Objective: To investigate the effect of Qingpeng plaster on the pruritus and eczema in guinea-pigs. Method : The pruritus threshold of all plaster groups (0.48

0.24

0.12 g ·kg-1

3 d) of guinea-pigs caused by histamine phosphate was investigated. After causing eczema in guinea-pigs

the overall score was observed and measure the contents of interleukin-2

interlenkin-4

tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)

interferin(IFN-γ) in serum were measured

and histopathological changes in the back skin of the guinea-pigs were observed

and the amount of inflammatory cells in dermis was counted. Result : Low dose group and high dose group could extend the period of time on guinea-pig feet-licking significantly

and increase the pruritus threshold of histamine phosphate in guinea-pig. Compared to guinea-pigs with eczema

each drug group showed as the area reduction or subsiding of spiloplaxia

so that the components scale of the drug groups were lower than those of the models

and there were obvious difference between the drug groups and the module groups. Qingpeng plaster had little impact on the IL-2

TNF-α

IFN-γ in serum. Comparing to the model groups

the IL-4 of high and low dose groups was increased and showed difference obviously. Through histopathologic examination

each drug group showed pathological features in varying degrees

such as the improvement on the cornification of epidermis

the thickening of prickle-cell layer

and the extension of trochanterellus. Moreover

the amount of the inflammatory cells in dermis of drug groups decreased obviously compared with that of model groups

and there were significant differences between the drug groups and the model groups. Conclusion : Qingpeng plaster has anti-pruritic action and can treat eczema effectively. The mechanism of treating eczema maybe related to inhibition of the inflammatory cells and adjustment of the inflammatory factors.