[[Effect of traxanox sodium on type I-IV allergic reactions. Studies on anti-allergic agents VII]

The 48-hour passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) and passive anaphylactic bronchoconstriction in rats induced by an IgE-like antibody against DNP-Ascaris were inhibited by intravenous treatment with traxanox sodium in a dose dependent manner. In both experiments, traxanox sodium was more potent than disodium cromoglycate (DSCG), especially as an inhibitor of bronchial anaphylaxis. In the PCA test of rats using a double sensitization technique according to the Orr's method, traxanox sodium was demonstrated not to inhibit antigen-antibody combination, but to inhibit the release of chemical mediators at a stage following antigen-antibody combination. Traxanox sodium inhibited the complement dependent immune hemolysis, but not the hypotonic hemolysis in vitro. However it failed to inhibit the Forssman anaphylaxis in the guinea pig in vivo. Traxanox sodium (50-250 mg/kg p.o.) showed an inhibitory effect on the direct passive Arthus reaction (DPAR) of the rats. Furthermore, it delayed the onset of the hyperacute form of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) and reduced mortality in the rats. DSCG was less effective on DPAR and EAE. In conclusion, traxanox sodium is considered to have a wider spectrum of anti-allergic activity than DSCG since it has a suppressive effect not only on the type I allergic reaction, but also on the type III and IV allergic reactions.