Ameliorative effect of green odor against UVB-induced immunosuppression of contact hypersensitivity

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation to the eye induces photoimmunosuppression. In here, we examined the effect of green odor against immunosuppression of contact hypersensitivity in the eye induced by ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation. Systemic immunosuppression was induced in ICR mice sensitized with 0.5% oxazolone through the skin by a single exposure to UVB. Consecutive green odor treatment significantly counteracted UVB irradiation-induced immunosuppression of the contact hypersensitivity (CHS) response. The green odor treatment increased dopamine and β-endorphin levels in the brain and the plasma, respectively, and decreased the plasma corticosterone concentration in the oxazolone-sensitized mice after UVB irradiation to the eye, in contrast with that in acetone-treated mice (treatment negative control). Green odor prevented UVB irradiation-induced photoimmunosuppression of the CHS response by regulating the dopamine/β-endorphin/corticosterone pathway.