Comparison of immunopharmacological actions of 8 kinds of kampo-hozais clinically used in atopic dermatitis on delayed-type hypersensitivity in mice

We studied here the effects of 8 kinds of kampo-hozais clinically used to t reat atopic dermatitis (Shofu-san, Toki-inshi, Unsei-in, Oren-gedoku-to, Ji -zuso-ippo, Jumi-haidoku-to, Juzen-taiho-to, Hochu-ekki-to) on delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), using three types of murine models such as picryl chloride (PC)-induced (contact hypersensitivity), sheep red blood cell (SRB C)-induced (Jones-Mote's reaction) and tuberculin-induced DTH response, in order to clarify and to compare the immunopharmacological action of kampo-h ozais. Most of the kampo-hozais investigated here suppressed PC-induced con tact hypersensitivity, Especially at the inductive phase. Comparing the eff icacies of these kampo-hozais on the three types of DTH responses in mice, they were generally divided into 4 groups. Shofu-san significantly reduced PC-induced and tuberculin-induced DTH responses but not a SRBC-induced DTH response. On the other hand, Toki-inshi reduced contact hypersensitivity, t uberculin type DTH response and Jones-Mote's reaction. Ji-zuso-ippo and Juz en-taiho-to suppressed mainly Jones-Mote's reaction, and Unsei-in, Oren-ged oku-to and Jumi-haidoku-to intensively suppressed contact hypersensitivity. We thought that these findings could help us understand how to use these k ampo-hozais properly.