of contact sensitivity (CS) is commonly used to study ACD in mice and helps to test new therapeutics. We have previously shown that epicutaneous (EC) immunization with TNP-Ig prior to hapten sensitization inhibits Th1-mediated CS and observed that the suppression is mediated by TCRαβ(+) CD4(+) CD8(+) cells and is TGF-β dependent. More recently we have shown that EC immunization with DNP-BSA induces TCRαβ(+) CD4(+) CD25(+) FoxP3(+) T regulatory (Treg) cells that suppress Tc1-mediated CS.. Animal model of contact sensitivity was used to study skin-induced suppression.. Current work employing Tc1-mediated CS shows that skin-induced suppression is dose-dependent and declines with time. Experiments with the four non-cross-reacting antigens 2,4-dinitrophenylated bovine serum albumin (DNP-BSA), ovalbumin (OVA), myelin basic protein (MBP) and immunoglobulins conjugated with oxazolone (OX-Ig) employing models of active suppression, "transfer in" and "transfer out" protocols showed that EC immunization with any tested protein antigen inhibits CS response suggesting lack of antigen-specificity of the investigated phenomenon.. The ease of EC generation of antigen-non-specific regulatory cells may have important implications for designing therapeutic schemes aimed at modulating immune responses.

Topics: Adoptive Transfer; Animals; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Desensitization, Immunologic; Dinitrophenols; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Haptens; Immune Tolerance; Immunoglobulins; Lymphocyte Activation; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Myelin Basic Protein; Ovalbumin; Oxazolone; Serum Albumin, Bovine; Skin; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Time Factors

Induction of colitis in mice by administration of oxazolone is mediated by T-helper (Th) 2 cells and has features of human ulcerative colitis. We investigated whether activation of interleukin (IL)-4Rα on T and B cells determines their effector functions and mediates oxazolone-induced colitis.. We studied induction of colitis with oxazolone in wild-type mice and those with CD4(+) T cells that did not express IL-4Rα (Lck(cre)IL-4Rα(-/lox)). We also generated mice with B cells that did not express IL-4Rα (mb1(cre)IL-4Rα(-/lox)) and studied induction of colitis.. Lck(cre)IL-4Rα(-/lox) mice did not develop colitis in response to oxazolone, and their levels of IL-4, IL-13, and immunoglobulin (Ig) E were reduced. Adoptive transfer of naïve, wild-type CD4(+) Th cells depleted of natural killer T cells to Lck(cre)IL-4Rα(-/lox) mice restored their susceptibility to colitis. In contrast, Lck(cre)IL-4Rα(-/lox) mice maintained their protection against colitis when IL-13-deficient CD4(+) T cells were transferred. These findings indicate that development of colitis involves not only natural killer T-cell functions, but also requires IL-13 production by CD4(+) T helper cells. Mb1(cre)IL-4Rα(-/lox) mice, which cannot produce IgE, were also protected against oxazolone-induced colitis. Blocking IgE binding significantly reduced mast cell numbers in colons and protected wild-type BALB/c mice from the onset of colitis.. IL-4 appears to induce CD4(+) Th2 cells to produce IL-13 and B cells to produce IgE, which together mediate oxazolone-induced colitis in mice.

Topics: Adoptive Transfer; Animals; Antibodies, Neutralizing; B-Lymphocytes; Cells, Cultured; Colitis; Colon; Disease Models, Animal; Disease Susceptibility; Immunoglobulin E; Interleukin-13; Interleukin-4; Male; Mast Cells; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Knockout; Natural Killer T-Cells; Oxazolone; Receptors, Cell Surface; Signal Transduction; Th2 Cells; Time Factors

The development of chronic allergic dermatitis in early life has been associated with increased onset and severity of allergic asthma later in life. However, the mechanisms linking these two diseases are poorly understood. In this study, we report that the development of oxazolone-induced chronic allergic dermatitis, in a mouse model, caused enhanced OVA-induced allergic asthma after the resolution of the former disease. Our findings show that oxazolone-induced dermatitis caused a marked increase in tissue mast cells, which persisted long after the resolution of this disease. Subsequent OVA sensitization and airway challenge of mice that had recovered from dermatitis resulted in increased allergic airway hyperreactivity. The findings demonstrate that the accumulation of mast cells during dermatitis has the detrimental effect of increasing allergic airway hypersensitivity. Importantly, our findings also show that exposure to a given allergen can modify the immune response to an unrelated allergen.

Topics: Animals; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Cell Count; Chronic Disease; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Disease Progression; Mast Cells; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Transgenic; Ovalbumin; Oxazolone; Respiratory Hypersensitivity; Tissue Distribution

Prolactin-induced protein (PIP) has been shown to bind to CD4 and is speculated to block CD4-HLA-DR interaction. However, the immunomodulatory effect of PIP on chronic allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) remains to be elucidated. The aim of this work was to define the role of PIP during the immunoresponse. Using an oxazolone-induced mouse chronic ACD model, expression of PIP was immunohistologically examined. Furthermore, effects of continued exposure of a peptide mimicking the major binding site of PIP (amino acids 106-132) for CD4 was examined in a mouse chronic ACD model. We clarified that keratinocytes and dermal infiltrating cells are positively stained with anti-PIP antibody. The PIP peptide significantly downregulated oxazolone-induced mouse ACD compared to the controls. We also found that inflammation of PIP-non-applied control ear was also suppressed in a synchronized manner in the late phase of the PIP peptide applied mouse. These findings suggest that PIP might have an immunosuppressive effect in mouse chronic ACD.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies; Binding Sites; CD4 Antigens; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Down-Regulation; HLA-DR Antigens; Immunohistochemistry; Immunosuppression Therapy; Keratinocytes; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Oxazolone; Proteins

Exposure to microbes during early childhood is associated with protection from immune-mediated diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and asthma. Here, we show that in germ-free (GF) mice, invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells accumulate in the colonic lamina propria and lung, resulting in increased morbidity in models of IBD and allergic asthma as compared with that of specific pathogen-free mice. This was associated with increased intestinal and pulmonary expression of the chemokine ligand CXCL16, which was associated with increased mucosal iNKT cells. Colonization of neonatal-but not adult-GF mice with a conventional microbiota protected the animals from mucosal iNKT accumulation and related pathology. These results indicate that age-sensitive contact with commensal microbes is critical for establishing mucosal iNKT cell tolerance to later environmental exposures.

Topics: Aging; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Antigens, CD1d; Asthma; Bacteria; Chemokine CXCL16; Chemokine CXCL6; Colitis, Ulcerative; Colon; Disease Models, Animal; Disease Susceptibility; DNA Methylation; Germ-Free Life; Intestinal Mucosa; Intestines; Lung; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Natural Killer T-Cells; Oxazolone; Receptors, CXCR; Receptors, CXCR6; Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms

In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) the disruption of the intestinal barrier function and the strong presence of immune-related cells like macrophages in inflamed tissue allow the selective accumulation of particulate carrier systems at the site of action. We developed clodronate loaded nanoparticles (ClNP) based on a cationic polymethacrylate (Eudragit RL) using a modified solvent displacement method. Particle diameter of ClNP was around 120nm and dissolution experiments showed that ionic interactions with either the dissolution medium or mucin have to take place to enable complete drug release. In murine experimental colitis in-vivo, myeloperoxidase activity decreased significantly in 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-colitis and oxazolone (OXA)-colitis models after treatment with ClNP while free clodronate did not show a mitigating effect. Similarly, alkaline phosphatase could be lowered significantly from 12.5±1.9 to 6.8±2.2ng/mg tissue in TNBS-colitis and from 16.6±6.2 to 11.8±2.7ng/mg tissue in OXA-colitis. In cultured RAW 264.7 cells, only ClNP but not clodronate alone led to a decrease in tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 secretion of the activated macrophages. The therapeutic benefit of ClNP was confirmed in-vivo although it is limited compared to data with other drugs. Cell culture experiments indicated that intracellular delivery of clodronate was necessary to obtain an anti-inflammatory effect.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Caco-2 Cells; Cell Line; Cell Survival; Clodronic Acid; Colitis; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Mice; Nanoparticles; Oxazolone; Polymers; Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid

Pyridoxine (vitamin B(6)) is commonly used as a dietary supplement and beneficial effects of it are expected. However, excess ingestion of pyridoxine has been shown to cause a severe sensory neuropathy in humans and experimental animals. We have been studying the linkage between the nervous and immune systems using a fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-induced contact hypersensitivity (CHS) mouse model. We have found that activation of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), which is expressed on sensory neurons, enhances skin sensitization to FITC. Another feature of FITC-induced CHS is its dependence on T helper 2 (Th2) type responses. We hypothesized that the excess intake of pyridoxine may affect sensitization to FITC and influence helper T-cell polarization. We examined FITC-induced CHS in BALB/c mice fed a diet containing excess pyridoxine (120 mg/kg diet) for 3 weeks. We found that mice fed on the excess-pyridoxine diet exhibited a lower response as to FITC-induced CHS compared with ones fed on a diet with a standard pyridoxine content (6.0 mg/kg diet). Moreover, the interferon (IFN)-γ/interleukin (IL)-4 ratio produced by draining lymph node cells was significantly higher with the excess-pyridoxine diet. This suggested that the cytokine balance was shifted toward Th1 with the excess-pyridoxine diet. Consistently, Th1-dependent oxazolone-induced CHS was enhanced with the excess-pyridoxine diet. These results suggested that an excess pyridoxine intake actively influences the immune system by altering helper T cell polarization.

Topics: Animals; Cytokines; Dendritic Cells; Dermatitis, Contact; Diet; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate; Lymph Nodes; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Oxazolone; Pyridoxine; Th1 Cells; Th2 Cells; Vitamin B Complex

To investigate the role of cannabinoid receptor-2 (CB2) in allergic inflammation in CB2 knockout (CB2-KO) mice.. The swelling reaction of the pinna to various stimuli was compared between CB2-KO and wild-type (WT) mice in terms of edema and acanthosis.. Ear swelling induced by repeated application of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene in CB2-KO mice was significantly decreased compared with that in WT mice. In an ovalbumin model, pinna edema was significantly suppressed in CB2-KO mice in comparison with that in WT mice. The contribution of CB2 to edema was investigated in a more extreme dermatitis model using oxazolone. Delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions in this model were also suppressed in CB2-KO mice. In each of these three different allergic dermatitis models, there was a significant decrease in edema and acanthosis in CB2-KO mice compared with WT mice.. These results clearly demonstrate that CB2 and its endogenous ligands participate not only in the acute, edematous phase of allergic dermatitis, but also in the chronic irreversible acanthosis reaction.

Topics: Animals; Dermatitis; Disease Models, Animal; Edema; Hypersensitivity, Delayed; Inflammation; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Ovalbumin; Oxazolone; Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2

Interleukin-25 (IL-25) is a potent activator of type-2 immune responses. Mucosal inflammation in ulcerative colitis is driven by type-2 cytokines. We have previously shown that a neutralizing anti-IL-25 antibody abrogated airways hyperreactivity in an experimental model of lung allergy. Therefore, we asked whether blocking IL-25 via neutralizing antibodies against the ligand or its receptor IL-17BR could protect against inflammation in an oxazolone-induced mouse model of colitis.. Neutralizing antibodies to IL-25 or IL-17BR were administered to mice with oxazolone-induced colitis, a model of ulcerative colitis. The disease onset was evaluated by weight loss and degree of colon ulceration. Also, lamina propria and mesenteric lymph node (MLN) infiltrates were assessed for mucosal inflammation and cultured in vitro to determine cytokine production.. We found that in oxazolone colitis IL-25 production derives from intestinal epithelial cells and that IL-17BR(+) IL-13-producing natural killer T (NKT) cells and nuocytes drive the intestinal inflammation. Blocking IL-25 signalling considerably improved the clinical aspects of the disease, including weight loss and colon ulceration, and resulted in fewer nuocytes and NKT cells infiltrating the mucosa. The improved pathology correlated with a decrease in IL-13 production by lamina propria cells, a decrease in the production of other type-2 cytokines by MLN cells, and a decrease in blood eosinophilia and IgE.. IL-25 plays a pro-inflammatory role in the oxazolone colitis model, and neutralizing antibodies to IL-25 or IL-17BR can slow the ongoing inflammation in this disease. Because this model mimics aspects of human ulcerative colitis, these antibodies may represent potential therapeutics for reducing gut inflammation in patients.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Neutralizing; Colitis, Ulcerative; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Inflammation; Interleukin-13; Interleukin-17; Intestinal Mucosa; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Natural Killer T-Cells; Oxazolone; Receptors, Interleukin-17; Signal Transduction

We investigated the effects of gabapentin and pregabalin on the itch-associated response in a mouse model of chronic dermatitis induced by the repeated application of 4-ethoxymethylene-2-phenyl-2-oxazolin-5-one (oxazolone). Challenging the mice with oxazolone-induced chronic dermatitis with the oxazolone evoked severe and transient scratching behavior until 1 h after the application of oxazolone. Thereafter, a more mild and continuous scratching behavior was also observed for at least 8 h. Both severe and continuous scratching behaviors were suppressed by systemic injection of gabapentin and pregabalin. This effect of these compounds was correlated with its affinity for the α₂δ subunit of voltage-gated Ca²(+) channels. Intrathecal injection, but not peripheral treatment, with gabapentin inhibited the scratching behavior in this model. Gabapentin failed to suppress the scratching behavior induced by the intradermal injection of compound 48/80 in normal mice. The expression of the α₂δ-1 subunit in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) from mice following repeated application of oxazolone was significantly higher than that from normal mice. These results suggest that gabapentin and pregabalin show an anti-pruritic activity through α₂δ-subunit binding, and the up-regulation of the α₂δ-1 subunit in DRG may therefore play an important role in its anti-pruritic activity.

