Dehydroepiandrosterone attenuates the spontaneous elevation of serum IgE level in NC/Nga mice

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DH EA) and its sulfate derivatives are known to aff ect host immune function, however if such hormones influence the developmen t of atopic dermatitis has not yet been clarified. In this study, we examin ed the effects of DHEA on the allergic process using NC/Nga mouse, a model animal of human atopic dermatitis. The administration of DHEA profoundly su ppressed the spontaneous elevation of both serum IgE and interleukin-6 leve ls in NC/Nga mice during the observation period. These results indicate tha t DHEA promotes a shift in Th1/Th2 balance toward Th1-dominant immunity, an d thus may be one of the effective alternatives in treating atopic dermatit is. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.