RESUMO
AIMS: Betula platyphylla (B. platyphylla) has traditionally been used in Korea to treat inflammatory diseases. However, the exact mechanism that accounts for the anti-inflammatory effect of B. platyphylla is not completely understood. The aim of the present study is to elucidate whether and how B. platyphylla modulates the mast cell-mediated allergy inflammation in vitro and in vivo. MAIN METHODS: We investigated to ascertain the pharmacological effects of B. platyphylla on both compound 48/80 or histamine-induced scratching behaviors and 2, 4-dinitrochlrobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis in mice. Additionally, to find a possible explanation for the anti-inflammatory effects of B. platyphylla, we evaluated the effects of B. platyphylla on the release of histamine in compound 48/80-induced rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs), production of inflammatory mediators and activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and caspase-1 in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI)-stimulated human mast cells (HMC-1). KEY FINDINGS: The finding of this study demonstrated that B. platyphylla reduced compound 48/80 or histamine-induced scratching behaviors and DNFB-induced atopic dermatitis in mice. Additionally, B. platyphylla inhibited the release of histamine in RPMC and production of inflammatory cytokines as well as the activation of NF-κB and caspase-1 in stimulated HMC-1. SIGNIFICANCE: Collectively, the findings of this study provide us with novel insights into the pharmacological actions of B. platyphylla as a potential molecule for use in the treatment of allergic inflammatory diseases.