Topics: Amines; Animals; Calcium Channels; Chronic Disease; Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; Disease Models, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Eruptions; Gabapentin; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; Ganglia, Spinal; Injections, Spinal; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Oxazolone; Pregabalin; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Severity of Illness Index; Time Factors; Up-Regulation; Urticaria

Mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase 1 and 2 (MSK1/2) are two kinases phosphorylated by both ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK. Recently, MSK1 and 2 have been reported to act as negative regulators of acute inflammation. In this study, we investigated the role of MSK1/2 in chronic skin inflammation using an oxazolone-induced allergic contact dermatitis model in MSK1/2 knockout mice and wild-type mice. MSK1/2 knockout mice were demonstrated to have significantly increased inflammation compared with wild-type mice. This was measured by an increased ear thickness, elevated infiltration of neutrophils in the skin and increased inflammatory histological changes. Furthermore, we found significantly elevated levels of the proinflammatory cytokines Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-1β and IL-6 at both mRNA and protein levels in MSK1/2 knockout mice compared with wild-type mice after oxazolone treatment. In addition, the mRNA expression of the chemokine Thymus and activation regulated chemokine (TARC) was demonstrated to be significantly elevated in oxazolone-treated MSK1/2 knockout mice compared with wild-type mice. The increased expression of TARC was paralleled by increased infiltration of cells positive for the TARC receptor, CCR4, in the dermis of MSK1/2 knockout mice. Our results indicate that MSK1/2 are involved in the activation of feedback mechanisms that dampen oxazolone-induced skin inflammation.

Topics: Animals; Chemokine CCL17; Chemokine CCL27; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Interleukin-1beta; Interleukin-6; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Oxazolone; Ribosomal Protein S6 Kinases, 90-kDa; Skin; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

In the present study, we examined the inhibitive effect of ginsenoside Rh1 on oxazolone-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in hairless mice. Oral administration of ginsenoside Rh1 improved clinical symptoms, and it was confirmed by histophathological analysis. In ginsenoside Rh1 (20mg/kg) group, ear swellings and ear weights were significantly lower than the control group. Moreover, elevation of IL-6 and total IgE levels in serum were suppressed by ginsenoside Rh1 (20mg/kg). In addition, ginsenoside Rh1 (20mg/kg) significantly increased mRNA expression of IFNγ and Foxp3, and slightly decreased IL-4 expression in draining lymph nodes. The results suggest that ginsenoside Rh1 can alleviate inflammatory symptoms in atopic dermatitis (AD) by reduction of IgE and IL-6 levels in peripheral blood, increase of Foxp3 expression in draining lymph nodes and suppression of inflammation in skin regions. Indeed, ginsenoside Rh1 exhibited therapeutic possibility in immune disorders.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Forkhead Transcription Factors; Ginsenosides; Immunoglobulin E; Immunologic Factors; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-6; Lymph Nodes; Mice; Mice, Hairless; Molecular Structure; Oxazolone; Skin

In contrast to the established role of blood vessel remodeling in inflammation, the biologic function of the lymphatic vasculature in acute inflammation has remained less explored. We studied 2 established models of acute cutaneous inflammation, namely, oxazolone-induced delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions and ultraviolet B irradiation, in keratin 14-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and keratin 14-VEGF-D transgenic mice. These mice have an expanded network of cutaneous lymphatic vessels. Transgenic delivery of the lymphangiogenic factors VEGF-C and the VEGFR-3 specific ligand mouse VEGF-D significantly limited acute skin inflammation in both experimental models, with a strong reduction of dermal edema. Expression of VEGFR-3 by lymphatic endothelium was strongly down-regulated at the mRNA and protein level in acutely inflamed skin, and no VEGFR-3 expression was detectable on inflamed blood vessels and dermal macrophages. There was no major change of the inflammatory cell infiltrate or the composition of the inflammatory cytokine milieu in the inflamed skin of VEGF-C or VEGF-D transgenic mice. However, the increased network of lymphatic vessels in these mice significantly enhanced lymphatic drainage from the ear skin. These results provide evidence that specific lymphatic vessel activation limits acute skin inflammation via promotion of lymph flow from the skin and reduction of edema formation.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Cytokines; Dermatitis; Disease Models, Animal; Edema; Humans; Hypersensitivity, Delayed; Keratin-14; Lymph; Lymphatic Vessels; Mice; Mice, Transgenic; Oxazolone; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor D; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3

Although topical glucocorticoids (GCs) show potent anti-inflammatory activity in inflamed skin, they can also exert numerous harmful effects on epidermal structure and function. In contrast, topical applications of ligands of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) not only reduce inflammation but also improve cutaneous barrier homeostasis. Therefore, we examined whether sequential topical GCs followed by topical Wy14643 (a ligand of PPARα) might be more effective than either alone for atopic dermatitis (AD) in a hapten (oxazolone (Ox))-induced murine model with multiple features of AD (Ox-AD). Despite expected anti-inflammatory benefits, topical GC alone induced (i) epidermal thinning; (ii) reduced expression of involucrin, loricrin, and filaggrin; and (iii) allowed outside-to-inside penetration of an epicutaneous tracer. Although Wy14643 alone yielded significant therapeutic benefits in mice with mild or moderate Ox-AD, it was less effective in severe Ox-AD. Yet, topical application of Wy14643 after GC was not only significantly effective comparable with GC alone, but it also prevented GC-induced structural and functional abnormalities in permeability barrier homeostasis. Moreover, rebound flares were largely absent after sequential treatment with GC and Wy14643. Together, these results show that GC and PPARα ligand therapy together is not only effective but also prevents development of GC-induced side effects, including rebound flares, in murine AD.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Clobetasol; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Synergism; Drug Therapy, Combination; Epidermis; Female; Glucocorticoids; Haptens; Mice; Mice, Hairless; Naphthols; Oxazolone; Peroxisome Proliferators; PPAR alpha; Pyrimidines; Secondary Prevention; Triazines

Skin protects the body from the environment and is an important component of the innate and adaptive immune systems. Atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis are among the most frequent inflammatory skin diseases and are both determined by multigenic predisposition, environmental factors, and aberrant immune response. Peptidoglycan Recognition Proteins (Pglyrps) are expressed in the skin and we report here that they modulate sensitivity to experimentally-induced atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. Pglyrp3(-/-) and Pglyrp4(-/-) mice (but not Pglyrp2(-/-) mice) develop more severe oxazolone-induced atopic dermatitis than wild type (WT) mice. The common mechanism underlying this increased sensitivity of Pglyrp3(-/-) and Pglyrp4(-/-) mice to atopic dermatitis is reduced recruitment of Treg cells to the skin and enhanced production and activation Th17 cells in Pglyrp3(-/-) and Pglyrp4(-/-) mice, which results in more severe inflammation and keratinocyte proliferation. This mechanism is supported by decreased inflammation in Pglyrp3(-/-) mice following in vivo induction of Treg cells by vitamin D or after neutralization of IL-17. By contrast, Pglyrp1(-/-) mice develop less severe oxazolone-induced atopic dermatitis and also oxazolone-induced contact dermatitis than WT mice. Thus, Pglyrp3 and Pglyrp4 limit over-activation of Th17 cells by promoting accumulation of Treg cells at the site of chronic inflammation, which protects the skin from exaggerated inflammatory response to cell activators and allergens, whereas Pglyrp1 has an opposite pro-inflammatory effect in the skin.

Topics: Allergens; Animals; Blotting, Western; Carrier Proteins; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Flow Cytometry; Immune System; Inflammation; Interleukin-17; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Knockout; Oxazolone; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory

Contact dermatitises, including allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis, are among the most common skin disorders in humans. Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) have been used in treating contact dermatitises for centuries. Systemic administration of CHM, including ingredients in huangdang mixture containing Chinese angelica, radix Paeonlae rubra, cat nut, and phelloden dron, rhizoma alismatis, rhizoma smilacis glabrae, and rhizome of swordlike, improves allergic contact dermatitis induced by l-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene. Whether topical applications of these herbal extracts display preventive and/or therapeutic effects on contact dermatitis, thereby avoiding the potential side effects of systemic CHM, remains largely unknown.. To determine whether this topical CHM extract exerts preventive and/or therapeutic effects, we assessed its efficacy in both allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis murine models.. Allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis murine models were established by topical oxazolone and a phorbol ester (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate; TPA), respectively. Ear thickness was assessed in both dermatitis models.. Our results demonstrate that this topical CHM extract exhibits both therapeutic and preventive effects in acute irritant contact dermatitis but no demonstrable efficacy in murine allergic contact dermatitis.. These results suggest that this topical CHM extract could provide an alternative regimen for the prevention and treatment of irritant contact dermatitis.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Animals; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Dermatitis, Irritant; Disease Models, Animal; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Female; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Oxazolone; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis now increasingly linked to mutations that alter the structure and function of the stratum corneum. Activators of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) alpha, beta/delta, and gamma and liver X receptor (LXR) regulate epidermal protein and lipid production, leading to superior barrier function. Additionally, some of these activators exhibit potent antihyperplastic and anti-inflammatory activity in irritant contact dermatitis and acute allergic contact dermatitis murine models.. We evaluated the efficacy of PPAR/LXR activation in a hapten (oxazolone [Ox])-induced AD-like model (Ox-AD) in hairless mice.. Ox-AD was established with 10 Ox challenges (every other day) on the flank. After the establishment of Ox-AD, twice-daily topical application with individual PPAR/LXR activators was then performed for 4 days, with continued Ox challenges every other day. The efficacy of topical PPAR/LXR activators to reduce parameters of Ox-AD was assessed physiologically, morphologically, and immunologically.. Certain topical activators of PPARalpha, PPARbeta/delta, and LXR, but not activators of PPARgamma, reversed the clinical dermatosis, significantly improved barrier function, and increased stratum corneum hydration in Ox-AD mice. In addition, the same activators, but again not PPARgamma, largely reversed the immunologic abnormalities in Ox-AD mice, including the increased T(H)2 markers, such as tissue eosinophil/mast cell density, serum thymus and activation-related chemokine levels, the density of chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on T(H)2-positive lymphocytes (but not serum IgE levels), and reduced IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha activation, despite ongoing hapten challenges.. These results suggest that topical applications of certain activators/ligands of PPARalpha, PPARbeta/delta, and LXR could be useful for the treatment of AD in human subjects.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Epidermis; Female; Humans; Liver X Receptors; Mice; Mice, Hairless; Orphan Nuclear Receptors; Oxazolone; Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors; PPAR alpha; PPAR delta; PPAR-beta; Th2 Cells; Treatment Outcome

Cathepsin S (CATS) is a cysteine protease, well known for its role in MHC class II-mediated antigen presentation and extracellular matrix degradation. Disturbance of the expression or metabolism of this protease is a concomitant feature of several diseases. Given this importance we studied the localization and regulation of CATS expression in normal and pathological human/mouse skin. In normal human skin CATS-immunostaining is mainly present in the dermis and is localized in macrophages, Langerhans, T- and endothelial cells, but absent in keratinocytes. In all analyzed pathological skin biopsies, i.e. atopic dermatitis, actinic keratosis and psoriasis, CATS staining is strongly increased in the dermis. But only in psoriasis, CATS-immunostaining is also detectable in keratinocytes. We show that cocultivation with T-cells as well as treatment with cytokines can trigger expression and secretion of CATS, which is involved in MHC II processing in keratinocytes. Our data provide first evidence that CATS expression (i) is selectively induced in psoriatic keratinocytes, (ii) is triggered by T-cells and (iii) might be involved in keratinocytic MHC class II expression, the processing of the MHC class II-associated invariant chain and remodeling of the extracellular matrix. This paper expands our knowledge on the important role of keratinocytes in dermatological disease.

Topics: Animals; Biopsy; Cathepsins; Cell Communication; Cell Line; Coculture Techniques; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Keratinocytes; Major Histocompatibility Complex; Mice; Oxazolone; Psoriasis; T-Lymphocytes; Up-Regulation

Glucocorticoids (GC) are highly potent anti-inflammatory agents frequently administered in clinical medicine. However, even for the most potent GC dexamethasone, only modest effects have been observed in several murine studies. Here we demonstrate that intraperitoneal administration of dexamethasone displays no anti-inflammatory activity in two different mouse models. Low doses of topically applied dexamethasone entirely prevented ear swelling in a contact hypersensitivity model in BALB/c mice, while intraperitoneally injected dexamethasone had no effect on disease progression. Moreover, subcutaneously administered dexamethasone completely inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated lethality in C57BL/6 mice. In contrast, even ultra-high doses of intraperitoneally injected dexamethasone could not prevent endotoxin-induced death. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that intraperitoneal application of dexamethasone is ineffective in these models of inflammation, which has broad implications for mouse models evaluating the in vivo efficiency of GCs.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Dermatitis, Contact; Dexamethasone; Disease Models, Animal; Disease Progression; Drug Administration Routes; Endotoxemia; Immunity; Inflammation; Lipopolysaccharides; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Oxazolone

Skin-infiltrating T-cells play a predominant role in allergic and inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and allergic contact dermatitis. These T-cells are attracted by several chemotactic factors including the chemokine CCL5/RANTES, a CC chemokine inducing both the migration and activation of specific leukocyte subsets. CCL5 has been found to be associated with various cell-mediated hypersensitive disorders such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. We have used two antagonists, the first, Met-CCL5, a dual CCR1/CCR5 antagonist and the second, a variant in which GAG binding is abrogated, (44)AANA(47)-CCL5, which acts as a dominant negative inhibitor of CCL5. The antagonists were tested in two models of contact skin reaction. The first, irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is a pathological non-specific inflammatory skin condition arising from the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines by keratinocytes in response to haptens, usually chemicals. The second, contact hypersensitivity (CHS) is a T-cell dependent model, mimicking in part the T-cell-mediated skin diseases such as psoriasis. In both models, the CCL5 antagonists showed therapeutic efficacy by reducing swelling by 50% as well as the reduction of soluble mediators in homogenates derived from challenged ears. These results demonstrate that blocking the receptor or the ligand are both effective strategies to inhibit skin inflammation.

