Anti-inflammatory Effect of Quercetin on Picryl Chloride-induced Contact Dermatitis in BALB/c Mice

In this study, we investigated that anti-inflammatory effect of quercetin on picryl chloride(PCL)-induced contact dermatitis in BALB/c Mice. Experimental animals were divided into three groups and comprising five animals. All groups of oral administration was begun on the first day of PCL treatment and ceased on day 5. For the induction of contact dermatitis, BALB/c mice were sensitized with 40 μL of 1.5% picryl choloride (PCL) to the left and right ear, respectively. Ear swelling responses were much weaker in highdose group (100 ㎎/㎏) than control group (0 ㎎/㎏). Total serum IgE levels and histamine levels were measured by sandwich ELISA method using mouse IgE, histamine measuring Kit. Both total serum IgE and histamine levels were significantly decreased in high-dose group (100 ㎎/㎏) than other groups. Degranulation of mast cells were also confirmed by Toluidine Blue (TB) staining method. In high-dose group (100 ㎎/㎏), the number of mast cells were significantly decreased and there are many mast cells were shown degranulation in control group (0 ㎎/㎏). All of these results demonstrate that the pharmacological actions of quercetin indicate their potential activity for allergic inflammatory diseases through the down-regulation of mast cell activation.