Objective: To investigate the role of immunoglobin E(IgE) and interleukin-6(IL-6)

interleukin-17(IL-17) in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis(AR)

and the regulative effect of Xiaofeng Xuanqiao decoction on the above 3 cytokines. Method: AR guinea pig model was established by intraperitoneal injection and intranasal way with ovalbumin (OVA)

and modeling cycle is 21 days. Sixty guinea pigs were randomized into 6 groups:normal control group

AR group

high-dosage

middle-dosage

low-dosage Xiaofeng Xuanqiao decoction group(42

21

10.5 g·kg-1)

and loratadine group(1.34 mg·kg-1). Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis(PCA) test was performed in all guinea pigs. Xiaofeng Xuanqiao decoction and loratadine were applied to intervene AR guinea pig. The serum levels of IgE and IL-6

IL-17 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay(ELISA) method. Result: The expression levels of IgE and IL-6

IL-17 significantly increased compared with the normal group(P<0.01). Compared with that in AR model group

the serum level of IgE in high-dosage Xiaofeng Xuanqiao decoction group significantly was decreased(P<0.01)

the levels of IL-6

IL-17 were decreased(P<0.05);the levels of IgE and IL-6

IL-17 in equivalent-dosage Xiaofeng Xuanqiao decoction group significantly were decreased(P<0.01);the level of IgE in low-dosage Xiaofeng Xuanqiao decoction group decreased(P<0.05)

the levels of IL-6

IL-17 have no obvious changes;the level of IgE in loratadine group decreased(P<0.05)

and the levels of IL-6

IL-17 significantly decreased(P<0.01). Conclusion: Xiaofeng Xuanqiao decoction down-regulate serum level of IgE through decreasing the levels of IL-6 and IL-17

and there is a positive correlation between them

suggesting that IL-6 and IL-17 are important factors in the mechanism of AR.