Shini-San Inhibits Mast Cell-Dependent Immediate-Type Allergic Reactions

Shini-San has been used for treatment of allergic disease in Korea. However, its effect in experimental models remains unknown. The mast cell plays a pivotal role in initiating al1ergic response by secreting intracytoplasmic granular mediators such as histamine. The present report describes an inhibitory effect of Shini-San on mast cell-mediated immediate-type al1ergic reactions. Topical application of compound 48/80 can induce an ear swelling response in normal ($WBB6F_1-+/+$) mice but not in congenic mast cell-deficient $WBB6F_1-W/W^v$ mice. Shini-San inhibited concentration dependent mast cell-dependent ear swelling response induced by compound 48/80 in normal mice. Shini-San inhibited concentration-dependent passive cutaneous anaphylaxis induced by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) immunoglobulin E (IgE) in rats by topical application. Shini-San also inhibited in concentration-dependent fashion the histamine release from the rat peritoneal mast cells by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. Moreover, Shini-San had a significant inhibitory effect on compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylactic reaction. These results indicate that Shini-San inhibits immediate-type allergic reactions by inhibition of mast cell degranulation in vivo and in vitro.