Effects of a Dictamnus dasycarpus T. extract on allergic models in mice

The anti-allergic effect of a 70% ethanol extract from Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz (DDT) was studied in mice. DDT at doses of 200 and 500 mg/kg inhibited the systemic anaphylactic shock induced by compound 48/80 in a dose-dependent manner. It also inhibited dose-dependently the scratching behavior induced by compound 48/80, histamine and serotonin. An increase in the vascular permeability induced by compound 48/80, histamine and serotonin was also inhibited by DDT. In an in vitro study, DDT inhibited the histamine released from rat peritoneal mast cells induced by compound 48/80. It seems likely from these findings that DDT was effective in antagonizing certain pharmacological effects induced by compound 48/80 that occurred via both histamine and serotonin released from mast cells. In conclusion, DDT may be effective in the relief of symptoms of allergic atopic dermatitis and other allergy-related diseases.     

Endothelin-1 causes pruritus in mice

Endothelin (ET)-1 evokes a burning pruritus sensation when injected intradermally in humans and nocifensive behavior when injected into the hind paw of rodents. Because pain and pruritus are clearly distinct nociceptive sensory modalities in humans, the current study evaluates the potential of ET-1 to elicit scratching behavior in mice. Mice received an intradermal injection of 1-30 pmol ET-1; 10 microg of the mast cell degranulator compound, 48/80; 100 nmol histamine; or vehicle into the scruff, and the number of scratching bouts displayed during the first 40 mins was recorded. ET-1 caused dose-dependent scratching bouts, which, like the responses to histamine and compound 48/80, occurred mainly during the first 5 to 10 mins of injection, but fewer episodes were also seen up to 35 mins. The effect of ET-1 was maximal at 10 pmol (total 40 +/- 7 bouts), a value similar to that caused by histamine (52 +/- 5 bouts) and compound 48/80 (53 +/- 6 bouts). The selective ET(B) receptor agonist, IRL-1620 (10 pmol), was not pruritic per se, and actually inhibited responses to histamine and ET-1. Pruritus induced by ET-1 was inhibited by the ET(A) receptor antagonists, 10 nmol BQ-123 (co-injected; net inhibition, 87%) and 10 mg/kg atrasentan (intraperitoneal administration; net inhibition, 83%), or the ET(B) receptor antagonist, 20 mg/kg A-192621 (intraperitoneal administration; net inhibition, 64%), but the response was augmented by co-injection of the ET(B) receptor antagonist, 3 nmol BQ-788 (net potentiation, 234%). Responses to compound 48/80 or responsiveness of vehicle-treated mice were unaffected by these antagonists. Thus, ET-1 displays potent pruritic actions in the mouse mediated to a substantial extent via local ET(A) receptors. The findings with IRL-1620 and BQ-788 suggest that local ET(B) receptors exert an antipruritic role, but, for reasons still unknown, the results obtained using systemic A-192621 injection are at variance with this view.     

Strain differences in histamine release from mouse peritoneal mast cells induced by compound 48/80 or A23187

Strain differences among BALB/c, BDF1, CDF1, C3 H/He, C57 BL/6, DBA/2, ddy and ICR mice were investigated with respect to the ratios of histamine release from mouse peritoneal mast cells induced by compound 48/80, a Ca2+ dependent histamine releaser, and the Ca2+ ionophore A23187. The ratios of histamine release from mouse peritoneal mast cells induced by compound 48/80 were found to be high in BALB/c, ddY and ICR mice, but low in BDF1, CDF1, C3 H/He, C57 BL/6 and DBA/2 mice. Those induced by Ca2+ ionophore A23187 were high in BALB/c, BDF1, CDF1, C3 H/He, DBA2, ddy and ICR mice but low in C57 BL/6 mice. These results indicate that differences in histamine release from mouse peritoneal mast cells are strain dependent.     

