Mast Cell-mediated Anaphylactic Reactions Research Articles

Proanthocyanidin‐rich Pinus radiata bark extract inhibits mast cell‐mediated anaphylaxis‐like reactions

Mast cells play a critical role in the effector phase of immediate hypersensitivity and allergic reactions. Pinus radiata bark extract exerts multiple biological effects and exhibits immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties. However, its role in mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reactions has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we examined the effects of proanthocyanidin-rich water extract (PAWE) isolated from P.radiata bark on compound 48/80-induced or antidinitrophenyl (DNP) immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated anaphylaxis-like reactions in vivo. In addition, we evaluated the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of PAWE on mast cell activation, with a specific focus on histamine release, using rat peritoneal mast cells. PAWE attenuated compound 48/80-induced or anti-DNP IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis-like reactions in mice, and it inhibited histamine release triggered by compound 48/80, ionophore A23187, or anti-DNP IgE in rat peritoneal mast cells in vitro. Moreover, PAWE suppressed compound 48/80-elicited calcium uptake in a concentration-dependent manner and promoted a transient increase in intracellular cyclic adenosine-3',5'-monophosphate levels. Together, these results suggest that proanthocyanidin-rich P.radiata bark extract effectively inhibits anaphylaxis-like reactions.

Rosae Multiflorae Fructus Hot Water Extract Inhibits a Murine Allergic Asthma Via the Suppression of Th2 Cytokine Production and Histamine Release from Mast Cells.

Mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reactions are involved in many allergic diseases, including asthma and allergic rhinitis. In Korea, where it has been used as a traditional medicine, Rosae Multiflorae fructus (RMF) is known to have potent antioxidative, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activities and to have no obvious acute toxicity. However, its specific effect on asthma is still unknown. In this study, we evaluated whether or not RMF hot water extracts (RMFW) could inhibit ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma and evaluated compound 48/80-induced mast cell activation to elucidate the mechanisms of asthma inhibition by RMFW. Oral administration of RMFW decreased the number of eosinophils and lymphocytes in the lungs of mice challenged by OVA and downregulated histological changes such as eosinophil infiltration, mucus accumulation, goblet cell hyperplasia, and collagen fiber deposits. In addition, RMFW significantly reduced T helper 2 cytokines, TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-6 levels in the BAL fluid of mice challenged by OVA. Moreover, RMFW suppressed compound 48/80-induced rat peritoneal mast cell degranulation and inhibited histamine release from mast cells induced by compound 48/80 in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that RMFW may act as an antiallergic agent by inhibitingTh2 cytokine production from Th2 cells and histamine release from mast cells, and could be used as a therapy for patients with Th2-mediated or mast cell-mediated allergic diseases.

Water-soluble low-molecular-weight b-(1, 3–1, 6) D-Glucan inhibit cedar pollinosis

Background: The incidences of allergenic diseases such as allergenic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, asthma, and food allergies have increased in several countries. Mast cells have critical roles in various biological processes related to allergenic diseases. Mast cells express the high-affinity receptor for immunoglobulin (Ig) E on their surface. The interaction of multivalent antigens with surface-bound IgE causes the secretion of granule-stored mediators, as well as the de novo synthesis of cytokines. Those mediators and cytokines proceed the allergenic diseases. We investigated the effects of water-soluble, low-molecular-weight b-(1, 3–1, 6) D-glucan isolated from Aureobasidium pullulans 1A1 strain black yeast (LMW-b-glucan) on mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reactions. We reported that LMW-b-glucan dose-dependently inhibited the degranulation of mast cells. Furthermore, we found that orally administered LMW-b-glucan inhibited the IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction in mice. Here, we examined if LMW-b-glucan had any effects on Japanese cedar pollinosis.Findings: In a clinical study, a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study in 65 subjects (aged 22-62) was performed. This study was undertaken 3 weeks before the cedar pollen season and until the end of the cedar pollen season. During the study, all subjects consumed one bottle of placebo or LMW-b-glucan daily, and all subjects were required to record allergenic symptoms in a diary. The LMW-b-glucan group had a significantly lower prevalence of sneezing, nose-blowing, tears, and hindrance to the activities of daily living than the placebo group.Conclusions: These results suggest that LMW-b-glucan could be an effective treatment for allergenic diseases.Key Words: Mast cell, anti-allergy, b-glucan, cedar pollinosis

Anti-allergic effects of nilotinib on mast cell-mediated anaphylaxis like reactions

