Inhibitory effect of mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions in rats by Perilla frutescens

We investigated the effect of aqueous extract of Perilla frutescens(Labiata e) (PFAE) on the mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions. PFAE (0.05 to 1 g/kg) dose-dependently inhibited systemic allergic reaction indu ced by compound 48/80 in rats. PFAE(0.1 and 1 g/kg) also significantly inhi bited local allergic reaction activated by anti-DNP IgE. When PFAE was pret reated at the same concentrations with systemic allergic reaction test, the plasma histamine levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. PFAE(10(- 3) to 1 mg/ml) dose-dependently inhibited the histamine release from rat pe ritoneal mast cells (RPMC) activated by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. The level of cyclic AMP in RPMC, When PFAE(1 mg/ml) was added, transiently and significantly increased about 4-fold compared with that of basal cells. Mo reover, PFAE(0.001 and 0.01 mg/ml) had a significant inhibitory effect on a nti-DNP IgE-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha production. These results i ndicate that PFAE inhibits mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic react ions in vivo and in vitro.