Topics: Animals; Cells, Cultured; Chemokine CCL5; Dermatitis, Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Immunohistochemistry; Mice; Oxazolone

It is widely accepted that cationic antimicrobial peptides possess potent microbicidal properties. Recent studies show that in addition to their antimicrobial action, these peptides can exhibit anti-inflammatory activity. The purpose of this chapter is to describe in vivo ear inflammation models that can be used for evaluating the anti-inflammatory activity of antimicrobial peptides. The models are based on different mechanisms of inflammation development and include irritant dermatitis (a model induced by a single application of 12-o-tetradecanoylphorbol acetate [TPA]) and allergic dermatitis, or delayed type hypersensitivity reaction (a model induced by repetitive application of oxazolone).

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Dermatitis, Irritant; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Humans; Inflammation; Mice; Oxazolone; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate

IL-1 is a prototypic inflammatory cytokine that has pathogenic roles in various skin disorders. Although Langerhans cells (LCs) have been reported to express IL-1beta mRNA upon application of contact sensitizers, it remains unclear whether other cell types produce IL-1beta in skin. Thus, we sought to directly identify IL-1beta-producing cells in living animals by construction of transgenic mice expressing DsRed fluorescence protein gene under the control of IL-1beta promoter. Little DsRed fluorescence signal was detected in skin under steady-state conditions. Striking increases in DsRed signal were observed after topical application of a contact sensitizer, oxazolone, which also induced markedly elevated IL-1beta mRNA and protein expression. DsRed signal was expressed primarily by CD45(+)/CD11b(+) myeloid leukocytes in both epidermal and dermal compartments and was detected only in small fractions of epidermal LCs. Interestingly, DsRed(+) cells emerged preferentially as clusters around hair follicles. Intravital confocal imaging experiments revealed highly motile potentials of DsRed(+) cells-they constantly crawled around hair follicles via amoeba-like movements with a mean velocity of 1.0+/-0.4 microm min(-1) (epidermis) or 2.7+/-1.4 microm min(-1) (dermis). The newly developed in vivo imaging system represents a useful tool for studying spatial regulation of IL-1beta production in skin.

Topics: Animals; Arthritis; Cells, Cultured; Dermatitis, Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Interleukin-1beta; Lipopolysaccharides; Luminescent Proteins; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Transgenic; Microscopy, Confocal; Oxazolone; Peritonitis; Skin; Zymosan

Prolactin-induced protein (PIP) has been shown to bind to CD4 and is speculated to block CD4-HLA-DR interaction. However, the immunomodulatory effect of PIP on chronic allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) remains to be elucidated.. To define the role of PIP during the immunoresponse.. Using a low-dose oxazolone-induced mouse chronic ACD model, expression of PIP was examined immunohistologically. Furthermore, effects of continued exposure to a peptide mimicking the major binding site of PIP (amino acids 106-132) for CD4 was examined in a mouse chronic ACD model.. We clarified that keratinocytes, dermal infiltrating cells and spleen infiltrating mononuclear cells are positively stained with anti-PIP antibody. The PIP peptide significantly downregulated oxazolone-induced mouse ACD compared with controls. We also found that inflammation of the control ear, to which the PIP peptide had not been applied, was also suppressed in a synchronized manner in the late phase of ACD.. These findings suggest that PIP might have a local and systemic immunosuppressive effect in mouse chronic ACD.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Administration, Topical; Animals; Carrier Proteins; Chronic Disease; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Ear; Glycoproteins; Immunohistochemistry; Immunosuppressive Agents; Membrane Transport Proteins; Mice; Oxazolone; Skin; Spleen

Topics: Animals; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dermatophagoides farinae; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Immunoglobulin E; Immunohistochemistry; Male; Mast Cells; Mice; Mice, Hairless; Oxazolone; Picryl Chloride

Chemokine receptor CCR4 is expressed by Th2 cells and is involved in the recruitment of inflammatory cells into the skin. We studied the effects of CCR4 deficiency in the murine model of oxazolone-induced contact hypersensitivity in CCR4-/- and wild-type (WT) mice. The inflammatory response in the skin at 24  hours post-elicitation was stronger in CCR4-/- mice compared with WT, evidenced by increased ear swelling and inflammatory cell infiltration. In addition, the mRNA expression levels of several cytokines, chemokines, chemokine receptors, and selectins in the skin of CCR4-/- mice were significantly elevated compared with WT mice. Time kinetic experiments during the sensitization and elicitation phases revealed that the number of CD3+CD4+ cells in CCR4-/- mice remained high longer during the sensitization phase and increased more rapidly during the elicitation phase compared with WT mice. These data demonstrate that the absence of CCR4 results in enhanced secondary immune response during allergic skin inflammation.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; CD3 Complex; CD4 Antigens; Dermatitis; Dermatitis, Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Edema; Interleukin-13; Mice; Mice, Mutant Strains; Oxazolone; Receptors, CCR4; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Up-Regulation

We examined the change of protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) expression levels in colonic epithelial cells isolated from mice in which colitis was induced by oxazolone administration, using the monoclonal antibody YK34, which cross-reacts with a wide variety of PTKs. We identified focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and found the expression level increased due to the induction of colitis. Furthermore, we found that there was a positive correlation between FAK expression and the severity of colitis. Also, FAK expression localized in the colonic epithelium but not in the lamina propria, implying FAK functions in epithelial cells during colitis formation and/or wound repairing.

Topics: Animals; Colitis; Colon; Disease Models, Animal; Focal Adhesion Kinase 1; Intestinal Mucosa; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Oxazolone

Increase in the number of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) has been recently reported. T helper (Th) cells that infiltrate AD skin lesions are Th2-type dominant; reduced exposure to environmental Th1-cytokine-inducing microbes is believed to contribute to the increased number of AD patients. Regulatory type immune responses have been also associated with the occurrence of AD. It has been reported that antigen 85B (Ag85B) purified from mycobacteria is a potent inducer of Th1-type immune response in mice as well as in humans. In this study, we have examined the effect of plasmid DNA encoding Ag85B derived from Mycobacterium kansasii on AD skin lesions induced by oxazolone (OX) application. Th2-cytokine mediated mouse AD model with immediate type response followed by a late phase reaction was developed by repeated applications of low-dose OX to sensitized mice. Mice were immunized with plasmid DNA encoding cDNA of Ag85B before OX sensitization or during repeated elicitation phase. Both therapies were associated with significant suppression of immediate type response, clinical appearance, dermal cell infiltration, reduced IL-4 production, and augmented IFN-gamma mRNA expression compared to placebo-treated mice. Additionally, increased number of Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells were observed in the skin sections in Ag85B treated mice. The results of this study suggest that Ag85B DNA vaccine is a potential therapy for Th2 type dermatitis.

Topics: Acute-Phase Reaction; Animals; Antigens, Bacterial; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; DNA; Forkhead Transcription Factors; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-4; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Oxazolone; Plasmids; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Th2 Cells; Vaccines, DNA

Inflammatory bowel diseases are relatively common diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The relative therapeutic efficacy of glucocorticoids used in inflammatory bowel diseases resides in part in their capability to inhibit activity of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB), a transcription factor central to the inflammatory process, and the consequent production of T-helper 1 (Th1)-type cytokines. Previous studies indicate that increased expression in transgenic mice of glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ), a gene rapidly induced by glucocorticoids, inhibits NF-kappaB and Th1 activity.. We performed experiments with the aim to test the susceptibility of GILZ transgenic (GILZ-TG) mice to dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis.. Consistent with a decreased Th1 response, GILZ-TG mice were less susceptible to colitis induction as compared with wild-type littermates, while they were more susceptible to Th2-mediated colitis. The inhibition was comparable to that obtained with dexamethasone treatment. Moreover, diminished intestinal tissue damage, associated with inhibition of NF-kappaB nuclear translocation, interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1 production in CD4+ T lymphocytes of the lamina propria, was evident in GILZ-TG as compared with wild-type mice. In addition, inhibition of colitis development was also evident when GILZ fusion protein was delivered in vivo in dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-treated WT animals as well as in interleukin-10 knockout mice.. Together these results demonstrate that GILZ mimics the effects of glucocorticoids, suggesting a contribution of this protein to the anti-inflammatory activity of glucocorticoids in Th1-induced colitis.

Topics: Animals; Colitis; Colon; Dinitrofluorobenzene; Disease Models, Animal; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Glucocorticoids; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-1; Leucine Zippers; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Mice, Transgenic; NF-kappa B; Oxazolone; Th1 Cells; Th2 Cells; Transcription Factors; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an aggressive inflammatory disease in which cytokines/chemokines are thought to recruit leukocytes and induce angiogenesis. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of flavonol-rich residual layer of hexane fraction from Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVHxR) and its major compound fisetin on inflammatory cytokine/chemokine production and angiogenic factor in IL-1beta-stimulated RA fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLS) and inflammatory in vivo models. Flavonol-rich RVHxR and its major compound fisetin significantly inhibited IL-1beta-induced FLS proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Flavonol-rich RVHxR and fisetin significantly decreased IL-1beta-induced inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6)/chemokines (IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) of RA FLS. Flavonol-rich RVHxR dose dependently diminished the phophorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) and phospho-Jun NH((2))-terminal kinase (JNK), and its down regulation induced by RVHxR at nontoxic concentrations, while activated the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in IL-1beta-stimulated RA FLS. The p38 specific inhibitor SB203580 cotreatment with RVHxR effectively increased the expression of VEGF and blocked the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in IL-1beta-stimulated RA FLS, confirming a critical role of p38 MAPK pathway in angiogenesis inhibition. In experimental inflammation-related models, flavonol-rich RVHxR and fisetin have shown significant anti-inflammatory activities on vascular permeability, leukocyte migration and cellular immunity. Also, flavonol-rich RVHxR and fisetin treatments significantly reduced the incidence and severity of collagen-induced arthritis model. These results suggest that RVHxR and its major compound fisetin have shown potent suppressive effects on some inflammatory cytokines/chemokines and angiogenic factor in IL-1beta-stimulated RA FLS and inflammatory in vivo models. We believe that flavonol-rich RVHxR is a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of inflammatory and angiogenesis related diseases.

Topics: Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Cell Movement; Cell Proliferation; Collagen Type II; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Enzyme Inhibitors; Fibroblasts; Flavonoids; Flavonols; Humans; Hypersensitivity, Delayed; Imidazoles; Interleukin-1beta; Mice; Mice, Inbred DBA; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Oxazolone; Protein Kinases; Pyridines; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Rhus; Synovial Membrane; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

The purpose of the study was to evaluate digestion of pectin/Kollicoat SR30D free films for colonic delivery in vitro and in vivo.. Free films containing different ratios of pectin to Kollicoat SR30D were prepared by casting/solvent evaporation method. An in-vitro comparison of swelling, degradation and permeability of the free films was carried out in simulated colon fluids containing caecal contents from normal rats with colitis induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) or oxazolone. A comparative in-vivo evaluation of degradation was also conducted in normal and colitis-induced model rats.. The pectin within the mixed films was susceptible to rat colonic bacterial enzymes. The extent of digestion correlated with the amount of pectin present within the film. In vitro, the swelling index, drug permeability and extent of film digestion in simulated colon fluids with caecal contents obtained from normal rats were higher than from TNBS- or oxazolone-induced model rats, whereas in-vivo degradation was similar in the three groups of rats. The pectin/Kollicoat SR30D free films were completely degraded in the colitis-induced rats.. Pectic/Kollicoat SR30D films may be useful as coatings to target delivery of drugs to the colon.