Nilotinib is a new orally bioavailable potent tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is used for the treatment of BCR-ABL-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia. However, its effect on mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reaction is still not known. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of nilotinib on the anaphylactic allergic reaction and study its possible mechanism(s) of action. Nilotinib administration prevented systemic anaphylaxis in mice, mediated by compound 48/80, in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Also, nilotinib significantly inhibited (P<0.05) allergic paw edema in rats. Furthermore, nilotinib significantly decreased (P<0.05) the IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in a dose dependent manner. In addition, nilotinib dose-dependently reduced histamine release from the rat peritoneal mast cells activated either by compound 48/80 or by ovalbumin. Moreover, nilotinib attenuated the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression in the rat peritoneal mast cells. These findings provide evidence that nilotinib inhibits mast cell-derived immediate-type allergic reactions and so it could be a candidate as an anti-allergic agent.

Inhibitory Effects of Water-Soluble Low-Molecular-Weight β-(1,3-1,6)D-Glucan Isolated fromAureobasidium pullulans1A1 Strain Black Yeast on Mast Cell Degranulation and Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis

We investigated the effects of water-soluble low-molecular-weight β-(1,3-1,6) D-glucan isolated from Aureobasidium pullulans 1A1 strain black yeast (LMW-β-glucan) on mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reactions. Although it is known that LMW-β-glucan has anti-tumor, anti-metastatic and anti-stress effects, the roles of LMW-β-glucan in immediate-type allergic reactions have not been fully investigated. We examined whether LMW-β-glucan could inhibit mast cell degranulation and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA). LMW-β-glucan dose-dependently inhibited the degranulation of both rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) and cultured mast cells (CMCs) activated by calcium ionophore A23187 or IgE. However, LMW-β-glucan had no cytotoxicity towards RBL-2H3 cells and CMCs. Furthermore, orally administered LMW-β-glucan inhibited the IgE-induced PCA reaction in mice. These results show LMW-β-glucan to be a possible compound for the effective therapeutic treatment of allergic diseases.

Effects of Anemarrhena asphodeloides on IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis, compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis and mast cell activation

We investigated the effect of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge (Liliaceae) water extract (AAWE) on mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reactions. Mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reaction is involved in many allergic diseases, including asthma and allergic rhinitis. In Korea, where it has been used as a traditional medicine, AAWE is known to have antioxidant and anticancer activity. However, its specific effect on mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reactions is still unknown. We examined whether or not AAWE could inhibit IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA), compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis, and mast cell activation. Oral administration of AAWE inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis in mice. AAWE also inhibited the local allergic reaction, PCA, activated by anti-dinitrophenyl IgE antibody in rats. AAWE reduced compound 48/80-induced degranulation of rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs). Moreover, AAWE inhibited histamine release and calcium uptake of RPMCs induced by compound 48/80 in a dose-dependent manner. AAWE also significantly inhibited secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophores A23187-stimulated RPMCs. These results suggest that AAWE suppresses compound 48/80-induced mast cell activation by inhibition of cellular mechanisms in signaling pathways, and would be beneficial for treatment of mast cell-mediated anaphylactic response.

Amaranthus spinosus Linn. inhibits mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reactions

The current study characterizes the mechanism by which the Amaranthus spinosus (Amaranthaceae) decreases mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reactions. Anaphylaxis is a typical hypersensitivity Type I reaction, sharing common mechanisms with asthma in its early and late phases. Mast cells are key as effector cells in hypersensitivity Type I reactions. A. spinosus has been traditionally used in the treatment of allergic bronchitis and asthma, but its role in mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reactions has not fully been investigated. This report investigated the potential effects of the ethyl acetate fraction of A. spinosus leaves (EAFAS) against a Compound 48/80 (potent secretagogue)-induced systemic anaphylactic shock paradigm in a mouse model. In addition, rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) were used in in vitro studies to investigate the effect of EAFAS on Compound 48/80-induced peritoneal mast cell degranulation and histamine release. When administration by the oral route—1 h before Compound 48/80 injection—EAFAS (at dose from 0.001–1 g/kg) completely inhibited the induced anaphylactic shock. EAFAS at concentrations ranging 0.25–1 mg/ml dose-dependently attenuated rates of mast cell degranulation and histamine release from RPMC that were evoked by Compound 48/80. The results of the present investigation indicated that EAFAS stabilizes the mast cell lipid bilayer membrane, thereby preventing the perturbation of membrane and the release of histamine. As a result of these anti-degranulating and anti-histaminic effects, it can be suggested that EAFAS may have a potential use in the prophylaxis and management of anaphylactic reactions.

