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Dehydroepiandrosterone attenuates the spontaneous elevation of serum IgE level in NC/Nga mice
1Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, 812-8582, Fukuoka, Japan. nobuyuki@cephal.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Abstract:
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate derivatives are known to affect host immune function; however if such hormones influence the development of atopic dermatitis has not yet been clarified. In this study, we examined the effects of DHEA on the allergic process using NC/Nga mouse, a model animal of human atopic dermatitis. The administration of DHEA profoundly suppressed the spontaneous elevation of both serum IgE and interleukin-6 levels in NC/Nga mice during the observation period. These results indicate that DHEA promotes a shift in Thl/Th2 balance toward Th1-dominant immunity, and thus may be one of the effective alternatives in treating atopic dermatitis.