Chinese Journal of Dermatology ›› 2011, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (4): 282-284.

• Research reports • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Effects of topical application of camellia oil on the development of allergic contact dermatitis

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  • Received:2010-05-25 Revised:2010-12-07 Online:2011-04-15 Published:2011-04-01

Abstract:

Objective To observe the effects of camellia oil on the development of allergic contact dermatitis in mice. Methods Mice models of allergic contact dermatitis were established with dinitrofluorobene (DNFB). Then, certain concentrations of camellia oil and halcinonide were used topically on the ears of mouse models twice daily for 6 days. Skin specimens were obtained from the treated ears and subjected to histology examination and pathological analysis. RT-PCR was performed to detect the mRNA expressions of interleukin 2 (IL-2) and interferon γ (IFN-γ) in the skin tissues. Results Allergic contact dermatitis was successfully induced by DNFB in mice with a marked increase in the mRNA expression of IL-2 and IFN-γ. There was a slight decrease in the ear swelling degree, inflammatory reaction intensity, number of infiltrating inflammatory cells, and pathological severity in camellia oil-treated mice and halcinonide-treated mice compared with glycerine-treated mice. Camellia oil and halcinonide also induced different degrees of reduction in the mRNA expression of IL-2 and IFN-γ in inflammatory tissues. Conclusion Camellia oil can alleviate the pathological damage and down-regulate the expression of IL-2 and IFN-γ in mice with DNFB-induced allergic contact dermatitis.

Key words: allergic contact dermatitis