3.6. Effects of topical and oral MQL administration on TMA-induced AD symptoms
To evaluate the effects of MQL on Th2-mediated allergic diseases, we used a TMA-induced AD-like mouse model. Since AD symptoms have been known to occur through both external and internal factors, we administered MQL treatment either topically or orally. After topical treatment of MQL, ear thickness and infiltration of inflammatory cells were reduced compared to the sham group (Fig. 6B and C) . Furthermore, serum IgE levels were reduced in MQL10 group (Fig. 6D) . Next, to investigate the effects of MQL on T cell-mediated immune responses, we measured Th1 (IL-12 and IFN-γ) and Th2 (IL-13) cytokine production in the culture supernatant of DLNs and found that IL-13 and IFN-γ production were significantly reduced by MQL treatment, but IL-12 was not changed (Fig. 6E-G) .
Next, we investigated effect of oral MQL administration on TMA-induced AD. Similar to topical administration, oral MQL administration ameliorated AD symptoms such as ear swelling and infiltration of inflammatory cells in ear (Fig. 6I and J), and TMA-induced serum IgE production was decreased by MQL compared with the sham group(Fig. 6K) . In DLNs, oral administration of MQL reduced IL-13 production and increased IL-12 (Fig. 6L and N) . These results suggest that either topical or oral administration of MQL is a possible treatment to attenuate the symptoms of AD.