Effect of cobalamin on the allergic response in mice

Cyanocobalamin, deoxyadenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin were separately administered to mice sensitized with the ovalbumin antigen to investigate the allergic response. The serum IgE and pulmonary histamine concentrations were significantly lower in all cobalamin (Cbl)-administered groups. The production of interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-4 in splenocytes was also lower in all Cbl-administered groups. These results show that Cbls were effective in mitigating allergic reactions and IL-2 production. CD3⁺CD28⁺ (CD28 is an accessory molecule related to IL-2 production) and CD4⁺CD28⁺ in splenocytes were higher in all the Cbl-administered groups. However, CD3⁺CD28⁻, CD4⁺CD28⁻ and CD5⁺CD25⁻ (CD25: IL-2 Rα/p55) were lower in the Cbl-administered groups. In addition, Cbl specifically inhibited the cellular phosphorylation of tyrosine induced by ovalbumin sensitization. These results indicate that the signal in a cell by CD 28 was restrained by Cbl. We infer that Cbl administration significantly reduced the IL-2 concentration, and secondarily the IL-4, IgE and histamine concentrations.