Effects of Opuntia humifusa Extract on DNCB-Induced Allergic Contact Dermatitis in BALB/c Mice

This study was performed to assess the effects of Opuntia humifusa (OH) extract using a mouse model of allergic contact dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) was induced on the ears of BALB/c mice caused by sensitized and repeated application of 2,4-dinitro-1-chlorobenzene (DNCB). Topical treatment of 10% OH solution was applied once a day for 3 days and ear swelling was measured daily. After 3 days of treatment the mice were sacrificed and ear samples were collected for cytokine determination and histological examination. The repeated application of DNCB induced a relatively steep increment of ear thickness. Significant reductions of swelling, erythema and histopathological inflammation in ears were observed after 3 days of treatment with 10% OH. OH significantly suppressed the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-2 and Interferon-? (IFN-?) in the ears and the levels of IgE in serum after DNCB rechallenge. This study demonstrates that OH inhibits DNCB-induced ACD in mice, and suppresses the levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-2 and IFN-? in the ear. Based on these findings, OH may have antiinflammatory and alleviatory effects in the ACD.