In spite of continuous research in the field of bronchial asthma, stil
l no satisfactory drug is available. Recently a new class of oligopept
ide exhibited antiallergic activity by inhibiting the synthesis of IgE
antibody. The analogue of ADSDGK (94-335) has shown antiallergic acti
vity in experimental models. The 94-335 inhibited the passive cutaneou
s anaphylaxis (PCA) reactions in rats in a dose-dependent manner (0.5-
10 mg kg(-1 )p.o.) by 47-90%. There was a 70-87% protection of mast ce
ll degranulation induced by compound 48/80 with peptide 94-335 at 0.5-
1.5 mg kg(-1) p.o. in rats. This peptide also inhibited antigen-induce
d contraction in sensitised guinea pig ileum. There was 18 and 72% pro
tection to bronchoconstriction induced by histamine and egg albumin, r
espectively, in an aerosol test in guinea pigs. These effects of compo
und 94-335 were comparable with that of the clinically-used antiallerg
ic drug disodium cromoglycate (DSCG). The results suggest that peptide
94-335 possesses potent antiallergic activity. (C) 1998 The Italian P
harmacological Society.