Effetti dell'esposizione acuta all'Olio Essenziale di Lavanda in un modello in-vivo di peritonite

Most recent evidence from the literature support the existence of a crosstalk between the central nervous system (CNS) and the the immune system (IS)1 which has been demonstrated to be involved in the transmission of transduced olfactory stimuli. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects caused by the inhalation of Lavandula Angustifolia essential oil (EO)2 on the modulation of the immune system challenged by an acute inflammatory stimulus (Zymosan 0,5 mg/0,5 ml PBS; IP injection). The effects of EO were compared to those obtained by systemic exposure to the well known anti-inflammatory drug Aspirin (30 mg/kg in PBS; IP injection). Qualitative and quantitative analysis of cells of innate immune response (neutrophils, monocytes) and proinflammatory mediators (MPC-1, TNF-a, IL-6, KC) were performed in a murine model of acute inflammation. The flow cytometric analysis demonstrated significant diminution of selected markers of neutrophils (36% of 7/4+Gr-1hi+ and 43% of Gr-1hi+F4/80- cells) and monocytes (37% of 7/4+Gr-1int+ cells) in the experimental group exposed to the lavender EO in comparison to animal exposed to the inflammatory challenge, only. Interstingly, the protective effects exerted by lavander EO were qualitatively similar to those obtained by treatment with Aspirin. However, Bio-plex analysis revealed a significant increase in the MCP-1 level and, to a lesser extent, IL-6 and KC in the group exposed to the lavender EO. Despite the results here reported can not demonstrate significant improvements in the innate immune response associated with the use of EO by inhalation, they clearly show that the pathway of signals activated by the olfactory stimulus can influence the development of peritoneal inflammation, highlighting the existence of the communication between the CNS and the SI.