An anti-inflammatory steroid inhibits tissue sensitization by IgE in vivo.
An anti-inflammatory corticosteroid, dexamethasone, was found to be a potent suppressor of cell sensitization induced by IgE antibody in a model of type I allergic inflammation in vivo. Low doses (approximately less than 10(-10) mol) of dexamethasone, administered intradermally to rabbits 90 min before injection of IgE into the same sites, suppressed local oedema induced by a local challenge with antigen 72 h later. The effect was not due to anti-inflammatory activity persisting in the skin site for the 3 day period. This novel potent activity of the corticosteroid may be an important component of its anti-allergic effect in diseases such as asthma.
Hellewell
P G
PG
Section of Vascular Biology, MRC Clinical Research Centre, Harrow, Middlesex.
Williams
T J
TJ
D000818:Animals; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007114:Immunization; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D010323:Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis / Q000187:drug effects*; D011817:Rabbits
D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D003907:Dexamethasone