Objective: To observe the effect of Xiaozhen Zhiyang sprays on mice in allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and pruritus models

in order to preliminarily explore its action mechanism. Method: The Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) was used to sensitize and stimulate mice. Totally 40 ICR mice were randomly divided:the model group

the positive control Halcinonide cream group (0.01 g·kg-1) and Xiaozhen Zhiyang sprays high and low doses groups (1

0.5 g·kg-1)

with 10 mice in each group;and another ten unsensitized mice were included into the normal group. All treated groups were given externally with drugs on both sides of right ears of mice for continuously 15 days

and the normal group and the model group were respectively treated with blank matrix

in order to observe the scabbing conditions of mice' right ears. The central thickness of mice' right ears was measured by thickness tester. Both ears' weights were measured by electronic scale. The levels of interleukin-4(IL-4) and interferon-γ(IFN-γ) in serum were determined by ELISA method. The dextran was used to induce the pruritus model in mice. The ICR mice were randomly divided into the model group

the positive control Zhiyang spirits group and Xiaozhen Zhiyang sprays high and low doses groups

with 10 mice in each group. Each group was given drug for 3 d and subcutaneously injected with dextran 1 h later after the final administration

in order to observe the itching frequency within a certain period of time. Result: According to the effect of Xiaozhen Zhiyang sprays on ACD model mice

the number of scabs

ear thickness and mass and IL-4 in serum in the model group were higher than that in the normal group

with the statistical difference (P<0.01).The number of scabs

ear thickness and mass and IL-4 in serum were lower and IFN-γ in serum was higher in the Halcinonide group and Xiaozhen Zhiyang sprays high and low doses groups

with the statistical difference (P<0.05

P<0.01). The ACD model group showed mice's ear epidermis thickening

with mild intracellular edema and medium intracellular edema

plenty of mononuclear cellular infiltration at upper dermis

with lymphocyte as the dominance. All treated groups showed significant reduction in ear inflammatory infiltration in model mice. According to the effect of Xiaozhen Zhiyang sprays on pruritus model mice

the itching frequency were lower in all of the Halcinonide group and Xiaozhen Zhiyang sprays high and low doses groups than that in the model group (P<0.05

P<0.01). Conclusion: Xiaozhen Zhiyang sprays has a good therapeutic effect on mice in ACD and pruritus models.