• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.191-203
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• 2021

Objectives : In this study, we investigate the anti-allergic effects of Ullmus macrocarpa Hance (Ulmus) on RBL-2H3 mast cell (basophilic leukemia cell line), which are mediated by FcεRIs. Methods : We evaluated the effect of the ethanol extract of Ulmus on the allergic inflammatory response in IgE-antigen-mediated RBL-2H3 cells. Cell toxicity was determined by MTT assay and the markers of degranulation such as beta-hexosaminidase, histamine, PGD2, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6 production of inflammatory mediators and FcεRI-mediated protein expression by western blot. Results : Ulmus inhibited degranulation and production of allergic mediators (e.g., TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-6) in them. Ulmus reduced histamine levels, expression of FcεRI signaling-related genes such as Lyn, Syk, and Fyn, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation in mast cells. Also, Ulmus reduced PGD2 release and cyclooxygenase-2 expression, and cytosolic phospholipase A2 phosphorylation in FcεRI-mediated RBL-2H3 mast cells. Conclusions : These results indicate that Ulmus exhibits anti-allergic activity through inhibition of degranulation and inflammatory mediators and cytokine release. These findings suggest that Ulmus may have potential as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent for the treatment of various allergic diseases.