Topics: Animals; Cecum; Colitis; Colon; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Delivery Systems; Fluorouracil; Glass; Oxazolone; Pectins; Permeability; Polyvinyls; Rats; Steam; Temperature; Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid

To evaluate the therapeutic effects of a probiotic supplement (Clostridium butyricum, CGMCC0313) in a chemically-induced rat model of experimental colitis.. An experimental ulcerative colitis model was established by rectal injection of oxazolone into the colon of 40 Wistar rats randomly divided into four groups. The positive control group was sacrificed 3 d after colitis onset. The remaining groups were fed daily with either 2 mL of C. butyricum (2.3 x 10(11) CFU/L), 2 mL of mesalamine (100 g/L), or 1 mL of sodium butyrate (50 mmol/L) for 21 d. The animals' body weight, behavior, and bowel movements were recorded weekly. After sacrifice, visual and microscopic observations of pathological changes of colon tissue were made, body weight and wet colon mass index were measured and recorded, and serum levels of interleukin-23 (IL-23) and TNF-alpha were measured using ELISA. Expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide in colon tissue was measured by RT-PCR. Finally, changes in rat intestinal microflora status were measured in all groups.. We found that treatment with C. butyricum lowered the serum levels of both IL-23 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) with similar or even better efficiency than that of mesalamine or sodium butyrate. The rat intestinal flora appeared to recover more quickly in the group treated with C. butyricum than in the mesalamine and sodium butyrate groups. Finally, we found that the expression level of calcitonin gene related peptide was elevated in colon tissue in the sodium butyrate treated group but not in the C. butyricum or mesalamine treated groups, indicating a sensitization of colon following sodium butyrate treatment.. In our experimental colitis model, treatment with C. butyricum CGMCC0313, a probiotic supplement, is at least as efficient as treatment with mesalamine.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Butyrates; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Clostridium butyricum; Colitis; Colon; Disease Models, Animal; Feces; Interleukin-23; Mesalamine; Organ Size; Oxazolone; Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease involves dysfunctional mucosal immune responses to commensal bacteria in genetically predisposed hosts. Interactions between host cells and bacteria are complicated, making it a challenge to assess their relative contribution to intestinal pathology. We developed a zebrafish model of enterocolitis to study these interactions.. Enterocolitis was induced by intrarectal administration of the hapten oxazolone in adult wild-type and myeloperoxidase-reporter transgenic zebrafish in the presence or absence of antibiotics. Intestinal inflammation was evaluated by histological and flow cytometry analyses and cytokine profiling with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiota following antibiotic administration were assessed by 16SrRNA sequencing and bacterial load was quantified by culture on nonselective media (colony-forming units).. In zebrafish, the infiltrate and severity of oxazolone-induced enterocolitis are influenced by the composition of the microbiota. Inflammation is characterized by granulocyte influx; epithelial damage; goblet cell depletion; and increased expression of interleukin-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-10. Zebrafish given vancomycin had bacterial populations dominated by Fusobacteria and reduced enterocolitis scores, intestinal damage, and percentages of infiltrating neutrophils and eosinophils. In contrast, zebrafish given colistin sulphate had a predominance of proteobacteria and reduced eosinophil and lymphocyte infiltration, but enterocolitis scores were not reduced.. In zebrafish with oxazolone-induced enterocolitis, components of the intestinal microbiota affect the severity and composition of the intestinal infiltrate.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Colistin; Disease Models, Animal; Enterocolitis; Intestines; Oxazolone; Vancomycin; Zebrafish

Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), both of which are referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract that have characteristic clinical, pathological, endoscopic, and radiologic features. Knowledge about the pathogenesis of IBD has dramatically increased in recent years based in part on the use of experimental models of IBD. Although none of these models exactly mimics the human disorder, they have proven to be useful for studying many important aspects of these conditions. Detailed in this unit is a description of the most commonly used chemically induced mouse models of IBD. These include trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS), oxazolone, and acute or chronic dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) colitis models.

Topics: Animal Husbandry; Animals; Colitis; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Mice; Oxazolone; Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid

Apple procyanidins (ACT) is a natural biologically active compound extracted from apple. Our recent studies have shown that ACT ameliorates the symptoms of atopic dermatitis and inhibits food-allergen-induced oral sensitization. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential protective effect and mechanism of action of ACT in a murine model of inflammatory bowel disease. We investigated the preventive effects of ACT in experimental models of colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) or oxazolone. Oral administration of ACT before DSS treatment attenuated the DSS-induced mortality rate and decreased body weight loss. ACT also prevented the body weight loss associated with oxazolone-induced colitis. Next we examined the effect of ACT on intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL), which is a major T cell population in the intestine. Oral administration of ACT increased the proportions of TCRgammadelta and TCRalphabeta-CD8alphaalpha T cells in IEL and suppressed interferon gamma synthesis in stimulated IEL. In addition, ACT inhibited phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced secretion of interleukin 8 (IL-8) in intestinal epithelial cells. The combined anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of ACT on intestinal epithelial cells and IEL suggest that it may be an effective oral preventive agent for inflammatory bowel diseases.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Administration, Oral; Animals; Cell Line; Colon; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-8; Malus; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Oxazolone; Proanthocyanidins; T-Lymphocytes

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic dermatosis bearing clinical, histological, and immunologic similarities to chronic allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). AD shows a Th2 cell-dominant inflammatory infiltrate, elevated serum IgE levels, a permeability barrier abnormality, and Staphylococcus aureus colonization. Repeated hapten challenges reportedly produce a Th2-like hypersensitivity reaction (Th2-like HR). Here, 9-10 challenges with oxazolone (Ox) to hairless mice also produced a chronic Th2-like HR. Permeability barrier function and expression of differentiation proteins, filaggrin, loricrin, and involucrin, became abnormal. CRTH-positive Th2-dominant inflammatory infiltrate, with increased IL-4 expression, and a large increase in serum IgE levels were observed. The barrier abnormality was associated with decreased stratum corneum (SC) ceramide content and impaired lamellar body secretion, resulting in abnormal lamellar membranes, as in human AD. Furthermore, as in human AD, epidermal serine protease activity in SC increased and expression of two lamellar body-derived antimicrobial peptides, CRAMP and mBD3, declined after Ox challenges, paralleling the decrease of their human homologues in AD. Thus, multiple Ox challenges to normal murine skin produce a chronic Th2-like HR, with multiple features of human AD. Because of its reproducibility, predictability, and low cost, this model could prove useful for evaluating both pathogenic mechanisms and potential therapies for AD.

Topics: Animals; Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides; Cathelicidins; Ceramides; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; DNA-Binding Proteins; Female; Filaggrin Proteins; Haptens; Immunity, Innate; Immunoglobulin E; Lipids; Mice; Mice, Hairless; Oxazolone; Permeability; Serine Endopeptidases; Th2 Cells; Transcription Factors

1-methylnicotinamide (MNA) displays anti-inflammatory effects in patients with contact dermatitis, though the mechanisms involved remain unknown. Herein, we examined the anti-inflammatory effects of MNA and its parent molecule, nicotinamide, in the contact hypersensitivity reaction to oxazolone in CBA/J inbred mice. Feeding mice with MNA or nicotinamide (100 mg/kg, 10 days) resulted in the inhibition of the development of contact hypersensitivity reaction by 37% and 35%, respectively, as assessed by the magnitude of ear swelling. This effect was not associated with changes in the expression of adhesion molecules (CD49d(+) and CD54(+)) on CD4(+) and CD8(+) oxazolone-specific T lymphocytes, the major cell component of an inflammatory infiltrate in contact hypersensitivity reaction. Furthermore, in the adoptive transfer model of contact hypersensitivity reaction, pretreatment of mice (recipients of oxazolone-specific T cells), with MNA, resulted in a remarkable anti-inflammatory effect (inhibition of contact hypersensitivity reaction by 66%). Interestingly, in the presence of prostanoid IP receptor antagonist R-3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-2-[5-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-2-ylmethoxycarbonylamino]-propionic acid (RO-3244794) (10 mg/kg) the MNA was inactive. In summary, pretreatment with MNA profoundly attenuated contact hypersensitivity reaction in vivo. In particular, the vessel dependent phase of contact hypersensitivity reaction was affected, in spite of the fact that MNA did not alter the expression of adhesive molecules on oxazolone-specific T lymphocytes. However, the anti-inflammatory action of MNA was completely reversed by the antagonist of prostanoid IP receptor. Accordingly, our results demonstrate for the first time that anti-inflammatory properties of MNA are linked to endothelial, PGI(2)-mediated mechanisms.

Topics: Adoptive Transfer; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Benzofurans; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Dermatitis, Contact; Dermatologic Agents; Disease Models, Animal; Endothelium, Vascular; Epoprostenol; Integrin alpha4; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; Male; Mice; Niacinamide; Oxazolone; Propionates; Receptors, Epoprostenol; Receptors, Prostaglandin; Skin

A CD30-ligand (CD30L) is a 40-kilodalton, type II membrane-associated glycoprotein belonging to the tumor necrosis factor family. Serum levels of soluble CD30 increased in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), suggesting that CD30L/CD30 signaling is involved in the pathogenesis of IBD. In this study, we investigated the role of CD30L in oxazolone (OXA)- and trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in CD30L knockout (KO) mice.. Colitis was induced by OXA or TNBS in CD30LKO mice with BALB/c or C57BL/6 background, respectively, and diverse clinical signs of the disease were evaluated. Cytokine production from lamina propria T cells of the colon was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Anti-interleukin (IL)-4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) or agonistic anti-CD30 mAb was inoculated in mice with colitis induced by OXA or TNBS.. CD30LKO mice were susceptible to OXA-induced colitis but resistant to TNBS-induced acute colitis. The levels of T helper cell 2 type cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-13 in the LP T cells were significantly higher, but the levels of interferon gamma were lower in OXA- or TNBS-treated CD30LKO mice than in wild-type mice. In vivo administration of agonistic anti-CD30 mAb ameliorated OXA-induced colitis but aggravated TNBS-induced colitis in CD30LKO mice.. These results suggest that CD30L/CD30 signaling is involved in development of both OXA- and TNBS-induced colitis. Modulation of CD30L/CD30 signaling by mAb could be a novel biologic therapy for IBD.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; CD30 Ligand; Colitis; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Interleukin-4; Intestinal Mucosa; Ki-1 Antigen; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Oxazolone; Signal Transduction; Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid

While psoriasis is one of the most common skin disorders in humans, effective, safe and inexpensive treatments are still largely unavailable. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been used for centuries for treating psoriasis and several reports claim that systemic administration of one such CHM, Tuhuai, mainly composed of flos sophorae, smilax glabra roxb and licorice, is effective in psoriasis. However, the mechanisms by which this CHM improves psoriasis are not yet clear. Two universal features of psoriasis are epidermal hyperplasia and inflammation. Moreover, drugs that specifically inhibit epidermal hyperplasia and/or inflammation are widely used to treat psoriasis. Here, we investigated whether topical applications of Tuhuai extract exhibit anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory activities in two murine models of inflammatory dermatoses. To assess Tuhuai's potential anti-proliferative effect, we disrupted epidermal barrier function twice-daily for 4 days in normal hairless mice followed by topical applications of either 1% Tuhuai extract or Vehicle to both flanks immediately after each barrier perturbation. Changes in epidermal proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and TUNEL staining. To assess the anti-inflammatory effects of Tuhuai, both irritant (phorbol ester) and acute allergic contact dermatitis (oxazolone) models were used. Whereas topical Tuhuai extract did not alter epidermal proliferation or induce irritation in normal skin, it both reduced epidermal hyperplasia in the epidermal hyperproliferative model, and reduced inflammation in both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis models. As topical Tuhuai extract exhibits anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory properties in a variety of human models of inflammatory dermatoses, Tuhuai could provide an effective, relatively safe and inexpensive therapeutic alternative for the treatment of inflammatory dermatoses, including psoriasis.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Apoptosis; Cell Proliferation; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Dermatitis, Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Fabaceae; Female; Glycyrrhiza; Humans; Hyperplasia; Male; Mice; Mice, Hairless; Oxazolone; Phytotherapy; Psoriasis; Skin; Smilax; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate

Treatment with ex vivo expanded regulatory T cells (Tregs) is regarded as a promising therapeutic approach in inflammatory bowel disease but is hampered by impaired Treg accumulation and function at inflammatory sites. We aim to study whether antigen-specific redirected Tregs can overcome these limitations.. We developed transgenic mice whose T cells, including Tregs, express chimeric receptor (CR) made of antibody variable region as recognition unit and T-cell stimulatory and costimulatory domains to activate specifically in response to the predetermined model antigen 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP).. TNP-specific CR-bearing Tregs were potently and specifically activated by exogenous TNP and suppressed effector T cells in the absence of costimulatory B7-CD28 interaction. TNP-specific transgenic (Tg) mice were resistant to 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS) colitis but not to other hapten-mediated colitis. Adoptive transfer of CR-bearing Tregs to wild-type mice with TNBS colitis was associated with significant amelioration of colitis and improved survival. Although TNP-specific CR-bearing Tregs did not suppress oxazolone colitis, they cured it after addition of traces of TNBS to oxazolone-inflamed colons, demonstrating a "bystander" effect. In vivo imaging of adoptively transferred CR-bearing Tregs demonstrated that they preferentially migrate to TNBS-induced colonic mucosal lesions within hours of induction of colitis.. Tregs can be redirected with specificity distinct from that of pathogenic lymphocytes, accumulate at colonic inflammatory lesions, and suppress effector T cells in a specific, nonmajor histocompatibility complex-restricted, and noncostimulatory-dependent manner, resulting in significant amelioration of colitis. Hopefully, this approach will lead to a novel therapy for inflammatory bowel disease, as well as other inflammatory diseases.