Scutellaria baicalensis Inhibits Mast Cell-Mediated Anaphylactic Reactions

Mast cells play a critical role in the effector phase of immediate hypersensitivity and allergic diseases. Scutellaria baicalensis is a widely used herb in traditional oriental medicine with anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the roles of Scutellaria baicalensis in mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reactions have not fully been investigated. In this study, we examined the influences of the methanol extract of Scutellaria baicalensis (MESB) on compound 48/80- or anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE-induced anaphylaxis-like response in vivo. To further prove these in vivo results, the inhibitory effect of MESB on mast cell activation was evaluated, focusing on the histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC). MESB inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis-like reaction, plasma histamine release and ear swelling response in mice. MESB also attenuated passive systemic and cutaneous anaphylaxis evoked by anti-DNP IgE. In in vitro experiments, MESB dose-dependently reduced histamine release from RPMC activated by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. Moreover, compound 48/80-elicited calcium uptake was suppressed in a concentration-dependent manner of MESB. Furthermore, MESB transiently increased the level of intracellular cAMP. From these results, it is suggested that MESB possesses effective anti-anaphylactic activity.

Lipoic acid suppresses compound 48/80-induced anaphylaxis-like reaction

Alpha-lipoic acid (LA), a naturally occurring dithiol compound, is an essential cofactor in metabolic reactions involved in energy utilization. LA improves glycemic control, reduces diabetic polyneuropathies, atherosclerosis, and allergic inflammation. The effects of LA on mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reactions, however, are unknown. LA dose-dependently inhibited systemic and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis-like reactions in mice induced by compound 48/80, a condensation product of N-methyl-p-methoxyphenethylamine and formaldehyde. Pretreatment with LA, prior to induction of the systemic anaphylaxis-like reaction with compound 48/80, reduced plasma histamine levels in a dose-dependent manner. In our in vitro study, LA decreased histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) triggered by compound 48/80. Moreover, an increase in calcium uptake activated by compound 48/80 was inhibited by LA. LA also significantly elevated intracellular cyclic adenosine-3',5' monophosphate (cAMP) levels in RPMCs. This inhibition of mediator release from RPMCs may be due to inhibition of calcium uptake and augmentation of intracellular cAMP levels. Based on these results, we suggest that LA may be a potential remedy for allergy-related diseases.

Effect of leaves of Eriobotrya japonica on anaphylactic allergic reaction and production of tumor necrosis factor-α

Leaves of Eriobotrya japonica Lindl. (Rosaceae) (LEJL) have been used as traditional medicines for inflammatory diseases and chronic bronchitis. However, its effect on mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reaction is not known. The anaphylactic allergic reaction is involved in many allergic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. In this report, we investigate the effect of LEJL on the anaphylactic allergic reaction and studied its possible mechanisms of action. LEJL inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylactic reactions and serum histamine release in mice. LEJL dose-dependently decreased the IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis and histamine release from mast cells. Furthermore, LEJL decreased the production of tumor necrosis factor-α in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and A23187-stimulated human mast cells. These findings provide evidence that LEJL could be a candidate as an anti-allergic agent.

Gamijeonssibaekchulsan regulates mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reaction.

Gamijeonssibaekchulsan (GJBS) is a typical Oriental medicine prescription which has been used in Korea for the treatment of allergic diseases and the development of physical strength. However, as yet there is no clear explanation of how GJBS affects the anaphylactic reaction and the immune function. In the present study murine models and MOLT-4 cells, a T cell line, were used to investigate these effects. Compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylactic shock and ear swelling response were firstly analyzed. We also assayed histamine release and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in mice and cytokine productions in MOLT-4 cells. GJBS significantly inhibits compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylactic shock and ear swelling response. GJBS also inhibits histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells induced by compound 48/80. PCA activated by anti-dinitrophenyl immunoglobulin E is attenuated by GJBS. However, GJBS dose not affect the production of interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-2, and IL-4 in MOLT-4 cells. These results indicate that GJBS has a potential regulatory effect on allergic reactions that are mediated by mast cells.

