[Antagonistic effect of oleanolic acid on anaphylactic shock].

AIM: To study the antagonistic effect of oleanolic acid (OA) on anaphylactic shock in guinea-pigs sensitized with 6-aminopenicillanic acid (APA)-protein.

METHODS

The anaphylactic shock was achieved by i.p. of APA-protein in guinea pigs. The serum antibody titers of guinea pigs were measured with the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test, and the pulmonary histamine by the method of fluorometric determination. The degranulation of mast cells was examined by rat calvarian periosteum method.

RESULTS

In guinea pigs sensitized with APA-protein, OA 25, 50, 100 mg . kg-1 reduced anaphylactic shock rates from 100% (sensitized control group) to 70%, 18%, and 15% (OA pretreated group), and death rates from 100% to 70%, 18%, and 0%, respectively. OA had an inhibitory effect on the antibody formation and reduced the histamine contents in the lung tissues in the sensitized guinea pigs. In addition, the homologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in guinea pigs and the degranulation of mast cells of calvarial periosteum in rats were prevented by OA 25, 50, and 100 mg . kg-1.

CONCLUSION

The antagonistic effect of OA on anaphylactic shock was related to the inhibition of antibody formation and the reduction of histamine contents.