Topics: Animals; Bystander Effect; CD28 Antigens; Cell Line; Cell Movement; Colitis; Colon; Disease Models, Animal; Forkhead Transcription Factors; Histocompatibility Antigens; Immunity, Mucosal; Immunoglobulin Variable Region; Immunotherapy, Adoptive; Intestinal Mucosa; Lymphocyte Activation; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Transgenic; Oxazolone; Picrates; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; Receptors, IgG; Recombinant Fusion Proteins; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Time Factors; Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid

The role of protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR(2)) during intestinal inflammation is still unclear due to the fact that PAR(2)-activating peptide has both pro- and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of PAR(2) deficiency (using PAR(2)-deficient mice, PAR(2)(-/-)) in models of colitis, in order to elucidate the role of endogenous PAR(2) in the process of inflammation in the gut.. Colonic inflammation in wild-type and PAR(2)(-/-) mice was induced by dextran sodium sulfate, trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS), a T helper-1 predominant model, or oxazolone, a T helper-2 predominant model. Leukocyte recruitment, assessed by intravital microscopy, and inflammatory parameters (myeloperoxidase (MPO), macroscopic and microscopic damage) were assessed during the development of colitis. Lastly, the protein levels of cyclooxygenases (COXs) and adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1, alpha-M, alpha-4) were assessed by using western blot analysis.. In all three models of colitis, MPO activity, macroscopic damage score and bowel thickness were significantly lower in PAR(2)(-/-) mice. Changes in vessel leukocyte recruitment parameters (rolling and adhesion) were also significantly reduced in PAR(2)(-/-) mice compared to wild-type mice after the induction of colitis. The protein expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and alpha-4 was significantly attenuated, whereas the expression of COX-1 was significantly increased in PAR(2)(-/-) mice challenged with TNBS-induced colitis.. The role of endogenous PAR(2) in the gut is pro-inflammatory and independent of the T helper-1 or -2 cytokine profile. Endogenous PAR(2) activation controls leukocyte recruitment in the colon and thus appears as a new potential therapeutic target for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Topics: Animals; Cell Adhesion Molecules; Colitis; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Oxazolone; Peroxidase; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases; Receptor, PAR-2; Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid

Oatmeal has been used for centuries as a soothing agent to relieve itch and irritation associated with various xerotic dermatoses; however few studies have sought to identify the active phytochemical(s) in oat that mediate this anti-inflammatory activity. Avenanthramides are phenolic compounds present in oats at approximately 300 parts per million (ppm) and have been reported to exhibit anti-oxidant activity in various cell-types. In the current study we investigated whether these compounds exert anti-inflammatory activity in the skin. We found that avenanthramides at concentrations as low as 1 parts per billion inhibited the degradation of inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B-alpha (IkappaB-alpha) in keratinocytes which correlated with decreased phosphorylation of p65 subunit of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB). Furthermore, cells treated with avenanthramides showed a significant inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) induced NF-kappaB luciferase activity and subsequent reduction of interleukin-8 (IL-8) release. Additionally, topical application of 1-3 ppm avenanthramides mitigated inflammation in murine models of contact hypersensitivity and neurogenic inflammation and reduced pruritogen-induced scratching in a murine itch model. Taken together these results demonstrate that avenanthramides are potent anti-inflammatory agents that appear to mediate the anti-irritant effects of oats.

Topics: Animals; Avena; Cells, Cultured; Dermatitis, Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Diterpenes; Flavonoids; Humans; Inflammation; Interleukin-8; Keratinocytes; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR; NF-kappa B; ortho-Aminobenzoates; Oxazolone; Phenols; Phytotherapy; Polyphenols; Pruritus; Signal Transduction

Topics: Animals; Autoimmune Diseases; Bystander Effect; Cell Movement; Colitis; Colon; Disease Models, Animal; Forkhead Transcription Factors; Immunity, Mucosal; Immunotherapy, Adoptive; Intestinal Mucosa; Lymphocyte Activation; Mice; Mice, Transgenic; Oxazolone; Picrates; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; Recombinant Fusion Proteins; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Time Factors; Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid

Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) is a key transcriptional regulator of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).. To investigate the therapeutic potential of a locally administered "non-viral" nuclear factor-kappaB decoy (NFkappaBD) in multiple experimental models of IBD.. A fully phosphorothioated decoy oligonucleotide with improved stability that specifically binds NF-kappaB and blocks inflammatory mediators regulated by this transcription factor without the help of viral envelope-assisted delivery was developed. The therapeutic effects of NFkappaBD were studied in the trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid, oxazolone and dextran sodium sulphate induced colitis models.. Intracolonic administration of NFkappaBD results in the delivery of NFkappaBD to inflammatory cells and a reduction of NF-kappaB heterodimers. In the T helper cell 1-driven trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid-induced colitis model, mice receiving NFkappaBD treatment exhibit a dose-dependent reduction in disease severity and a more rapid recovery to normal body weight, similar to a clinically relevant dose of budesonide. Clinical efficacy was corroborated by considerable reductions in colitis pathology and tissue levels of several pro-inflammatory markers, including tumour necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6, interleukin 1beta and monocyte chemotactic protein 1. NFkappaBD also mitigates disease activity in the T helper cell 2-like oxazolone colitis and epithelial injury-related acute dextran sodium sulphate colitis models. Interestingly, restoration of tissue homeostasis is observed in NFkappaBD-treated animals with the rapid re-emergence of functional goblet cells and a return to normal patterns of cell proliferation in the mucosal epithelium and smooth muscle cell layers.. These data support the potential use of "naked" NFkappaBD as a cross-functional therapeutic in IBD, and show for the first time that it can facilitate the restoration of colon homeostasis and function.

Topics: Animals; Colon; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Gene Transfer Techniques; Genetic Therapy; Homeostasis; Inflammation Mediators; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Microscopy, Confocal; NF-kappa B; Oligodeoxyribonucleotides; Oxazolone; Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid

We have studied scrovalentinoside, an iridoid with anti-inflammatory properties isolated from Scrophularia auriculata ssp. pseudoauriculata, as an anti-inflammatory agent in different experimental models of delayed-type hypersensitivity. We found that scrovalentinoside reduced the edema induced by oxazolone at 0.5 mg/ear and sheep red blood cells at 10 mg/kg. The observed effect occurred during the last phase or inflammatory response; during the earlier phase or induction of the delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction, no significant activity was noted. Thus, scrovalentinoside reduced both the edema and cell infiltration in vivo and reduced lymphocyte proliferation in vitro, affecting the cycle principally during the first 48 h. Whereas cells stimulated with phytohemagglutinin changed from the G(0)/G(1) phase to the S and G(2)/M phases, when these same cells were treated with scrovalentinoside (100 microM), they remained in the G(0)/G(1) phase. Finally, scrovalentinoside inhibited the production of the pro-inflammatory mediators' TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, LTB(4), and NO, but had no effect on the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Blotting, Western; Cell Cycle; Cell Proliferation; Disease Models, Animal; Edema; Female; Glycosides; Humans; Hypersensitivity, Delayed; Inflammation Mediators; Iridoid Glycosides; Iridoids; Macrophages; Mice; Oxazolone; Phytohemagglutinins; Plant Preparations; Plants, Medicinal; Rats; Receptors, Glucocorticoid; Scrophularia; T-Lymphocytes

Animal models of intestinal inflammation are indispensable for our understanding of the pathogenesis of Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis, the two major forms of inflammatory bowel disease in humans. Here, we provide protocols for establishing murine 2,4,6-trinitro benzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-, oxazolone- and both acute and chronic dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) colitis, the most widely used chemically induced models of intestinal inflammation. In the former two models, colitis is induced by intrarectal administration of the covalently reactive reagents TNBS/oxazolone, which are believed to induce a T-cell-mediated response against hapten-modified autologous proteins/luminal antigens. In the DSS model, mice are subjected several days to drinking water supplemented with DSS, which seems to be directly toxic to colonic epithelial cells of the basal crypts. The procedures for the hapten models of colitis and acute DSS colitis can be accomplished in about 2 weeks but the protocol for chronic DSS colitis takes about 2 months.

Topics: Animals; Colitis; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Epithelial Cells; Mice; Oxazolone; Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid

There is convincing evidence from animal and human studies that infection with parasitic helminths can alleviate the histopathology and symptoms of colitis. Here the ability of the rat tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta to affect the course of oxazolone-induced colitis (a TH2 model) was assessed.. Mice were infected with H diminuta and 8 days later they received oxazolone (3 mg in 50% EtOH, intrarectal). On autopsy (3 or 7 days postoxazolone), disease severity was assessed by macroscopic clinical scores, histologic damage scores, myeloperoxidase and eosinophil peroxidase activity, and cytokine synthesis.. As gauged by all markers of gut function, infection with H diminuta caused a significant exacerbation of oxazolone-induced colitis. Indeed, while mice receiving oxazolone only began to recover approximately 3-4 days posttreatment, the cotreated group continued to deteriorate. Helminth infection, independent of oxazolone administration, enhanced IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13 production from in vitro stimulated immune cells and evoked increases in colonic eosinophil peroxidase of cotreated mice. Finally, while knockout of natural killer (NK) and NK-T cells by administration of a neutralizing NK1.1 antibody reduced the inflammation in oxazolone and oxazolone + H diminuta-treated animals, mice in the latter group still displayed significant colitis.. We have shown that H diminuta infection is beneficial in other models of colitis. The current data is presented as a caveat to the position that parasitic helminths in general can be considered as a therapy for heterogeneous inflammatory disorders without careful analysis of the immunologic basis of the condition.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Antigens, Ly; Antigens, Surface; Biomarkers; Colitis; Colon; Disease Models, Animal; Disease Progression; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Eosinophil Peroxidase; Follow-Up Studies; Hymenolepiasis; Hymenolepis diminuta; Interleukin-10; Interleukin-13; Interleukin-4; Interleukin-5; Killer Cells, Natural; Lectins, C-Type; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily B; Oxazolone; Peroxidase; Survival Rate

The sphingosine-1-phosphate analogue FTY720 is known to alter migration and homing of lymphocytes via sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors. However, several studies indicate that its mode of action is more complex and that FTY720 may also directly influence cytokine effector functions. Therefore, we studied the effect of FTY720 in T helper type (Th2)-mediated oxazolone-induced colitis in mice. Following rectal oxazolone instillation, Th2 cells producing IL-13 induce a progressive colitis resembling human ulcerative colitis. A rectal enema of oxazolone [90 mg/kg body weight] was applied to BALB/c mice. FTY720 was administered i.p. from day 0 to 3 or from day 3 to 5 following the instillation of the haptenating agent. Assessment of severity of colitis was performed daily. FTY720 plasma levels were detected using LC-MS/MS-analysis. Colon tissue was analyzed macroscopically and microscopically, myeloperoxidase activity as well as cytokine levels of lamina propria CD4(+) T-cells and T1/ST2 expression were determined. Treatment with FTY720 prominently reduced the clinical and histopathologic severity of oxazolone-induced colitis, abrogating body weight loss, diarrhea, and macroscopic and microscopic intestinal inflammation. The therapeutic effects of FTY720 were associated with a prominent reduction of the key effector Th2 cytokines IL-13, IL-4 and IL-5. Strikingly, FTY720 inhibited GATA3 and T1/ST2 expression which represent highly relevant markers for Th2 differentiation and Th2 effector function, respectively. Our data provide the first evidence that FTY720 exhibits beneficial prophylactic as well as therapeutic effects in Th2-mediated experimental colitis by directly affecting Th2 cytokine profiles probably by reducing T1/ST2, thus offering a new auspicious therapeutic instrument for the treatment of human ulcerative colitis.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Cells, Cultured; Colitis, Ulcerative; Disease Models, Animal; Fingolimod Hydrochloride; Immunosuppressive Agents; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Oxazolone; Propylene Glycols; Sphingosine; Th2 Cells

Our aim was to examine the effect of demethylnobiletin on various experimental models of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions and to determine its influence on the mediators and enzymes involved in these reactions.. DTH was induced in mice by oxazolone, dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) and sheep red blood cells (SRBC). The effect of demethylnobiletin on the ensuing DTH was studied, especially in relation to oedema formation, cell infiltration and tissue damage. Its activity on different mediators implicated in DTH reactions was also determined and its effect on nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-2 analysed. Finally, its influence on T lymphocyte proliferation, apoptosis and caspase 3 activity was tested.. DTH reactions were all reduced by demethylnobiletin. The experimental results suggest that the compound may act by reducing cell infiltration and by suppressing mediators such as interleukin-2 (IC50=1.63 microM), interleukin-4 (IC50=2.76 microM), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (IC50=0.66 microM), interferon-gamma (IC50=1.35 microM), and interleukin-1 beta (46% at 2.5 microM) and by concomitantly increasing the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-10. In addition, while demethylnobiletin affected nitric oxide production, it did not modify NOS-2 expression. Finally, demethylnobiletin inhibited proliferation of T cells and induced their apoptosis.. Demethylnobiletin decreased DTH reactions induced by various agents. This finding, along with the fact that the compound has a low toxicity and exhibits several other interesting properties, could pave the way for other structurally related citroflavonoids to be used as pharmacological agents in complementary therapies.

Topics: Animals; Apoptosis; Caspase 3; Cell Proliferation; Cytokines; Dinitrofluorobenzene; Disease Models, Animal; Erythrocytes; Female; Flavones; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; Humans; Hypersensitivity, Delayed; Inflammation Mediators; Mice; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Oxazolone; Sheep; T-Lymphocytes

Allergic contact dermatitis and contact hypersensitivity (CHS) are characterized by allergen-specific activation of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells and the production of cytokines resulting in an inflammatory response and tissue damage. We show here that the immunosuppressive compound leflunomide (N-[4-trifluoro-methylphenyl]-5-methylisoxazol-4 carboxamide, HWA 486) (LF) inhibited the contact allergic response induced in mice by epicutaneous application of the haptens dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) and oxazolone. The extent of ear swelling remained significantly reduced following repeated challenge with DNFB for up to 18 weeks. LF and DNFB had to be applied simultaneously for inhibition to occur. The loss of CHS responses was shown to be antigen-specific. Adoptive transfer of leukocytes from LF-treated mice into naïve mice resulted in a loss of CHS responsiveness. Transfer of both CD4+ and CD8+ cells was required for maximal loss of CHS responses, with CD8+ cells playing a major role. Significantly enhanced levels of IL-10 mRNA were detected in CD8+ T cells, but not in CD4+ T cells, following LF treatment of mice. LF also suppressed CHS responses in mice previously sensitized and challenged with hapten, when administered together with the hapten. Our data suggest that LF induces a long-lived tolerance in mice by inducing CD8+ and CD4+ regulatory T cells.

Topics: Allergens; Animals; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Dinitrofluorobenzene; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Immunosuppressive Agents; Interleukin-10; Isoxazoles; Leflunomide; Lymphocyte Activation; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Oxazolone; RNA, Messenger

The effects of the main constituent ginsenoside Re in ginseng and its metabolite, ginsenoside Rh1, were investigated in 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA)- and oxazolone-induced mouse ear dermatitis models. Ginsenoside Rh1 potently suppressed the TPA- and oxazolone-induced swellings as well as mRNA expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, although these were only weakly inhibited by ginsenoside Re.

Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Animals; Dermatitis; Disease Models, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Ginsenosides; Keratolytic Agents; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR; Oxazolone; Panax; Phytotherapy; Plant Roots; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate

Regulated migration and spatial localization of dendritic cells (DCs) are critical events during the initiation of physiologic immune responses and maintenance of tolerance. Here we have used cells deficient in the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASp) to demonstrate the importance of dynamic remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton for these trafficking processes to occur in vitro and in vivo. On fibronectin-coated surfaces, WASp-null immature murine DCs exhibited defects both of attachment and detachment, resulting in impaired net translocation compared with normal cells. The chemokinetic response to CCL21, which is critical for normal lymphatic trafficking, was also abrogated in the absence of WASp. In vivo in both fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and oxazolone contact hypersensitivity models, WASp-null Langerhans cell (LC) migration was compromised, as judged by exit from the skin as well as by homing to the draining lymph node (LN). Furthermore, following systemic challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or toxoplasma-derived antigen, WASp-null DCs showed incomplete redistribution to T-cell areas in the spleen. Instead, they were retained ectopically in the marginal zone. DC trafficking in vivo is therefore dependent on a normally regulated actin cytoskeleton, which performs an essential function during maintenance of physiologic immunity and when disturbed may contribute significantly to the immunopathology of Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome.

Topics: Animals; Bone Marrow Cells; Cell Movement; Chemokine CCL21; Chemokines, CC; Dendritic Cells; Dermatitis, Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Langerhans Cells; Lymph Nodes; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Oxazolone; Proteins; Skin; Spleen; T-Lymphocytes; Time Factors; Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome; Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein

In previous studies, we have shown that the oral administration of colonic proteins that have been haptenated (i.e., haptenated colonic proteins [HCPs]) with trinitrophenol (TNP) can protect mice from the subsequent induction of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid colitis. Inasmuch as this protection was mediated by regulatory cells that express the antigen-non-specific suppressor factors transforming growth factor-beta and interleukin-10, we reasoned that TNP-HCP feeding would also "cross-protect" mice from colitis induced by a different hapten, oxazolone. Indeed, we found that feeding TNP-HCP protected mice from the development of oxazolone-colitis, albeit to a lesser extent than it protected mice from trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid colitis. In addition, we showed that protection was associated with the appearance of mononuclear cells producing regulatory cytokines. These data strongly imply that the cells induced by feeding 1 type of haptenated protein are capable of cross-reacting with antigens present in colitis produced by a second type of haptenated protein. The cross-protection demonstrated in this study holds promise for the treatment of humans with inflammatory bowel disease because it shows that an appropriate fed antigen can induce regulatory cells that have the potential to suppress an inflammation induced by the unknown antigens causing this disease.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Administration, Oral; Animal Feed; Animals; Antigens; Colitis; Colon; Disease Models, Animal; Haptens; Interleukin-10; Male; Mice; Monocytes; Oxazolone; Picrates; Proteins; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid

This paper studies the disturbances in ionic secretion in the colon of rats with different models of acute and chronic colitis measured as changes in short-circuit current. The aim was to verify whether the reported inhibition of basal and stimulated secretion in the trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid and mytomicin C models are applicable to experimental colitis as such. All models showed remarkable similarity in ion transport as determined in Ussing chambers, with downregulated basal as well as carbachol evoked secretion. The EC(50) of carbachol was unchanged in all cases. Iodoacetamide and oxazolone colitis models were notable exceptions in that the dose response curves for carbachol were unaltered compared to controls. The reason is unclear but seems to be unrelated to either interferon gamma or interleukin 4 levels or to the severity of the inflammatory response.

Topics: Acetic Acid; Acute Disease; Alkylating Agents; Animals; Animals, Genetically Modified; Chloramines; Chronic Disease; Colitis; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Epithelial Cells; Female; HLA-B27 Antigen; Indicators and Reagents; Iodoacetamide; Ions; Oxazolone; Patch-Clamp Techniques; Rats; Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid

The purpose of this study was to examine the involvement of the transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) in inflammatory processes observed in murine allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Oxazolone-induced ACD evoked a significant ear swelling after 24-72 h. It was augmented in TRPV1 knockout mice at all time points and supported by histological analysis and measure of TNF-alpha. However, tissue swelling and cytokine generation was significantly reduced in both neurokinin 1 receptor and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) knockout mice. A protective involvement of the TRPV1 receptor was identified of contact dermatitis distinct from mechanisms involving the major pro-inflammatory neuropeptides.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Diterpenes; Ear Diseases; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Neutrophils; Oxazolone; Piperidines; Quinuclidines; Time Factors; TRPV Cation Channels

Glycyrrhizin (18beta-glycyrrhetinic acid-3-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-beta-D-glucuronide, GL) was transformed to 18beta-glycyrrhetinic acid-3-O-beta-D-glucuronide (GAMG) by Streptococcus LJ-22. The antiallergic activities of GL and GAMG was measured using a RBL cell assay system and contact hypersensitivity model mice. GAMG exhibited anti-allergic activity with IC50 values of 0.28 mM. GAMG, which is sweeter than GL, and 18beta-glycyrrhetinic acid, which is a GAMG metabolite by human intestinal bacteria, also inhibited the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis and skin contact inflammation. In conclusion, GAMG may be useful as a new sweet food additive and an anti-allergic agent.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Anti-Allergic Agents; beta-N-Acetylhexosaminidases; Cell Line; Dermatitis, Contact; Dexamethasone; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Glucuronides; Glycyrrhetinic Acid; Glycyrrhizic Acid; Humans; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Intestines; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR; Nitrites; Oxazolone; Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis; Streptococcus

Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cellular adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) is a cell surface molecule that has been proposed to negatively regulate T cell function. We have shown that CEACAM1 is associated with specific regulation of T helper cell (Th)1 pathways, T-bet-mediated Th1 cytokine signaling, and Th1-mediated immunopathology in vivo. Mice treated with anti-mouse CEACAM1-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) CC1 during the effector phase exhibited a reduced severity of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid colitis in association with decreased interferon (IFN)-gamma production. Although oxazolone colitis has been reported as Th2 mediated, mice treated with the CC1 mAb or a CEACAM1-Fc chimeric protein exhibited a reduced severity of colitis in association with a significant reduction of IFN-gamma and T-bet activation, whereas signal transducer and activator of antigen 4 activation was unaffected. Both interleukin-4 and IFN-gamma gene-deficient mice exhibited less severe colitis induction by oxazolone. Direct ligation of T cells in vitro with the murine hepatitis virus spike protein, a natural ligand for the N-domain of CEACAM1, inhibited the differentiation of naive cells into Th1 but not Th2 cells and activation of Th1 but not Th2 cytokine production. These results indicate that CEACAM1 isoforms are a novel class of activation-induced cell surface molecules on T cells that function in the specific regulation of Th1-mediated inflammation such as that associated with inflammatory bowel disease.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Carcinoembryonic Antigen; Colitis; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments; Inflammation; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-1; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Oxazolone; Recombinant Fusion Proteins; T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer; Th1 Cells

Since glycolipid biosynthesis is potentially involved in immunological and inflammatory responses, we tested the effect of a novel inhibitor of intracellular glycolipid biosynthesis N-(5-adamantane-1-yl-methoxy-pentyl)-deoxynojirimycin (AMP-DNM) in two hapten-induced colitis models: trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)- and oxazolone (4-ethoxymethylene-2phenyl-2oxazoline-5-one; Oxa)-induced colitis. AMP-DNM was given either by intraperitoneal injection or orally via the diet. Mice treated with AMP-DNM had less severe colitis and a more rapid weight recovery, less edema and less wall thickness. Cellular infiltration, goblet cell loss and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were reduced in colons of AMP-DNM-treated animals. Intralesional IFN-gamma and IL-18 production were lower in mice of the AMP-DNM-treated groups. Furthermore, AMP-DNM treatment reduced the serum anti-TNBS and anti-Oxa antibody levels. Our findings show that the glycolipid biosynthesis inhibitor AMP-DNM has a strong anti-inflammatory and immune suppressive activity on both TNBS- and Oxa-induced colitis. The data also provide evidence that glycolipid biosynthesis is involved in the inflammatory cascade in these inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) models.

Topics: 1-Deoxynojirimycin; Adamantane; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antibodies; Body Weight; Colitis; Colon; Disease Models, Animal; Enzyme Inhibitors; Glycolipids; Haptens; Immunoglobulin G; Immunosuppressive Agents; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-18; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Oxazolone; Peroxidase; Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid

Animal models are useful for studying disease, but there is a shortage of suitable models of ulcerative colitis. The aim of the present study was to set up an oxazolone-induced murine colitis model and use it to research the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease.. BALB/c mice were presensitized by painting the skin with 0.2 mL 3% oxazolone in 100% ethanol on days 0 and 1 followed by intrarectal administration of 0.15 mL 1% oxazolone in 50% ethanol on day 7. The disease activity index (DAI), histological changes of the colon, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and production of cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-4, IFN-gamma) by the mucosa were evaluated.. There were obvious changes in the DAI, histology and MPO activity, and the production of interleukin-4 was markedly increased compared with the concentrations of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma, which remained normal, in the lesions.. Oxazolone colitis is Th2-mediated and has similar histologic features and distribution of inflammation to ulcerative colitis (UC), which has important implications for the use of this model in the study of the pathogenesis and treatment of UC.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Colitis, Ulcerative; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Humans; Inflammation; Intestinal Mucosa; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Oxazolone; Peroxidase

Galanin is a neuropeptide widely distributed in the nervous system. The expression of galanin was investigated in murine contact allergy using immunohistochemistry, radioimmunoassay and in situ hybridization. Female BALB/c mice were sensitized with oxazolone and 6 days later challenged on the dorsal surface of ears, while control mice received vehicle. After 24 h, one ear was processed for immunostaining using a biotinylated fluorescence technique, while the other ear was frozen and processed for radioimmunoassay or in situ hybridization. Galanin immunoreactive nerve fibres were more numerous (p < 0.01) in the eczematous compared with control ears. Double-staining with antibody to the nerve fibre marker PGP (protein gene product) 9.5 revealed colocalization of PGP 9.5 and galanin in nerve fibres. Radioimmunoassay demonstrated a decrease (p < 0.04) in galanin concentration in eczematous compared with control ears. Our results suggest a role for galanin in murine contact allergy.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Galanin; Immunohistochemistry; In Situ Hybridization; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Nerve Fibers; Oxazolone; Radioimmunoassay

Activators of liver X receptors (LXR) stimulate epidermal differentiation and development, but inhibit keratinocyte proliferation. In this study, the anti-inflammatory effects of two oxysterols, 22(R)-hydroxy-cholesterol (22ROH) and 25-hydroxycholesterol (25OH), and a nonsterol activator of LXR, GW3965, were examined utilizing models of irritant and allergic contact dermatitis. Irritant dermatitis was induced by applying phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (TPA) to the surface of the ears of CD1 mice, followed by treatment with 22ROH, 25OH, GW3965, or vehicle alone. Whereas TPA treatment alone induced an approximately 2-fold increase in ear weight and thickness, 22ROH, 25OH, or GW3965 markedly suppressed the increase (greater than 50% decrease), and to an extent comparable to that observed with 0.05% clobetasol treatment. Histology also revealed a marked decrease in TPA-induced cutaneous inflammation in oxysterol-treated animals. As topical treatment with cholesterol did not reduce the TPA-induced inflammation, and the nonsterol LXR activator (GW3965) inhibited inflammation, the anti-inflammatory effects of oxysterols cannot be ascribed to a nonspecific sterol effect. In addition, 22ROH did not reduce inflammation in LXRbeta-/- or LXRalphabeta-/- animals, indicating that LXRbeta is required for this anti-inflammatory effect. 22ROH also caused a partial reduction in ear thickness in LXRalpha-/- animals, however (approximately 50% of that observed in wild-type mice), suggesting that this receptor also mediates the anti-inflammatory effects of oxysterols. Both ear thickness and weight increased (approximately 1.5-fold) in the oxazolone-induced allergic dermatitis model, and 22ROH and GW3965 reduced inflammation by approximately 50% and approximately 30%, respectively. Finally, immunohistochemistry demonstrated an inhibition in the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1alpha and tumor necrosis factor alpha in the oxysterol-treated sites from both TPA- and oxazolone-treated animals. These studies demonstrate that activators of LXR display potent anti-inflammatory activity in both irritant and allergic contact models of dermatitis, requiring the participation of both LXRalpha and LXRbeta. LXR activators could provide a new class of therapeutic agents for the treatment of cutaneous inflammatory disorders.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Carcinogens; Dermatitis, Irritant; Disease Models, Animal; DNA-Binding Proteins; Epidermis; Female; Hydroxycholesterols; Interleukin-1; Liver X Receptors; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Mice, Knockout; Orphan Nuclear Receptors; Oxazolone; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Exposure of skin to noxious environmental stimuli can cause allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), which is a major health risk. Epidemiological studies have determined that 40% of workers report that their jobs are very, or extremely, stressful, and the number of chemicals to which workers are exposed increases each year. We hypothesized that combined exposure to a workplace stressor and a sensitizing chemical would alter the time course and magnitude of the skin immune response. We assessed the mixed exposure of chemical and restraint stress using three potent skin sensitizers, 2,4 dinitrofluorbenzene (DNFB), dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC), and oxazolone, (OXA) on the ear swelling response in stress-susceptible BALB/c mice. Quantitative analyses showed that the dose-response relationship for each chemical followed a cubic trend. Although stress did not alter the shape of the curve, application of restraint stress on day 1 or on day 6 diminished the ear swelling response to 0.1% DNFB. However, if the concentration of the challenge dose was increased to a more irritating concentration, 0.25% DNFB, ear swelling was enhanced. Restraint stress applied on day 6 also increased ear swelling in response to the highly irritating sensitizer DCC, but not to the low-irritancy chemical OXA. These data support the hypothesis that dose-response relationships exist for sensitization with chemical and that restraint stress modulation of the ear swelling response is both chemical specific and dependent on the irritancy potential of the chemical.

