Topical effects of roflumilast on 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice

Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitors have a wide range of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. Here we examined the effects of roflumilast, a well-known PDE-4 inhibitor, on 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis-like lesions. Roflumilast inhibited DNCB-stimulated IL-1alpha secretion in HaCaT cells, and reduced ear thickness and lymph node weights in BALB/c mice sensitized with DNCB. Topical application of roflumilast to DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions of NC/Nga mice ameliorated intensity scores and dorsal skin thickness, in parallel with reduced tissue IL-1beta levels and epidermal hyperplasia. On the other hand, no effect on IgE and IL-4 was observed upon roflumilast treatment. Taken together, roflumilast showed beneficial effects against DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis.