ANTIALLERGIC ACTIVITY AND SOME CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF AN ANTIHISTAMINE PRINCIPLE IN HUMAN AND ANIMAL TISSUE EXTRACTS

Abstract

In continuation of earlier studies it has been observed that extracts prepared from animal and human tissues such as gingiva, colon, brain, lung, breast, rectum, stomach, placenta, exert antihistamine activity in both in vitro and in vivo experiments; gingiva and lung showed the highest potency. It has also been observed that these extracts can protect against both the in vitro anaphylactic reaction (Schultz-Dale reaction) and the in vivo anaphylactic reaction in guinea pigs previously sensitized to egg white. This antihistamine activity appears to be due to a relatively simple chemical compound containing hydroxyl and carbonyl groups with characteristic chromatographic and spectral properties, although its exact structure has not been established.In view of the widespread distribution of this antihistamine factor, it is suggested that it might be of physiological significance as an antiallergic substance and warrants further study as a potential new drug for allergic diseases. These and other aspects of the problem are being explored.