Topics: Acute Disease; Administration, Topical; Animals; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide; Dinitrofluorobenzene; Disease Models, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic; Ear, External; Edema; Irritants; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Oxazolone; Restraint, Physical; Stress, Physiological

To understand further the possible clinical effects of tinidazole ointment at relatively high concentration (2%) for atopic dermatitis (AD), we performed a comparative study with readily available topical corticosteroids, clobetasol propionate (0.005 or 0.05%) and hydrocorotisone butyrate (0.1%) (hereafter referred as clobetasol and hydrocortisone, respectively), on inflammatory dermatitis in mice. We also observed the effects of combined application of tinidazole with clobetasol (0.005%, one tenth of the clinical use) in comparison with tinidazole itself, clobetasol (0.05%) or hydrocortisone (0.1%) on the animal model. All ointments suppressed inflammatory dermatitis induced by trinitrochlorobenzen (TNCB) or oxazolone. The rank order of the potency to suppress the ear edema was clobetasol (0.05%), tinidazole (2%) with clobetasol (0.005%) > clobetasol (0.005%) > tinidazole (2%) in TNCB-induced dermatitis, and hydrocortisone (0.1%), clobetasol (0.05%) > tinidazole (2%), tinidazole with clobetasol (0.005%) > clobetasol (0.005%) in case of oxazolone-induced dermatitis. We confirmed that tinidazole (2%) suppresses immediate and late phase reactions in mice passively sensitized with anti-DNP IgE Mab. In addition, tinidazole (2%) was much more potent than hydrocortisone (0.1%) in suppressing the amount of scratching, presumably due to itching, in passively sensitized mice. These results indicate that the advantage of using ointments of tinidazole would be that it has stronger anti-itching effects than corticosteroids.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Administration, Topical; Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Clobetasol; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dinitrophenols; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Therapy, Combination; Hydrocortisone; Immunoglobulin E; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Ointments; Ovalbumin; Oxazolone; Picryl Chloride; Tinidazole

Oxazolone colitis (OC) is an experimental colitis that has a histologic resemblance to human ulcerative colitis. Here we show that IL-13 production is a significant pathologic factor in OC since its neutralization by IL-13Ralpha2-Fc administration prevents colitis. We further show that OC is mediated by NK-T cells since it can be induced neither in mice depleted of NK-T cells nor in mice that cannot present antigen to NK-T cells and mice lacking an NK-T cell-associated TCR. Finally, we show that NK-T cells are the source of the IL-13, since they produce IL-13 upon stimulation by alpha-galactosylceramide, an NK-T cell-specific antigen. These data thus describe a cellular mechanism underlying an experimental colitis that may explain the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Colitis; Colitis, Ulcerative; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Interleukin-13; Killer Cells, Natural; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Oxazolone; Th2 Cells

To investigate the involvement of protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) in allergic dermatitis, we generated PAR-2-deficient (PAR-2(-/-)) mice. Ear thickness, contact hypersensitivity (CH) induced by topical application of picryl chloride (PC) or oxazolone (Ox) after sensitization, and vascular permeability after ear passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) were compared between wild-type (WT) and PAR-2(-/-) mice. Ear thickness was almost the same in untreated WT and PAR-2(-/-) mice. Topical application of PC or Ox thickened the ears at 6, 24 and 48 h after challenge with a peak at 24 h in WT mice. In PAR-2(-/-) mice, the ear swelling induced by both PC and Ox was suppressed at every time point, and significant inhibition was found at 24 h in PC-induced CH and at 24 and 48 h in Ox-induced CH. Histopathological observation of the ears at 24 h after challenge revealed that PC- or Ox-induced ear edema and infiltration of inflammatory cells in WT mice were greatly attenuated in PAR-2(-/-) mice. The vascular permeability in the ears after PCA was not different between WT and PAR-2(-/-) mice. These results strongly suggest that PAR-2 plays a crucial role in type IV allergic dermatitis but not in type I allergic dermatitis.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Hypersensitivity; Ear; Gene Deletion; Male; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Microscopy; Oxazolone; Picryl Chloride; Receptor, PAR-2; Receptors, Thrombin; Staining and Labeling; Time Factors

The anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activity of perilla leaf extract was investigated. The oral administration of perilla leaf extract to mice inhibited two types of acute inflammatory models, arachidonic acid-induced ear edema and 12-o-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced ear edema. Oral administration of perilla leaf extract also inhibited the contact dermatitis model, oxazolone-induced ear edema, by affecting sensitization.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Anti-Allergic Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Arachidonic Acid; Dermatitis, Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Edema; Magnoliopsida; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR; Oxazolone; Plant Extracts; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate

Oxazolone-induced colitis in the rat is an immune-driven model of human colitis. The aim of the present study was to measure the changes in the absorptive and exudative permeabilites, oedema formation, and local blood flow in this model during the development of inflammation. We also assessed the effects of acute (<1 h), topical glucocorticosteroid (GCS) treatment on these factors.. Colitis was induced by local instillation of oxazolone in previously sensitized animals. Calculating the 40-min plasma-equivalent extravascular volume quantitated the plasma exudation rate. This was determined by using labelled albumin as marker for total tissue content of plasma and Evans blue content as marker for the intravascular volume. Absorptive permeability was simultaneously measured as uptake of rectally administered (51Cr)-labelled ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). In separate experiments regional blood flows were measured by means of the labelled microsphere method.. At both 3 and 24 h after challenge marked enhancements of both exudative and absorptive permeabilities were found. At 24 h there was also an increase in local blood flow. GCS treatment abolished all of the hyperaemia and the main part of the exudative response but had no significant effect on the absorptive permeability.. In this model immunologic mechanisms induce permeability and blood flow changes similar to those in the human disease. It seems suitable for the study of GCS and other anti-inflammatory or immune-modulating drugs.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Budesonide; Colitis; Colon; Disease Models, Animal; Edetic Acid; Endothelium; Epithelium; Female; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Intestine, Small; Oxazolone; Permeability; Rats

P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL-1) is a sialomucin expressed on leukocytes that mediates neutrophil rolling on the vascular endothelium. Here, the role of PSGL-1 in mediating lymphocyte migration was studied using mice lacking PSGL-1. In a contact hypersensitivity model, the infiltration of CD4(+) T lymphocytes into the inflamed skin was reduced in PSGL-1-deficient mice. In vitro-generated T helper (Th)1 cells from PSGL-1-deficient mice did not bind to P-selectin and migrated less efficiently into the inflamed skin than wild-type Th1 cells. To assess the role of PSGL-1 in P- or E-selectin-mediated migration of Th1 cells, the cells were injected into E- or P-selectin-deficient mice. PSGL-1-deficient Th1 cells did not migrate into the inflamed skin of E-selectin-deficient mice, indicating that PSGL-1 on Th1 cells is the sole ligand for P-selectin in vivo. In contrast, PSGL-1-deficient Th1 cells migrated into the inflamed skin of P-selectin-deficient mice, although less efficiently than wild-type Th1 cells. This E-selectin-mediated migration of PSGL-1-deficient or wild-type Th1 cells was not altered by injecting a blocking antibody to L-selectin. These data provide evidence that PSGL-1 on Th1 cells functions as one of the E-selectin ligands in vivo.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Chemotaxis, Leukocyte; CHO Cells; Cricetinae; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Disease Models, Animal; E-Selectin; Ligands; Membrane Glycoproteins; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Oxazolone; P-Selectin; Skin; Th1 Cells

The T-cell-mediated contact hypersensitivity reaction (CHR) is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of clinical cutaneous disorders including atopic dermatitis. A novel diaminouracil derivative, CX-659S, has been reported to have an inhibitory activity against picryl chloride (PC)-induced CHR when administered either orally or percutaneously. The inhibitory effect of topical CX-659S was assessed in three CHR models in the present study. In addition, to elucidate the mechanism of action of this compound, we examined the effect of CX-659S on the expression of messenger RNAs for proinflammatory cytokines after elicitation in PC models.. For the in vivo evaluation of the efficacy of CX-659S, we used PC- or oxazolone-induced CHR in mice and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced CHR in guinea pigs. CX-659S was topically applied immediately after the hapten challenge in each model. To assess the effect on gene expression of cytokines, we used the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), a semiquantitative technique with specific primers.. Topical CX-659S dose-dependently inhibited ear swelling at 24 h after the challenge in the two mouse models. This inhibitory effect was histologically confirmed in the PC model. Topically applied CX-659S also inhibited erythema and edema formation 24 h after challenge in the guinea pig model. CX-659S inhibited the expression of mRNA for proinflammatory cytokines IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha in vivo.. Topically applied CX-659S showed significant inhibitory activities against CHR models both in mice and in guinea pigs. Inhibition profiles of CX-659S toward mRNA expression for proinflammatory cytokines corroborated these findings. CX-659S thus could be a useful therapeutic agent for allergic cutaneous disorders such as allergic contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Base Sequence; Dermatitis, Contact; Dinitrochlorobenzene; Disease Models, Animal; DNA Primers; Guinea Pigs; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Interleukin-1; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR; Oxazolone; RNA, Messenger; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Uracil

The intention of the present study was to develop a new hapten-based inflammatory bowel disease model in the rat, useful for pharmacologic screening of new substances with anti-inflammatory properties and immunomodulating capacities. It was considered important to avoid the use of an irritating barrier breaker, such as ethanol.. Dark Agouti rats were skin-sensitized with oxazolone and further challenged intra-rectally with oxazolone dissolved in carmellose sodium (Orabase)/peanut oil. The effects of treatment with budesonide, prednisolone, cyclosporin A, and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) were studied.. The intra-rectal challenge with oxazolone in sensitized rats induced an inflammation with an increased colon wet weight, pronounced myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and hyperemia/ulcerations in the epithelial lining. Improvement was achieved by treatment with budesonide, prednisolone, and cyclosporin A but not with 5-ASA.. The model fulfills the criteria for a fast, reproducible animal model for human colon inflammation, suitable for pharmacologic screening and studies of an immune-driven colon inflammation.

Topics: Animals; Budesonide; Colitis; Colon; Cyclosporine; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Intestinal Mucosa; Mesalamine; Organ Size; Oxazolone; Peroxidase; Rats; Time Factors

In this study we describe oxazolone colitis, a new form of experimental colitis. This model is induced in SJL/J mice by the rectal instillation of the haptenating agent, oxazolone, and is characterized by a rapidly developing colitis confined to the distal half of the colon; it consists of a mixed neutrophil/lymphocyte infiltration limited to the superficial layer of the mucosa which is associated with ulceration. Oxazolone colitis is a T helper cell type 2 (Th2)-mediated process since stimulated T cells from lesional tissue produce markedly increased amounts of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5; in addition, anti-IL-4 administration leads to a striking amelioration of disease, whereas anti-IL-12 administration either has no effect or exacerbates disease. Finally, this proinflammatory Th2 cytokine response is counterbalanced by a massive transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) response which limits both the extent and duration of disease: lesional (distal) T cells manifest a 20-30-fold increase in TGF-beta production, whereas nonlesional (proximal) T cells manifest an even greater 40-50-fold increase. In addition, anti-TGF-beta administration leads to more severe inflammation which now involves the entire colon. The histologic features and distribution of oxazolone colitis have characteristics that resemble ulcerative colitis (UC) and thus sharply distinguish this model from most other models, which usually resemble Crohn's disease. This feature of oxazolone colitis as well as its cytokine profile have important implications to the pathogenesis and treatment of UC.

