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Updated: May 25, 2026

Measuring Local Anaphylaxis in Mice
Published on: October 14, 2014
Effects of Anemarrhena asphodeloides on IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis, compound 48/80-induced systemic
Ok Hee Chai1, Dong-Hwa Shon, Eui-Hyeog Han
1Department of Anatomy, Chonbuk National University Medical School and Institute for Medical Sciences, Chonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do 561-756, Republic of Korea.
Background:
We investigated the effect of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge (Liliaceae) water extract (AAWE) on mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reactions. Mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reaction is involved in many allergic diseases, including asthma and allergic rhinitis. In Korea, where it has been used as a traditional medicine, AAWE is known to have antioxidant and anticancer activity. However, its specific effect on mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reactions is still unknown.
Methods:
We examined whether or not AAWE could inhibit IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA), compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis, and mast cell activation.
Results:
Oral administration of AAWE inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis in mice. AAWE also inhibited the local allergic reaction, PCA, activated by anti-dinitrophenyl IgE antibody in rats. AAWE reduced compound 48/80-induced degranulation of rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs). Moreover, AAWE inhibited histamine release and calcium uptake of RPMCs induced by compound 48/80 in a dose-dependent manner. AAWE also significantly inhibited secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophores A23187-stimulated RPMCs.
Conclusions:
These results suggest that AAWE suppresses compound 48/80-induced mast cell activation by inhibition of cellular mechanisms in signaling pathways, and would be beneficial for treatment of mast cell-mediated anaphylactic response.
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