Effects of arsenic trioxide injection at Dazhui(GV14) on cytokines in asthmatic rats

Objective To observe the effects of arsenic trioxid injection at acupoint Dazhui(GV14) on EOS in lung tissues,and IL-17 and IL-4 in serum and bronchoalvolar lavage fluid(BALF).Methods The rats were randomized into four groups: control group with physiological saline,asthma group,As2O3 group and dexamethasone group,10 rats in each group.Asthma was duplicated by ovalbumin.The EOS counts and EOS apoptosis in tracheas mucosal substratum,and the contents of IL-4 and IL-17 in serum BALF were determined.Results ① The count of EOS in asthma group obviously increased,higher than that in the control group(P0.01);they were lower in As2O3 group and dexamethasone group(P0.01),but higher than the control group(P0.01),with no significance between As2O3 group and dexamethasone group(P0.05).②The EOS apoptosis in asthma group obviously decreased,lower than that in the control group(P0.01);they were higher in As2O3 group and dexamethasone group(P0.01),but lower than the control group(P0.01),with no significance between As2O3 group and dexamethasone group(P0.05).③The contents of IL-4 and IL-17 in serum and BLAF were higher in asthma group than the control group(P0.01);they were lower in As2O3 group and dexamethasone group(P0.01),but higher than the control group(P0.01),with no significance between As2O3 group and dexamethasone group(P0.05).Conclusion Arsenic trioxide injection at Dazhui(GV14) can inhibit airway inflammation in asthma rats.