Effect of Cryptotympana atrata extract on compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic reactions

We studied the effect of the aqueous extract of Cryptotympana atrata Fabricius on anaphylactic reactions. Cryptotympana atrata completely inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylactic shock at doses of 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg. When Cryptotympana atrata was given as pretreatment at concentrations ranging from 0.025 to 1.0 g/kg, the plasma histamine levels induced by compound 48/80 were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. Cryptotympana atrata also inhibited histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) by compound 48/80. In addition, when Cryptotympana atrata was added, the level of cAMP in RPMC transiently and significantly increased about 14-fold compared with that of control cells. Our studies provide evidence that Cryptotympana atrata may be beneficial in the treatment of nonspecific anaphylactic reactions. Copyright (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.