The protective effect of prolil-glycil-proline peptide (PGP) under compound 48/80-induced anaphylactoid reaction in mice

The influence of PGP on compound 48/80-induced anaphylactoid reaction development in mice and on histamine secretion from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMS) under their activation by compound 48/80 were investigated. Anaphylactoid reaction was caused by intraperitoneal injection of compound 48/80 into mice. The number of animals with manifestations of anaphylactoid reaction symptoms, the severity of these symptoms, the amount of died animals and the time of death were registering during an hour. Mast cells for in vitro investigations were obtained from rats’ peritoneal cavity. Secreted histamine was evaluated from formation of fluorescent product of it’s condensation with ortho-phthalaldehyde. The preventive injection of PGP in mice (15 min before compound 48/80) decreased the mortality rate of animals and intensity of anaphylactoid reaction symptoms. But PGP had no effect on histamine secretion from mast cells under their activation by compound 48/80 in vitro. Results show that there is a component in the mechanism of PGP protective effect under anaphylactoid reaction which is not connected with mast cells stabilization.     

Amomum xanthiodes inhibits mast cell-mediated allergic reactions through the inhibition of histamine release and inflammatory cytokine production

In this study, we investigated the effect of Amomum xanthiodes (Zingiberaceae) extract (AXE) on the mast cell-mediated allergy model and studied the possible mechanism of action. We found that AXE inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic reactions and plasma histamine release in mice. Additionally, AXE decreased immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated local allergic reactions and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA), and AXE dose-dependently attenuated the release of histamine from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) activated by compound 48/80 or IgE. The amounts of AXE needed for inhibition of compound 48/80-induced plasma histamine release and PCA were similar to disodium cromoglycate, the known anti-allergic drug. We found that AXE increased the cAMP levels and decreased the compound 48/80-induced intracellular Ca2+. Furthermore, AXE attenuated the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore (A23187)-stimulated tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin (IL)-6 secretion in human mast cells. The inhibitory effect of AXE on the proinflammatory cytokines was nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB)-dependent. In addition, AXE decreased PMA plus A23187-induced degradation of IkappaBalphaand the nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB. Our findings provide evidence that AXE inhibits mast cell-derived immediate-type allergic reactions, and that cAMP, intracellular Ca2+, proinflammatory cytokines, and NF-kappaB are involved in these effects.     

Observations of Forsythia koreana methanol extract on mast cell-mediated allergic reactions in experimental models

To explore effects of Forsythia koreana methanol extract (FKME) on mast cell-mediated allergic and inflammatory properties, the effect of FKME was evaluated on compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis, ear swelling, and anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) immunoglobulin E (IgE)-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA). In addition, the effect of FKME was investigated on the histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) stimulated by compound 48/80, which promotes histamine release. The human mast cell line HMC-1 was stimulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187. Activated HMC-1 can produce several proinflammatory and chemotactic cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8. Cytokine levels in the culture supernatant were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cytotoxicity by FKME was determined by a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. FKME inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylactic shock and ear swelling in mice. When 1 g/kg FKME was pretreated or posttreated with mice, compound 48/80-induced mice morality was 50 and 66.7%, respectively. One gram per kilogram of FKME pretreatment inhibited ear-swelling responses derived from compound 48/80 by 29.75%. A PCA reaction was inhibited by 17.9%. In an in vitro model, FKME (1 mg/ml) inhibited histamine release from the RPMCs by 13.8% and TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 production from HMC-1 cells by 71.16% (P < 0.001), 86.72% (P < 0.001), and 44.6%, respectively. However, FKME had no cytotoxic effects on cell viability. In conclusion, FKME inhibited not only systemic anaphylaxis and ear swelling induced by compound 48/80 but also inhibited a PCA reaction induced by anti-DNP IgE in vivo. Treatment with FKME showed significant inhibitory effects on histamine, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 release from mast cells.     

Inhibition of compound 48--80 induced histamine liberation from mast cells by triton X-100]

Triton X-100 at concentrations preceding those which liberated histamine, produced dose-dependent inhibition of compound 48/80-induced histamine release from rat mast cells. Triton X-100 (0.00002 1/1) depleted ATP content in the mast cells and blocked compound 48/80-induced histamine release. The inhibition of compound 48/80-induced histamine release and depletion of the ATP content in the mast cells was reversed by glucose (10 mmole). It is concluded that inhibition by Triton X-100 of histamine release induced by compound 48/80 is dependent on inhibition of energy production.     