Topics: Administration, Rectal; Animals; Antibodies; Colitis; Colitis, Ulcerative; Colon; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Inflammation; Interleukin-4; Interleukins; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Oxazolone; Th2 Cells

Ear edema models are regularly used for topical testing of antiinflammatory compounds. However, test compounds are usually applied simultaneously with proinflammatory agents at the same site which may result in mutual interactions. In order to avoid the occurrence of false antiinflammatory effects, a model of oxazolone-induced contact hypersensitivity has been described in which the hapten and test compound are each applied separately to only one side of the ear. By splitting and weighing the dorsal and ventral cutis of the ears, it was shown that the edemateous response of the control nonhapten side was comparable with the hapten-treated side. Some agents with antiinflammatory properties, as for example, dapsone, cimetidine, cyclosporine A, and budesonide, were tested simultaneously with oxazolone on both sides of the ear or applied separately on the dorsal and ventral ear sides, respectively. When dissolving the compounds in solutions of oxazolone, marked colorations of the test solutions were noted, indicating the occurrence of a chemical interaction. On simultaneous application at the same area, almost complete inhibition of the edemateous response was obtained for all compounds tested. In contrast, when applied separately, only budesonide appeared to exhibit antiinflammatory activity. The results indicate that the proposed model can be used to avoid the occurrence of interactions between oxazolone, and possibly other sensitizers, and substances that are being evaluated for topical antiinflammatory activity. By use of this model spurious antiinflammatory activity can be detected.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Artifacts; Budesonide; Dermatitis, Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Interactions; Ear; Edema; False Positive Reactions; Female; Haptens; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Organ Size; Oxazolone; Toxicity Tests

Cyclophosphamide given before allergen and recombinant interleukin-12 administered at the time of allergic sensitization substantially increase the acquisition of allergic contact dermatitis in the mouse. Since their immunoadjuvant mechanisms appeared different, it seemed probable that combining cyclophosphamide pretreatment with interleukin 12 administration would result in a more intense allergic contact dermatitis than when either agent was used alone. This was tested in different groups of mice sensitized to dinitrofluorobenzene or to oxazolone. Consistently, immunopotentiation of allergic contact dermatitis was significantly greater with the two immunoadjuvants than with either alone. This immunoadjuvant combination is likely to find use in immunization protocols designed to induce a Th-1 helper cell response.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Allergens; Animals; Cyclophosphamide; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Dinitrofluorobenzene; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Synergism; Female; Immunization; Interleukin-12; Irritants; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Inbred Strains; Oxazolone; Th1 Cells; Up-Regulation

Contact dermatitis is a cutaneous inflammatory reaction mediated by hapten-specific T cells. We used a murine model to investigate the contact sensitivity reaction elicited by different concentrations (optimal and suboptimal) of the haptens DNFB and oxazolone applied singly or in combination. The simultaneous application of DNFB and oxazolone at optimal concentrations (0.2% and 0.4% respectively) did not significantly increase the ear swelling response induced by each of the allergens when applied singly. No contact sensitivity response was observed when the haptens were tested individually at subthreshold concentrations (0.05% and 0.1% respectively). However, mixing the 2 molecules at the same concentrations gave rise to a clinical contact sensitivity reaction. The simultaneous application of the haptens at a 2 x higher, but still suboptimal concentrations (0.1% and 0.2% respectively), elicited an inflammatory response that was significantly greater than the responses elicited by either of the haptens when applied separately. These results suggest that a "false-positive" reaction to a mix may reveal a genuine sensitization to the constituents.

Topics: Animals; Dermatitis, Contact; Dinitrofluorobenzene; Disease Models, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; False Positive Reactions; Female; Haptens; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Oxazolone; Patch Tests

Topics: Animals; Dermatitis, Contact; Dinitrochlorobenzene; Disease Models, Animal; Guinea Pigs; Humans; Immunoassay; Immunosuppressive Agents; Lymph Nodes; Male; Oxazolone; Tacrolimus

ETH615 (4-[2-quinolylmethoxy]-N-[3-fluorobenzyl]-phenylaminometh yl-4-benzoic acid) is a potent inhibitor of leukotriene biosynthesis in A23187-stimulated leukocytes, and of IL-8 gene expression in LPS-stimulated PBMC. It shows anti-inflammatory activity in a canine model of dermal inflammation. A topical formulation is present in phase II clinical trials. In the present study the effect of ETH615 on oxazolone-induced acute inflammation and phorbol ester-induced chronic inflammation in the mouse ear was investigated. Betamethasone (0.04 mg/ear) and ETH615 (1-1.5 mg/ear) significantly inhibited both the oedema formation and the PMN infiltration. The cream and ointment formulations of ETH615 developed for clinical studies were equally active. ETH615 is thus an anti-inflammatory agent in these murine models of dermatosis.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Betamethasone; Dermatitis; Disease Models, Animal; Ear; Edema; Gene Expression; Interleukin-8; Leukotriene B4; Mice; Oxazolone; Peroxidase; Quinolines; T-Lymphocytes; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate

Environmental influences are increasingly recognized as nonspecific modulators triggering and aggravating allergic diseases. To obtain better insight into the pathomechanisms of these nonantigen-specific phenomena, we studied the augmenting and inhibitory effects of croton oil and glucocorticosteroid (GC) on the induction of murine allergic contact dermatitis. Application of the irritant croton oil simultaneously with the sensitization dose of the contact allergen oxazolone strongly amplified the inflammatory reaction (measured as ear swelling) during the effector phase. Immunohistologically, this effect correlated with an increased percentage of MRP8- and MRP14-positive phagocytes in the infiltrate of the early inflammatory reaction 8 h after sensitization with oxazolone plus croton oil as compared to oxazolone alone (62 vs. 27%; p < 0.05). Intravenously administered GC was used as an inhibitor of contact sensitization. The suppressive effect of GC on sensitization was dependent on the time of its application: suppression of the inflammatory reaction during the effector phase was clearly more pronounced when GC had been injected 1 day as compared to 1 h before sensitization. Correspondingly, the percentage of BM8-positive macrophages in the infiltrate of the early inflammatory reaction 8 h after sensitization was differentially decreased depending on the time of GC application: suppression of the percentage of BM8-positive macrophages was clearly more pronounced when GC had been injected 1 day as compared to 1 h before sensitization (17 vs. 25%; base value without GC 35%; p < 0.05). Furthermore, the percentage of BM8-positive macrophages in the inflammatory infiltrate of the effector phase was increased when sensitization had been enhanced by concomitant irritant contact dermatitis (47 vs. 59%; p < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Croton Oil; Dermatitis, Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Immunization; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Immunophenotyping; Macrophages; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Oxazolone; Phagocytes; Triamcinolone Acetonide

In this study, we investigated whether mice given ultraviolet (UV)-B (280-320 nm) radiation in doses sufficient to alter cutaneous immune cells and impair the induction of contact hypersensitivity would also have impaired resistance to infectious agents administered at the site of UV irradiation. C3H mice were exposed to 400 J/m2 UVR from FS40 sunlamps on four consecutive days. Immediately after the last UV treatment, groups of mice were injected subcutaneously with Candida albicans, injected intradermally (ID) with Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), or infected percutaneously with Schistosoma mansoni in UV-irradiated skin. The induction of the delayed hypersensitivity response to C. albicans and BCG, as assessed by footpad swelling, was unaffected by UV irradiation. However, the number of viable mycobacteria recovered from the lymphoid organs of BCG-infected mice was increased significantly in the UV-irradiated animals for a period of more than 2 months. Low-dose UV irradiation of the skin at the site of infection did not influence the number of S. mansoni parasites recoverable from the internal organs of mice that had been infected with cercariae percutaneously 6 weeks earlier. We conclude that the ability of UV radiation to impair the development of cell-mediated immunity to antigens introduced in a UV-irradiated site is not universal and depends on the particular antigen administered. We hypothesize that the involvement of epidermal Langerhans cells as the primary antigen-presenting cells in the induction of cell-mediated immunity may be the critical factor in determining whether a particular immune response will be affected by local UV irradiation.

Topics: Animals; Candida albicans; Candidiasis; Cell Count; Dendritic Cells; Dermatitis, Contact; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Eruptions; Female; Hypersensitivity, Delayed; Mice; Mice, Inbred C3H; Mycobacterium bovis; Oxazolone; Schistosoma mansoni; Schistosomiasis mansoni; Tuberculosis; Ultraviolet Rays

The ability of dendritic cells (DC) to acquire and present antigen to T cells during antigen-induced nonresponsiveness (AINR) in contact sensitivity was examined by studying cells from lymph nodes draining the sites of antigen challenge. Mice were pretreated on the right flank with either vehicle (AOO), oxazolone (Ox), or fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and challenged 5, 10, or 20 days later with FITC on the left flank. At 5, 10, and 20 days, compared with animals pretreated with vehicle and challenged with FITC, those pretreated and challenged with FITC showed reduced acquisition of antigen by DC and the DC showed a reduced ability to stimulate naive T cells in vitro. Proliferation of T cells immediately on isolation (reflecting in vivo activity) was also reduced. When the time between pretreatment and challenge was extended to 40 days, the proliferative responses and antigen acquisition returned to normal. Animals sensitized with Ox and challenged with FITC showed nonspecific inhibition of T cell proliferation at 5 days only and not at later times and antigen levels on the DC from these animals were normal. The results show that low T cell proliferation during specific AINR in contact sensitivity may be a consequence of reduced acquisition and presentation of antigen by DC.

Topics: Animals; Cell Count; Cell Division; Cells, Cultured; Dendritic Cells; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate; Lymph Nodes; Mice; Mice, Inbred CBA; Oxazolone; Skin; T-Lymphocytes

We have examined in a murine model, the potential of the oral mucosa (OM) to serve as inductive and/or expression site(s) of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions. The expression of DTH reactions in the murine buccal mucosa was studied after topical application of oxazolone or picryl chloride onto the OM of animals previously sensitized with either hapten. Irrespective of the site of priming (skin or buccal mucosa), inflammatory cells appeared in the OM following buccal elicitation with the pertinent hapten. The density of infiltrating cells peaked at 24 h after hapten elicitation. Such inflammatory reactions, which comprised mainly mononuclear cells at 24 h, were preceded by an early inflammatory reaction that developed only in animals previously sensitized at skin sites. This early reaction, comprising mainly PMN neutrophils, peaked at 6-8 h, declined by 8-16 h, and was not observed in mice previously sensitized in the buccal mucosa. The 24 h reactions failed to develop in nude mice similarly treated, in intact unsensitized mice, as well as in animals sensitized with an irrelevant hapten. These reactions could be adoptively transferred to naive animals by LN cells but not by serum from sensitized syngeneic donors. Furthermore, LN cell suspensions depleted of T cells failed to transfer sensitization for subsequent OM DTH. Topical application of contact sensitizing haptens onto OM induced priming for subsequent DTH reactions elicited with recall antigen applied at a distant skin site or at a local buccal site. These results demonstrate that the OM has the capacity to serve both as an inductive and as an expression site for T cell-mediated inflammatory reactions, be these expressed or induced at local mucosal sites or at remote systemic (skin) sites. This animal model should be valuable for studying the regulation of T cell-mediated inflammatory responses at mucosal surfaces.

Topics: Administration, Buccal; Administration, Cutaneous; Animals; Cell Count; Cell Movement; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Hypersensitivity; Female; Hypersensitivity, Delayed; Immunity, Cellular; Immunotherapy, Adoptive; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C3H; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mouth Mucosa; Oxazolone; Picryl Chloride; T-Lymphocytes

Vitiligo is a human disorder which destroys pigment cells in the skin, ears, eyes, and meningeal tissues and has often been associated with a variety of autoimmune disorders. The C57BL/Ler-vit/vit mouse is a mutant strain that exhibits a loss of epidermal pigment cells and a selective cell-mediated immune deficiency to epicutaneous-administered allergens. This observation is consistent with that observed in humans with vitiligo, who also exhibit loss of contact hypersensitivity (CHS), that appears to be associated with loss of pigment cells from the epidermis. Other cellular immune parameters such as delayed type hypersensitivity and antibody generation to both particulate and soluble Ag are normal or even hyperimmune in the vit/vit mice compared with congenic C57BL/6 controls. Cyclophosphamide treatment could reconstitute CHS responsiveness of the vit/vit mice to the allergen dinitrofluorobenzene. Further, this loss of CHS responsiveness to dinitrofluorobenzene could be restored with skin transplants from normal pigmented C57BL/6 mice to vit/vit mice. Normal C57BL/6 mice bearing white skin grafts from vit/vit mice did not contact sensitize. We suggest that this vit/vit mouse strain may serve as an excellent system to investigate various aspects of other contact hypersensitivity reactions as well as vitiligo.

Topics: Animals; Antibody Formation; Antigens, Surface; Dermatitis, Contact; Dinitrofluorobenzene; Disease Models, Animal; Ficoll; Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; Hypersensitivity, Delayed; Immunization, Passive; Langerhans Cells; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Mutant Strains; Oxazolone; Phenotype; Picryl Chloride; Skin Transplantation; Thy-1 Antigens; Vitiligo

The effect of acute infection with the Tulahuén strain of Trypanosoma cruzi on the cellular immune response in Swiss mice was studied. Mice were immunized with either Freund's complete adjuvant or oxazolone, a skin sensitizing agent, and subsequently skin-tested with either BCG protoplasm or oxazolone to detect delayed hypersensitivity. Depression of the response to these antigens was observed in infected mice during the stage of marked parasitemia. Mice which were responsive to oxazolone before infection lost their ability to respond as the infection progressed. When immunized with live attenuated T. cruzi before infection with virulent organisms, mice developed a greater than normal sensitivity to oxazolone and survived infection. These experiments do not conclude whether immunosuppression due to infection with T. cruzi is directed toward induction or expression of the cell-mediated immune response to the antigens employed.

Topics: Animals; Antigens; BCG Vaccine; Chagas Disease; Disease Models, Animal; Freund's Adjuvant; Hypersensitivity, Delayed; Immunity, Cellular; Immunization; Immunosuppression Therapy; Male; Mice; Mycobacterium bovis; Oxazolone; Trypanosoma cruzi

Snell-Bagg pituitary dwarf mice are an autosomal recessive mutant, their dwarfism being the result of an anterior pituitary defect. A number of investigators have reported that these mice, in addition to having hormonal deficiencies, have immunological defects. Dwarf mice reject allogenic skin grafts slowly, show a reduced response to contact agents and decreased graft-vs-host reactivity. Other investigators have suggested that these results indicate a thymus-cell-deficiency. Contrary to this conclusion, we have found that the thymuses in our dwarf mice have a normal cellular composition and the T-cell-dependent zones in the peripheral lymphoid tissues are not deficient in the lymphocytes. Therefore, this investigation was undertaken to study the response of dwarf mice to the hapten, oxazolone, which produces one type of T-cell-dependent response, delayed hypersensitivity, and to compare this response to that of normal littermates in animals 15 to 90 days of age.

Topics: Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Dwarfism, Pituitary; Hypersensitivity, Delayed; Lymph Nodes; Lymphoid Tissue; Mice; Oxazoles; Oxazolone; Rodent Diseases; Skin; Skin Tests; Thymus Gland