• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.39-62
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• 2007

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the asthma-suppressive and immuno-regulatory effect of Lepidii Semen Herbal-acupu ncture(LS-HA) at $Joksanmi(ST_{36})$ on ovalbumin(OVA)-induced asthma in mice. Methods : C57BL/6 mice out of all the experimental groups, except the Normal group and the LS-HA group, were sensitized and challenged with OVA. The mice in the LS-HA group and the OVA-LS-HA group were treated with LS-HA(1%) at $Joksanmi(ST_{36})$. The mice in the OVA-Saline group were injected with saline at $Joksanmi(ST_{36})$. The mice in the OVA-Needle-Prick group were treated with a single prick with an injection needle at $Joksanmi(ST_{36})$. LS-HA, saline injection and needle prick were administered for 8 weeks, three times a week. Results : The lung weight and total cells in lung of the OVA-LS-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-Control group. Total leukocytes and eosinophils in BALF of the OVA-LS-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-Control group. The collagen accumulation in the lung sections of the OVA-LS-HA group decreased significantly compared with that of the OVA-control group. The concentrations of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IgE in BALF and serum of the OVA-LS-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-Control group. The numbers of $Gr-1^+/CD11b^+$, $CCR3^+$, $CD3e^+$, $CD19^+$, $CD3e^+/CD69^+$cells in the OVA-LS-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-Control group. The mRNA expressions of $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-5, IL-4 and IL-13 in lung of the OVA-LS-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-Control group. Conclusions: These results suggest that LS-HA at $Joksamni(ST_{36})$ is considered to be effective in treating asthma and to be put to practical use in the future asthma clinic.