Preventive Effects of Acidic Xylooligosaccharide on Contact Hypersensitivity in Mice

Abstract

The preventive effects of acidic xylooligosaccha- ride against contact hypersensitivity were investigated in mice. Percutaneous administration of acidic xylooligosaccharide at a dose of 0.10 mg/ear exhibited suppressive activity against contact hypersensitivity in mice. Oral administration at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight also showed the same effects. Xylan, xylobiose, and glucuronic acid, sugars related to acidic xylooligo- saccharide, exhibited suppressive effects on contact hypersensitivity only following oral administration at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight. These results sug- gest that daily intake of acidic xylooligosaccharide may be advantageous for the prevention of contact hyper- sensitivity.