Alginic acid has anti‐anaphylactic effects and inhibits inflammatory cytokine expression via suppression of nuclear factor‐κB activation

Alginic acid is comprised of complex polymerized polysaccharides, and can be chemically extracted from seaweed. Alginic acid has an inhibitory effect on histamine release, but its molecular mechanisms are not well understood. To investigate the effect of alginic acid on the mast cell-mediated anaphylactic and inflammatory reaction using in vivo and in vitro models and elucidate its molecular mechanisms. The effect of alginic acid on an allergy model was analysed by anaphylaxis, a histidine decarboxylase (HDC) assay, and a histamine assay. Cytokine production was analysed by means of ELISA. Cytokine expression was analysed by means of RT-PCR, and Western blotting. Transcription factor activity was analysed by a luciferase assay and a transcription factor-enzyme linked immunoassay. Alginic acid dose dependently inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis with doses of 0.25-1 g/kg 1 h (P<0.01, n=6) and significantly inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis by 54.8%. Alginic acid (0.01-1 microg/mL) inhibited histamine release from serum and peritoneal mast cells (P<0.01). All these effects were stronger than those of disodium cromoglycate (DSCG), the reference drug tested. Alginic acid also inhibited HDC expression and activity on the phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)+A23187-stimulated human mast cell line, HMC-1 cells. Moreover, alginic acid significantly inhibited the production of PMA+A23187-induced inflammatory cytokines, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, but not that of IL-6 or IL-8. In activated HMC-1 cells, the expression level of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB/Rel A protein increased in the nucleus, whereas the level of NF-kappaB/Rel A in the nucleus was decreased by alginic acid treatment. In addition, alginic acid (0.01 microg/mL) decreased the PMA+A23187-induced luciferase activity and DNA-binding activity. The present results indicate that alginic acid has potent anti-anaphylactic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Inhibition of Anaphylaxis-Like Reaction and Mast Cell Activation by Water Extract from the Fruiting Body of Phellinus linteus

Mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reaction is involved in many allergic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. Phellinus linteus has been used as a traditional herb medicine in oriental countries and is known to have anti-tumor, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic activities. However, roles of Phellinus linteus in the mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reactions have not fully been examined. In the present study, we have investigated the effects of water extract from the fruiting body of Phellinus linteus (WEPL) on mast cell-mediated anaphylaxis-like reactions. Oral administration of WEPL inhibited the compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis-like reaction and ear swelling response. WEPL also inhibited the anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE-mediated passive systemic and cutaneous anaphylaxis. WEPL had no cytotoxicity on rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC). WEPL dose-dependently reduced histamine release from RPMC activated by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. Moreover, WEPL decreased the compound 48/80-induced calcium uptake into RPMC. Furthermore, WEPL increased the level of intracellular cAMP and significantly inhibited the compound 48/80-induced cAMP reduction in RPMC. These results suggest that WEPL may serve as an effective therapeutic agent for allergic diseases.

Inhibitory Effects of Agaricus blazei on Mast Cell-Mediated Anaphylaxis-Like Reactions

Agaricus blazei is a medicinal mushroom native to Brazil. It used to be a source of anti-tumor and immunmoactive compounds and considered a health food in many countries. However, its specific effect against mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reactions is still unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effect of Agaricus blazei water extract (ABWE) on mast cell-mediated anaphylaxis-like reactions. We examined whether ABWE could inhibit systemic anaphylaxis-like reaction, ear swelling response, passive cutaneous anaphylaxis, and mast cell activation. ABWE inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis-like reaction, ear swelling response, and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis-like reaction in mice. ABWE also inhibited anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. ABWE dose-dependently inhibited compound 48/80-induced or anti-DNP IgE-mediated histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC). Moreover, pretreatment with ABWE reduced compound 48/80-induced calcium uptake into RPMC. When ABWE was added, the level of intracellular cAMP in RPMC showed a significant increase compared with that of control cells. In addition, ABWE significantly inhibited compound 48/80-induced cAMP reduction in RPMC. These results propose that ABWE may be beneficial in the treatment of mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reactions.

Sopoongsan Inhibits Mast Cell-Mediated Anaphylactic Reactions and Inflammatory Cytokine Secretion

Background: Mast cells are key effector cells in the early-phase allergic inflammation and in diverse immunological and pathological processes. Sopoongsan (SPS), a traditional Korean medicine, has been used as therapeutics for allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD). The precise effect in experimental models of SPS, however, remains unknown. In this report, we investigated the effect of SPS on mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reactions and cytokine production in in vivo and in vitro murine models. Methods: Compound 48/80-induced histamine and ear swelling were measured with the various concentrations of SPS. The amount of dye was determined colorimetrically after antidinitrophenyl IgE antibody-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction. Secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and IL-6 in supernatants from HMC-1 cells was measured by a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression level of nuclear factor (NF)-ĸB/Rel A in the nucleus and the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were examined by Western blot analysis. Results: SPS inhibited the degranulation and histamine release from the rat peritoneal mast cells activated by compound 48/80. Compound 48/80-induced ear swelling was significantly reduced. SPS also showed an inhibitory effect of passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction. Significantly reduced levels (p < 0.05) of TNF-α, IL-8 and IL-6 were observed in the human mast cell line with SPS and SPS components. In addition, SPS inhibited an increase of NF-ĸB and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 activity. Conclusions: These findings suggest that SPS has an inhibitory effect on atopic allergic reaction and this might be useful for the clinical application to treat allergic diseases such as AD.

