Figure 4. The effects of coumestrol exposure on the differentiation of splenic Th1 and Th2 subsets in female CBA/J mice after induction of EAT.

These mice had been exposed to the drinking water containing 1% Tween80 only (Control group), 0.8 mg/l coumestrol in 1% Tween80 (L group), 8 mg/l coumestrol in 1% Tween80 (H group), respectively. Their splenic mononuclear cells (n = 5 per group) were stained with FITC-labeled anti-CD4 and PE-labeled anti-IFN- γ or IL-4 antibodies, and analyzed on a FACScan flow cytometer as shown in the representative dot plots (A.) The percentage of Th1 cells (B.) and ratio of Th1 to Th2 (C.) were significantly decreased in the L group. *P < 0.05 vs. the control group.