Inhibitory Effects of Panduratin A on Allergy-Related Mediator Production in Rat Basophilic Leukemia Mast Cells

Immediate-type hypersensitivity is characterized by elevated levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and activated mast cell plays a crucial role by releasing granule contents, lipid-derived mediators, cytokines, and chemokines. To evaluate the antiallergic effects of panduratin A isolated from Boesenbergia pandurata Roxb., we determined its effects on calcium (Ca2+) influx, degranulation, and inflammatory mediators in calcium ionophore A23187 and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-stimulated rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells. Panduratin A (20 mu M) inhibited secretion of beta-hexosaminidase (46.69 +/- 9.6 %), histamine (34.32 +/- 2.1 %), and Ca2+ influx (43.84 %). Panduratin A reduced the production of prostaglandin E-2 (PGE(2), 47.58 +/- 3.4 %), leukotriene B-4 (LTB4, 98.15 +/- 1.6 %), and the mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase-2, 5-lipoxygenase, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Furthermore, panduarin A attenuated phosphorylation of Akt, the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) expression. These results indicate that panduratin A might be useful as an agent against immediate-type hypersensitivity.