Though the effects of acupuncture in
atopic dermatitis have been proven in clinical studies, its mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigate the effectiveness and mechanism of action for
acupuncture treatment on the LI11 meridian point for treatment of
allergic contact dermatitis. BALB/c mice received
1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (
DNCB) application to induce skin
inflammation.
Acupuncture treatment on LI11 significantly inhibited cutaneous
hyperplasia, serum
IgE levels, and expression of proinflammatory
cytokine (IL-4, IL-8, and TNF- α )
mRNA and NF- κ B, ERK1/2, JNK, and p38
proteins.
Acupuncture treatment of local points also inhibited cutaneous
hyperplasia and serum
IgE levels; however, it was not effective in regulating proinflammatory
cytokines and
proteins. In addition, LI11 treatment is more effective at reducing serum
IgE levels and pro-inflammatory
cytokines and
proteins than local point treatment. These results suggest that
acupuncture treatment is effective in alleviating
allergic contact dermatitis by reducing pro-inflammatory
cytokines and
proteins.