Fig. 2

Establishment of a DNCB-induced contact dermatitis mouse model and evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effect of PPE. (a) Representative images depicting contact dermatitis-like symptoms. Repeated application of DNCB-treated patches on back skin of mice was sufficient to trigger skin inflammation resembling contact dermatitis. Co-treatment with PPE or DEX led to a significant reduction in the clinical severity. (b) Size comparison of spleen (upper panels) and draining lymph node (lower panels) with or without PPE treatment. Spleens and lymph nodes were isolated from all mouse groups on day 17. Treatment with DNCB alone or DNCB in vehicle (cream) led to an increase in both spleen and lymph node sizes. Application of either PPE or DEX inhibited enlargement of these immune organs. (c) Comparison of spleen weights as an inflammation index. The spleen weight of each mouse group was normalized to body weight (n = 3 for each group)