Effects of Prunella vulgaris on mast cell-mediated allergic reaction and inflammatory cytokine production

In this study, we investigated the effect of aqueous extract of Prunella vulgaris (Labiatae; PVAE) on the mast cell-mediated allergy model. We found that PVAE (0.001-0.1 g/kg) dose dependently inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis and serum histamine release in mice. PVAE decreased the IgE-mediated local allergic reaction, passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. In addition, PVAE attenuated phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-8 secretion in human mast cells. The inhibitory effect of PVAE on proinflammatory cytokines was nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) dependent. PVAE suppressed PMA and A23187-induced NF-kappaB/DNA binding activity and NF-kappaB-dependent gene reporter assay. Our findings provide evidence that PVAE inhibits mast cell-derived immediate-type allergic reactions and involvement of proinflammatory cytokines and NF-kappaB in these effects.     

Effects of compound 48/80 and exogenous histamine on wound healing in mice

Compound 48/80 has previously been shown to improve wound healing in rats, presumably through stimulation of histidine decarboxylase activity and mobilization of histamine from mast cells. In the present study, C57Bl/6 mice were wounded by dorsal skin incision followed by treatment with compound 48/80, exogenous histamine, or the combination of 48/80 plus histamine. Skin-breaking strength was significantly increased over saline-injected controls by the combined treatment with 48/80 and histamine. Neither 48/80 or histamine alone had any influence on wound healing. Histamine content of skin at the wound site was significantly reduced by 48/80 treatment, but was unaffected by 48/80 plus histamine or histamine given alone. In contrast, stomach and leg muscle histamine levels were significantly increased beyond those of unwounded, wounded saline- or 48/80-injected mice. These results were also confirmed in CD mice, and are in contrast to findings in rats in which treatment with 48/80 alone significantly improved wound healing of similarly injured animals.     

Biphasic effect of phorbol myristate acetate on histamine secretion induced by compound 48/80 in rat peritoneal mast cells

Rat peritoneal mast cells which had been preincubated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA, 100 ng/ml) for 30 sec elicited an enhanced histamine secretion induced by a potent secretagogue, compound 48/80. But a longer (5 min) preincubation with PMA followed by the agonist-stimulation induced a suppressed histamine secretion. A 5 min-PMA-pretreatment inhibited the compound 48/80-mediated hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) in [32P]-labeled cells. PMA-treatment alone for 5 min induced an activation of Ca2+-efflux monitored by 45Ca2+. The inhibition of histamine secretion induced by a 5 min-PMA-pretreatment followed by the agonist-stimulation may partly be attributed to the decreased intracellular Ca2+ concentration, [Ca2+]i, probably due to the depressed PIP2 breakdown and enhanced Ca2+-efflux. On the other hand, a 30 sec-preincubation with PMA followed by compound 48/80-stimulation induced a slight but significant increase in histamine secretion. In this case, neither breakdown of PIP2 nor Ca2+-influx was enhanced to raise the [Ca2+]i. Although we are unable to explain the mechanism for the enhancement of histamine secretion by a short (30 sec) PMA-preincubation, these results suggest that the biphasic effects of PMA on histamine secretion are mediated by intracellular Ca2+ mobilization probably via protein kinase C activation.     

Effects of a hop water extract on the compound 48/80-stimulated vascular permeability in ICR mice and histamine release from OVA-sensitized BALB/c mice

The antiallergic properties of a hop water extract (HWE) were studied by evaluating the Evans blue leakage from ICR mice caused by compound 48/80 stimulation, and the histamine release from ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized BALB/c mice. An oral administration of HWE significantly inhibited the vascular permeability and histamine release. HWE itself did not have any influence on the total and antigen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) production in OVA-sensitized mice. These results indicate that HWE exerted an antiallergic effect by inhibiting the release of chemical mediators from mast cells and basophiles.     

Production of volatile compounds by the edible fungus Rhizopus oryzae during solid state cultivation on tropical agro-industrial substrates

When Rhizopus oryzae was grown on medium containing cassava bagasse plus soybean meal (5:5 w/w), CO2 production was at its highest (200 ml.l–1) while highest volatile metabolite production was with amaranth grain as substrate (282.8 ml.l–1). In the headspace, ethanol was the most abundant compound (more than 80%). Acetaldehyde, 1-propanol, ethyl acetate, ethyl propionate and 3-methyl butanol were also present. CO2 and volatile metabolite productions reached their maxima around 20 h and 36 h, respectively. © Rapid Science Ltd. 1998     

Sex-related differences in SLIGRL-induced pruritus in mice

Aims

Pruritus is a common symptom of skin diseases, and is associated with impaired sleep quality and a considerable reduction in the patient's quality of life. Recently, it was reported that there are sex-specific differences in scratching behavior in chronic pruritus patients. Namely, female chronic pruritus patients scratch more and have significantly more scratch lesions than male patients. However, few animal studies have examined sex-related differences in scratching behavior. Thus, the present work investigated sex-related differences in animal pruritus using pruritogens, which are often used to create experimental animal models of itching.

