[Effect of dexamethasone on mast cell reaction in inflammation]

Injections of dexamethasone to rats with carrageenan-induced acute aseptic peritonitis have been shown to cause more expressed mast cell reaction in the inflammatory focus, as compared to those with natural development of the process. More expressed degranulation of the cells, a decrease in their number and a release of histamine were observed. It corresponds to the ability of dexamethasone to increase an accumulation and degranulation of leukocytes in an inflammatory focus. The results testify to the role of an increased activation of mast cells in the mechanisms of anti-inflammatory action of glucocorticoids and support the significance of leukocytes in the mast cell reaction in inflammation.