[Effects of VOR on asthmatic BALB/c mice and on immune-activity of Th17 cells].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To study the anti-asthmatic effects of Volatile oil of Radix Angelicae Sinensis (VOR, Traditional Chinese Medicine) on asthmatic BALB/c mice and its effect on Th17 cell immuno-activity through IL-17A and RORγt. METHODS: After grouping (n=12), the asthmatic BALB/c mice were replicated through injection of ovalbumin (OVA) for sensitization and administration of OVA aerosol for challenge and then, the asthmatic behaviors, respiratory function, lung histopathology as well as levels of IL-17A in serum and retinoid-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt) in lung tissue were observed after the action of VOR. RESULTS: VOR could maintain normal growth of body weight in asthmatic mice, improve asthmatic behaviors, respiratory function, lung histopathology and, inhibit over-expression of IL-17A and RORγt (P<0.05, 0.01) at 60, 120, 240 mg/kg doses. The combination of VOR and dexamethasone could bring synergistic effects on growth of body weight and expression of IL-17A and RORγt. CONCLUSIONS: VOR has significant effects of anti-asthma and one of the mechanisms is to inhibit immune activity of Th17 cell through relieving over-expression of IL-17 and RORγt. Besides, the combination of VOR and glucocorticoid could bring synergistic effects.