Main methods

Acute pruritus was induced in ICR mice by a single intradermal injection of histamine, 4-methylhistamine, serotonin, compound 48/80, substance P (SP), or the proteinase-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2)-activating peptide SLIGRL-NH₂. Chronic pruritus was induced by 5 weeks of the repeated application of 2,4,6-trinitro-1-chlorobenzene (TNCB) to BALB/c mice.

Key findings

Female mice showed significantly higher scratching counts in SLIGRL-NH₂-induced pruritus than male mice. Conversely, there was no obvious sex-related difference in scratching behavior for the other pruritogens examined.

Significance

These results indicate that sex-related differences may exist in the pruritogen-responsive neurons that transmit the itch signal induced by SLIGRL-NH₂, but not by histamine or 5-HT.     

Role of nitric oxide/cyclic GMP/K(+) channel pathways in the antinociceptive effect caused by 2,3-bis(mesitylseleno)propenol

The present study examined the antinociceptive effects induced by 2,3-bis(mesitylseleno)propenol, a bis-selenide alkene derivate, given orally, in chemical models of pain in rats and mice. Selenide administered orally (p.o.) into the rats caused antinociception against the first and second phases of the formalin test, with mean ID(50) values of 28.17 and 39.68 mg/kg, respectively. The antinociceptive effect caused by selenide (50 mg/kg, p.o.) on the formalin test was reversed by pretreatment with N(G)-L-nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor), methylene blue (a non-specific NO/guanylyl cyclase inhibitor) and glibenclamide (an ATP-sensitive K(+) channel inhibitor), but not by atropine (a muscarinic antagonist). Given orally selenide in mice produced an inhibition of glutamate-, histamine- and compound 48/80-induced nociception with mean ID(50) values of 27.58, 36.18 and 44.53 mg/kg, respectively. Moreover, oral treatment with selenide in mice decreased licking -- induced by serotonin (mean ID(50) value of >50 mg/kg). The data show that selenide exerts pronounced systemic antinociception in chemical (formalin, glutamate, histamine, compound 48/80 and serotonin-induced pain) models of nociception. Taken together, these results suggest that the antinociceptive effect of selenide on the formalin test involves the participation of nitric oxide/cyclic GMP/K(+) channel pathways in rats.     

Inhibition of non-cytotoxic histamine liberation from isolated rat mast cells by antihistaminic preparations]

Phenothiazines (chlorpromazine and promethazine) and antihistaminic quinuclidine derivatives [phencarol, quinuclidyl-3-di-(o-tolyl) carbinol, hydrochloride quinuclidyl-3-di-(o-methoxyphenyl) carbinol--HQMC] at concentrations preceding the histamine-releasing ones inhibited the compound 48/80-induced histamine release from the isolated rat mast cells. HQMC inhibited histamine release induced by selective liberators (compound 48/80, MCD-peptide, specific antigen), but potentiated histamine release induced by nonselective liberators (chlorpromazine, tryton X-100). The inhibition by HQMC of histamine release induced by compound 48/80 increased during 1 min and was reversible. The inhibitory effect of all the compounds tested was partially counteracted by glucose.     

Stimulation of brain mast cells by compound 48/80, a histamine liberator, evokes renin and vasopressin release in dogs

