Abstract
[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of a magnetic infrared laser (MIL) on the 2, 4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced contact dermatitis, type I allergic mouse model. [Subjects] Male ICR mice. [Methods] Contact dermatitis was induced by sensitization with dinitrophenyl-derivatized ovalbumin (DNP-OVA) and DNFB challenge as antigen. MIL radiation doses of 1.33, 2.66 and 6.65 J/cm2 were given, once a day for 7 continuous days, to DNP-OVA sensitized mice and compared with 15 mg/kg dexamethasone (intraperitoneal treatment). The edematous changes and scratching behavior were measured together with ear histopathological observations. [Results] Immediately after DNFB challenge to the ear or paw of DNP-OVA sensitized mice, increases of ear and paw thicknesses and weights were detected as well as anterior ear skin (dermis to epidermis) thickness and paw scratching behavior increases. However, these DNFB-induced increases of edematous changes and scratching behavior were significantly and dose-dependently decreased by MIL irradiation. [Conclusion] The results obtained in this study suggest that MIL radiation has relatively favorable effects on allergic dermatitis, and MIL therapy may represent an alternative approach for the treatment of allergic cutaneous diseases.
