Inhibition of mast cell-dependent anaphylaxis by sodium salicylate

Sodium salicylate (NaSal) is a commonly used agent with a wide pharmacological spectrum. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of NaSal on anaphylaxis. NaSal (10(-1) and 1 mM) significantly inhibited systemic anaphylaxis induced by compound 48/80 in rats. NaSal also significantly inhibited local anaphylaxis activated by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) immunoglobulin E(IgE). NaSal (10(-1) and 1 mM) significantly inhibited histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) activated by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. Northern-blot analysis demonstrated that a significantly reduced level of the mRNA of L-histidine decarboxylase was expressed in mast cells treated with NaSal, compared with that without NaSal. NaSal (10(-2) and 10(-1) mM) had a significant inhibitory effect on anti-DNP IgE-induced tumour necrosis factor-alpha secretion from RPMC. The level of cyclic AMP in RPMC, when NaSal (1 mM) was added, transiently and significantly increased about sixfold compared with that of basal cells. These results suggest a possible use of NaSal in managing mast cell-dependent anaphylaxis.