Because degranulation of brain mast cells activates adrenocortical secretion (41, 42), we examined whether activation of such cells increases renin and vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone: ADH) secretion. For this, we administered compound 48/80 (C48/80), which liberates histamine from mast cells, to pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs. An infusion of 37.5 microg/kg C48/80 into the cerebral third ventricle evoked increases in plasma renin activity (PRA), and in plasma epinephrine (Epi) and ADH concentrations. Ketotifen (mast cell-stabilizing drug; given orally for 1 wk before the experiment) significantly reduced the C48/80-induced increases in PRA, Epi, and ADH. Resection of the bilateral splanchnic nerves (SPX) below the diaphragm completely prevented the C48/80-induced increases in PRA and Epi, but potentiated the C48/80-induced increase in ADH and elevated the plasma Epi level before and after C48/80 challenge. No significant changes in mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, concentrations of plasma electrolytes (Na+, K+, and Cl-), or plasma osmolality were observed after C48/80 challenge in dogs with or without SPX. Pyrilamine maleate (H1 histaminergic-receptor antagonist) significantly reduced the C48/80-induced increase in PRA when given intracerebroventricularly, but not when given intravenously. In contrast, metiamide (H2 histaminergic-receptor antagonist) given intracerebroventricularly significantly potentiated the C48/80-induced PRA increase. A small dose of histamine (5 microg/kg) administered intracerebroventricularly increased PRA twofold and ADH fourfold (vs. their basal level). These results suggest that in dogs, endogenous histamine liberated from brain mast cells may increase renin and Epi secretion (via the sympathetic outflow) and ADH secretion (via the central nervous system).     

毛药忍冬花蕾抗氧化活性部位化学成分研究

毛药忍冬(Lonicera serreana)为忍冬属(Lonicera)植物,其花和果实入药,具有清热解毒、凉散风热之功效,但至今缺乏系统化学成分及药理活性研究。为了寻找毛药忍冬中天然抗氧化活性成分,进一步开发利用忍冬属药用植物资源,该研究以DPPH自由基清除法为活性指导,首次对毛药忍冬干燥花蕾75%乙醇提取物的不同极性萃取部位进行抗氧化活性测试,结果发现乙酸乙酯萃取物表现出最强的抗氧化活性(平均清除率为89.45%)。进一步应用现代色谱手段(硅胶柱色谱、Sephadex LH-20凝胶柱色谱等),从毛药忍冬花蕾的乙酸乙酯萃取物中分离单体化合物,运用现代光谱分析技术(MS、1 H-NMR、13 C-NMR、COSY、HSQC、HMBC、ROESY),并结合文献数据鉴定化合物的化学结构。结果表明:从毛药忍冬干燥花蕾75%乙醇提取物中共分离得到9个化合物,分别鉴定为4个酚酸类化合物:绿原酸(1)、绿原酸甲酯(2)、绿原酸乙酯(3)、咖啡酸(4);4个黄酮类化合物:木犀草素(5)、木犀草素-7-O-β-D-葡萄糖苷(6)、槲皮素(7)、槲皮素-3-O-β-D-葡萄糖苷(8);1个甾醇类化合物:β-谷甾醇(9)。所有化合物均为从毛药忍冬花蕾中首次分离得到。研究结果可为抗氧化类相关产品的开发提供科学依据。     

Antiallergic effects of Vitis amurensis on mast cell-mediated allergy model

In this study, we investigated the effect of the methanol extract of fruits of Vitis amurensis Rupr. (Vitaceae; MEVA) on the mast cell-mediated allergy model and studied the possible mechanism of action. Mast cell-mediated allergic disease is involved in many diseases, such as asthma and sinusitis. The discovery of drugs for the treatment of allergic disease is an important subject in human health. MEVA inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic reactions and serum histamine release in a dose-dependent manner in mice. MEVA decreased immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated local allergic reactions, passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. MEVA dose-dependently reduced histamine release from mast cells activated by compound 48/80 or IgE. The inhibitory effect of MEVA on histamine release was mediated by the modulation of intracellular calcium. In addition, MEVA attenuated the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI)-stimulated secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-8 in human mast cells. The inhibitory effect of MEVA on these proinflammatory cytokines was p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) dependent. Our findings provide evidence that MEVA inhibits mast cell-derived, immediate-type allergic reactions and involvement of proinflammatory cytokines, p38 MAPK, and NF-kappaB in these effects.     

Biochemical Preparation of (R)-Sulcatol

The antiallergic properties of a hop water extract (HWE) were studied by evaluating the Evans blue leakage from ICR mice caused by compound 48/80 stimulation, and the histamine release from ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized BALB/c mice. An oral administration of HWE significantly inhibited the vascular permeability and histamine release. HWE itself did not have any influence on the total and antigen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) production in OVA-sensitized mice. These results indicate that HWE exerted an antiallergic effect by inhibiting the release of chemical mediators from mast cells and basophiles.