Intranasal OT attenuated the DSS-induced changes in macrophage cell, NK cell and Treg cell populations in the spleen
To investigate the mechanism underlying the effects of intranasal OT on IBD mice, we performed a flow cytometry analysis of M1 and M2 type macrophages, NKp46+NK cells and Treg cells isolated from spleens obtained from mice in the different treatment groups. DSS treatment remarkably augmented the percentages of the M1 and M2 type macrophages in the spleen, while it simultaneously decreased the percentage of Treg cell (Fig.5A, B and D). Intranasal OT administration further increased the percentages of M1 and M2 type macrophages in the spleen, increased the percentage of Treg cells and decreased the M1/M2 ratio and the percentage of NKp46+NK cell (Fig.5A-D).