"Effectiveness of Acanthopanax Senticosus Harms in a Mouse Model of Nickel Allergy"

Although metal allergies are thought to develop in a T cell-dependent manner, no appropriate animal model currently exists. Further, since the molecular mechanisms of the allergic reactions are not completely understood, a fundamental treatment method has not been established. Acanthopanax senticosus Harms (ASH) is a plant known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of ASH using a mouse model of nickel allergy. Nickel was selected since it is frequently used for dental metals and metal ornaments. The mice were divided into a group to which a regular solid diet (control group) was given and a group to which ASH was added to the regular solid diets (ASH group). A mixed solution of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and nickel chloride (NiCl 2 ) was intraperitoneally administered to sensitize. Seven days after sensitization, a NiCl 2 solution was injected intradermally into the pinna to induce nickel allergy. For the evaluation of allergic reactions, the thickness of the pinna, the histopathological evaluation of the pinna, and the measurement of cytokines in the serum of mice were performed. In the ASH group, pinna swelling was significantly reduced at 24 and 48 h time points and lymphocyte infiltration was attenuated, compared with those in the control group. In vitro examinations showed that ASH suppressed TNF- and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production in human peripheral blood. These results of this study suggest that ASH has a preventive effect on nickel allergy.