Electroacupuncture Attenuates Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Asthma via Modulating CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells. (10th May 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kwon, Youngjoo; Sohn, Sung-Hwa; Lee, Gihyun; Kim, Youngeun; Lee, Hyejung; Shin, Minkyu; Bae, Hyunsu
• Other Names: Li Xiu-Min Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-05-10
• Subjects: Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; 615.505
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/647308
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1741-427X

Abstract

Abstract : A mouse pulmonary hypersensitivity experimental model that mimics human asthma was developed, and electroacupuncture (EA) treatment was shown to reduce allergic inflammatory processes. In addition, we also assessed whether the beneficial effects of EA on allergic asthma could be correlated with CD4 + CD25 + Foxp3 + regulatory T cells (Treg). Cellular profiles and histopathologic analysis demonstrated that peribronchial and perivascular inflammatory cell infiltrates were significantly decreased in the EA-treated groups when compared to the OVA and anti-CD25 Ab-injected (Treg depletion) groups. Furthermore, total BAL cells were reduced in the EA groups when compared to other groups. Interestingly, the population of CD4 + CD25 + Foxp3 + Tregs in pneumonocytes increased in EA-treated group when compared to OVA and Treg depletion groups. These results imply that EA stimulation at ST 36 may affect CD4 + CD25 + Foxp3 + Treg in an OVA-induced experimental model and may enhance Treg function by suppressing other T cells and limiting the immune response.