Abstract: Objective To investigate the inhibitory effect of matrine on IFNlammation by regulating Th1/Th2 balance in asthmatic rats and underlying mechanism related to SOCS3. Methods Rats, ovalbumin-sensitized to establish asthma model, SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, as follows: control (without any treatment), model group(using ovalbumin-sensitized method to establish asthma mode), treatment group A (low-dose matrine treated asthma rats) and treatment group B (high-dose matrine treated asthma rats). The eosinophil count, goblet cells percentage, IFNlammatory cell IFNiltration in rat lung were analyzed and scored by morphological examination. IL-4 and IFN-γ level in BALF were determined by ELISA and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio was further calculated. Furthermore, the expression of SOCS3 in mRNA and protein level was detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Results Eosinophil count and percentage, goblet cell percentage and IFNlammatory cell IFNiltration score were significantly lower in treatment group A and B, compare to model group (P<0.05). Compared to control group, group A exhibited a lower IFN-γ level and a higher IL-4 level (P<0.05). IFN-γ level in treatment group A and B were higher while IL-4 level were lower, compare to model group. Meanwhile, SOCS3 mRNA level in rat lung tissue was elevated in model group, compare to control group. Matrine treatment decreased SOCS3 expression in treatment group A and B. Similar trend was found in SOCS3 protein level. Conclusion matrine may exhibit its anti-IFNlammatory effect by inhibiting SOCS3 expression and maintaining Th1/Th2 balance in asthmatic rats.

Key words: Asthma, Matrine, IL-4, INF-γ, SOCS3, Rats