Figure 4
Inhibition of PGE2 synthesis with the NSAID Solaraze® and its effect on IL-22BP expression. (A) Quantitative RT-PCR from homogenates of dorsal skin for the COX-2 gene in IMQ treated mice on day 4 and day 6 of the disease course. For comparison, the expression is also shown for Sham treated mice. Expression levels are shown relative to the housekeeping gene HPRT. (B) Treatment scheme: 7 subsequent days pre-treatment of the mice with either Solaraze® or Sham gel. On day 8, additional parallel treatment with IMQ to induce the psoriasis-like skin disorder. (C) Representative dorsal skin and ears of Sham/IMQ and Solaraze®/IMQ treated mice on day 5 of IMQ treatment. (D) Dorsal skin thickness, erythema and scaling were scored daily and combined as a modified PASI score. In addition, change of weight and ear thickness (relative to day 1), as well as erythema (on a score from 0–4) are shown. (E) Flow cytometric analysis of single cell suspensions from digested ears of Sham/IMQ and Solaraze®/IMQ treated mice: Neutrophils (Gr-1+F4/80−) and macrophages (Gr-1− F4/80+) are pre-gated on living CD19−, CD3ε−, CD45.2+, MHC-II− and CD11b+ cells. Shown are representative plots. Bar graphs indicate neutrophil and macrophage infiltration in percentage to CD45.2+ cells. (F) Quantitative RT-PCR from homogenates of dorsal skin and sdLN for IL-22BP mRNA in Sham/IMQ and Solaraze®/Sham-treated mice. For comparison, the expression is also shown for Sham-treated mice. Expression levels are shown relative to the housekeeping gene HPRT.
