Neurotropin inhibits accumulation of eosinophils induced by allergen through the suppression of sensitized T-cells.
A non-protein extract isolated from the inflamed dermis of rabbits inoculated with vaccinia virus (Neurotropin) has been clinically used in Japan as an analgesic and anti-allergic drug. To clarify its anti-allergic mechanism, the effect of Neurotropin on eosinophil accumulation induced by ragweed pollen extract or platelet-activating factor (PAF) was examined in BALB/c mice. Neurotropin inhibited the T-cell-dependent accumulation of eosinophils induced by allergen in a dose-dependent manner when administered during sensitization. However, Neurotropin was unable to inhibit the T-cell-independent accumulation of eosinophils induced by PAF. A T-cell transfer experiment was performed to address the inhibitory mechanism. A marked accumulation of eosinophils was observed when recipients were injected i.p. with allergen and Nylon wool column-passed splenic T-cells from the sensitized donor mice. However, significant accumulation of eosinophils was not observed when sensitized donor mice were administered with Neurotropin but not saline. Taken together, these results suggest that Neurotropin inhibits the accumulation of eosinophils induced by allergen via the suppression of sensitized T-cell induction, or alternatively by interfering with T-cell function.
Yoshii
H
H
Department of Haematology and Immunology, Nippon Zoki Pharmaceutical Company, Hyogo, Japan.
Fukata
Y
Y
Yamamoto
K
K
Naiki
M
M
Suehiro
S
S
Yanagihara
Y
Y
Okudaira
H
H
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000485:Allergens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000494:pharmacology; D004804:Eosinophils / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008819:Mice, Nude; D010529:Peritoneal Cavity / Q000166:cytology; D010972:Platelet Activating Factor / Q000494:pharmacology; D011058:Pollen / Q000276:immunology; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000485:Allergens; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D010972:Platelet Activating Factor; D011134:Polysaccharides; C010491:neurotropin; D016572:Cyclosporine