Inhibitory Effects of Houttuynia cordata Water Extracts on Anaphylactic Reaction and Mast Cell Activation

The present study was investigated the effect of Houttuynia cordata THUNB water extract (HCWE) on mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reactions. The mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reaction is involved in many allergic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. HCWE has been used as a traditional medicine in Korea and is known to have an antioxidant and anti-cancer activities. However, its specific effect of mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reactions is still unknown. We examined whether HCWE could inhibit compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis, IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA), and mast cell activation. The oral administration of HCWE inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis in mice. HCWE also inhibited the local allergic reaction, PCA, activated by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE antibody in rats. HCWE reduced the compound 48/80-induced mast cell degranulation and colchicine-induced deformation of rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC). Moreover, HCWE dose-dependently inhibited histamine release and calcium uptake of RPMC induced by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. HCWE increased the level of intracellular cAMP and inhibited significantly the compound 48/80-induced cAMP reduction in RPMC. These results suggest that HCWE may be beneficial in the treatment of mast cell-mediated anaphylactic responses.

EFFECT OF SINPO-TANG ON THE MAST CELL-MEDIATED ANAPHYLACTIC REACTIONS

The herbal formulation Sinpo-Tang (SPT) has long been used for various allergic diseases. We investigated the effect of SPT on the mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reactions in vivo and in vitro murine models. SPT dose dependently inhibited compound 48/80-induced ear swelling response and histamine release. SPT (0.001–0.1 g/kg) significantly inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA). The mast cell number was markedly decreased at the SPT-treated PCA site. In addition, SPT decreased intracellular calcium levels of activated mast cells. These results suggest that SPT inhibit the anaphylactic degranulation of mast cells through decrease of the intracellular calcium level.

The stem of Sinomenium acutum inhibits mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reactions and tumor necrosis factor-α production from rat peritoneal mast cells

The aqueous extract of Sinomenium acutum stem (SSAE) (0.1–1000 mg/kg) dose-dependently inhibited systemic anaphylactic reaction induced by compound 48/80 in mice. In particular, SSAE reduced compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic reaction with 50% at the dose of 1000 mg/kg. SSAE (100–1000 mg/kg) also significantly inhibited local anaphylactic reaction activated by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE. When mice were pretreated with SSAE at a concentration ranging from 0.1 to 1000 mg/kg, the plasma histamine levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. SSAE (1–1000 μg/ml) dose-dependently inhibited histamine release from the rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) activated by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. In addition, SSAE (0.1 μg/ml) had a significant inhibitory effect on anti-DNP IgE-induced tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production. These results indicate that SSAE inhibits mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reactions and TNF-α production from mast cells.

Effect of Kumhwang-San on Anaphylactic Reaction in a Murine Model

We investigated the effect of Kumhwang-San on anaphylactic reaction. Kumhwang-San dose-dependently inhibited mast cell-mediated systemic anaphylactic reaction induced by compound 48/80. Kumhwang-San significantly inhibited plasma histamine levels induced by compound 48/80. Kumhwang-San dose-dependently inhibited histamine release from the rat peritoneal mast cells activated by compound 48/80 or substance P. The level of cAMP in rat peritoneal mast cells, when Kumhwang-San was added, transiently and significantly increased about 3-fold compared with that of basal cells. These results suggest that Kumhwang-San will be beneficial in the treatment of anaphylactic reaction.This study was supported by Non-directed research fund, Korea Research Foundation, 1996–1998 and Partially by Wonkwang University in 1998

Inhibitory effect of Anaphylactic Reaction of Sosiho-Tang

Mast cells synthesize and secrete chemical mediators which play an central role in anaphylactic reactions. Compound 48/80 is a condensation product of formaldehyde with paramethoxyphenylethylamine that reliably induces the release of chemical mediators in the mast cell granules. Aggregation of the high-affinity Fc receptor also stimulates the mast cells. The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of Sosiho-Tang (SS-Tang) on mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reaction. SS-Tang completely inhibited systemic anaphylaxis induced by compound 48/80 in mice. SS-Tang inhibited local anaphylaxis induced by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE. In addition SS-Tang concentration-dependently inhibited histamine release in mast cells induced by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. These results indicate that SS-Tang may contain compounds with actions that inhibit mast cell degranulation.