Planta Med 2005; 71(5): 424-428
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-864137
Original Paper
Pharmacology
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Topical Application of Luteolin Inhibits Scratching Behavior Associated with Allergic Cutaneous Reaction in Mice

Liu Baolin1 , Wu Weiwei1 , Tang Ning1
  • 1Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
Further Information

Publication History

Received: July 26, 2004

Accepted: December 12, 2004

Publication Date:
01 June 2005 (online)

Abstract

The present study is aimed at evaluating the effects of luteolin on the scratching behavior associated with an allergic cutaneous reaction in mice. Elicitation of passive cutaneous anaphylaxis, and intradermal injections of compound 48/80, histamine or serotonin induced scratching behavior in ICR mice. Models of irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis were prepared by the topical application of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) on the ears of mice. Topical application of luteolin at concentrations of 20 and 100 μg/site significantly inhibited the number of scratching incidents associated with passive cutaneous anaphylaxis, and a similar tendency was also observed in histamine-, serotonin- and compound 48/80-evoked cutaneous reactions. The vascular permeability increase induced by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis or histamine injection was also significantly reduced by luteolin. Luteolin showed a potent inhibition on the ear thickness increase in models of irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. In conclusion, luteolin significantly inhibited the scratching behavior associated with allergic cutaneous anaphylaxis. Its effects against pruritus are mainly attributed to its inhibition of mediator release from activated mast cells and direct antagonist effects on the released mediators which may act as local pruritogens.

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Liu Baolin

Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica

China Pharmaceutical University

Nanjing 210038

People’s Republic of China

Fax: +86-025-5288-3499

Email: NJLBL55@SOHU.com