Inhibition of anaphylaxis by sulfasalazine in rats

We studied the effect of sulfasalazine on anaphylaxis. Sulfasalazine dose-dependently inhibited systemic anaphylaxis induced by compound 48/80 in rats. Sulfasalazine also inhibited local anaphylaxis activated by anti-dinitrophenyl (anti-DNP) IgE. Moreover, sulfasalazine dose-dependently inhibited histamine release in the peritoneal mast cells activated by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. All of these effects were comparable to those of the disodium cromoglycate (reference drug) tested. When sulfasalazine was added, the level of cAMP in rat peritoneal mast cells transiently and significantly increased about 6-fold compared with that of basal cells. Our studies provide evidence that sulfasalazine may be beneficial in the treatment of anaphylaxis.