*3.13. Statistical Analysis*

For all experiments, ANOVA was performed, and the Tukey–Kramer *post hoc* test was used to identify significantly different means. A *p*-value <0.01 was considered statistically significant. 

## **4. Conclusions**

In conclusion, peridinin suppressed DTH responses in mice. Peridinin also suppressed the numbers of eosinophils in ear tissues and peripheral blood. When painted on the ears, peridinin inhibited both the migration of eosinophils toward eotaxin and the production of eotaxin in ears. However, the suppressive effect of peridinin on the production of eotaxin was not observed when administered i.p*.* A structurally related carotenoid, fucoxanthin, inhibited the migration of eosinophils toward eotaxin only *in vitro* and did not suppress the DTH response. The major structural difference between peridinin and fucoxanthin is the presence of a butenolide moiety in peridinin. The butenolide moiety of peridinin may be important for suppressing these effects on eosinophils and for the production of eotaxin. Comparison of the inhibitory effects of peridinin and other carotenoids with the butenolide moiety remains to be clarified. 

As described above, peridinin may ameliorate the allergic responses in which eosinophils play a major role in inflammation responses, such as asthma or atopic dermatitis. 
