Mechanism of antianaphylactic action of beta-agonists in allergic inflammation of air pouch type in rats

Abstract

Using an experimental model of allergic inflammation of air pouch type in rats, the mechanism of antiallergic action of beta-agonists was examined. In this model an immediate increase in vascular permeability and histamine level in the pouch fluid was observed after injecting the antigen (azobenzene arsonate-conjugated acetyl bovine serum albumin) solution into the preformed air pouch on the back of the sensitized rats. The same type of reaction was inducible by injecting anti-rat IgE into the preformed air pouch, but not IgG2a. This fact indicates that the immediate increase in vascular permeability and histamine level is an IgE-mediated anaphylactic reaction. When beta-agonists such as isoproterenol, procaterol and salbutamol were injected into the air pouch together with the antigen, the anaphylactic increase in vascular permeability was suppressed dose-dependently without concomitant decrease in histamine level in the pouch fluid. In contrast, disodium cromoglycate, an inhibitor of degranulation of mast cells, the anaphylactic vascular permeability increase was suppressed in parallel with a decrease of the histamine level. Propranolol, a beta-antagonist, counteracted the effect of beta-agonists. Serotonin-induced vascular permeability was also suppressed dose-dependently by treatment with beta-agonists. Furthermore, vascular permeability in the postanaphylactic phase of the present experimental model was also suppressed by isoproterenol. These results indicate that beta-agonists exert their antiallergic effect by inhibiting the reactivity of local vasculature to chemical mediators released from mast cells.