Influence of Radix scutellariae on Th1/Th2 cytokine balance in RU486-induced abortion in mice

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the significance of Th1/Th2 cytokine balance in the uterus in the early embryo loss (or resorption), and to elucidate immunological modulation at the maternal-fetal interface with Chinese herbal medicine Radix scutellariae (Huang Qin) and its constituents (Baicalin and Baicalein). Mifepristone (RU486) was given via subcutaneous injection in the scapular area to induce abortion in mice at day 7 of gestation. The levels of uterine Th1 cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2) and Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-10) were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The mean values of Th1 cytokines in the uterus of RU486-treated abortion mice were significantly higher (P<0.05) than that of the control mice, but no significant difference was observed regarding to the contents of Th2 cytokines of different groups (P>0.05). However, when the Radix scutellariae and its constituents were used to prevent RU486-induced abortion, the levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 decreased while that of IL-4 and IL-10 increased. The embryo loss induced by RU486 was closely related to the Th1/Th2 immune balance at the maternal-fetal interface. Radix scutellariae and its constituents have an anti-abortive effect through restoring the Th1/Th2 balance at the maternal-fetal interface.

Keywords

Radix scutellariae / Mifepristone / abortion / Th1/Th2 / Baicalin / Baicalein

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grants Nos. 30270980, 30571361).

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2007 Higher Education Press