Atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as
atopic eczema, is a chronic pruritic inflammatory
skin disease. The available systemic
therapies for
atopic dermatitis are inadequate. Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the Chinese herbal formula
Pei Tu Qing Xin (PTQX) on
dermatitis severity and ear swelling,
immunomodulation, and the infiltration of mast cells in a mouse model of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene- (
DNCB-) induced AD. Methods. AD-like symptoms were induced by
DNCB in NC/Nga mice. Skin lesions,
dermatitis, ear swelling, and scratching behaviour were evaluated. Changes in the T-helper type 1 (Th1), Th2, Th17, and regulatory T (Treg) subtypes and immunoregulation in the spleen and lymph nodes were detected by flow cytometry. Results. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated that PTQX decreased the
DNCB-mediated induction of mast cells and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the ear and dorsal skin. PTQX also reduced the
DNCB-induced increase in the serum
immunoglobulin E level,
pruritus, and
dermatitis (red, flaky areas) on the dorsal skin. Furthermore, PTQX regulated the balance between the populations of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells (particularly the latter two) in the lymph nodes. Conclusions. Our results suggest that the Chinese herbal formula PTQX can alleviate symptoms of AD, such as epithelial damage, redness, swelling, and
pruritus, and potentially be used to treat this condition.