Efficacy of wogonin in the production of immunoglobulins and cytokines by mesenteric lymph node lymphocytes in mouse colitis induced with dextran sulfate sodium.

We previously examined wogonin, isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis, chemical mediators, and IgE by mesenteric lymph node (MLN) lymphocytes in rats. The present study explores the effect of wogonin on the MLN lymphocyte function of mice given orally at 20 mg/kg for 2 weeks with dextran sulfate sodium (DS)-induced colitis. The results indicate that IgA levels in MLN lymphocytes were high, while IgE was low, in mice given wogonin compared to those given water. Also, fecal IgA concentration of DS in the wogonin group mice was significantly higher than in the DS group. Concentrations of interferon-gamma and interleukin (IL)-2 of T cells by concanavalin A treatment was significantly higher in the wogonin fed group than in the normal group. Activation-induced IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 secretion was lower in wogonin fed mice compared control mice after DS-induced colitis. For these reasons, we conclude that wogonin can alleviate the inflammation in DS-induced colitis brought about by an abnormal Th(2) response.