Inhibitory effects of epigallocatechin gallate on compound 48/80-induced mast cell activation and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a principle phenolic antioxidant found in a variety of plants, including green and black tea. The anti-allergic effect of EGCG is unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of EGCG on compound 48/80-induced mast cell activation and passive EGCG on the compound 48/80-induced cutaneous reaction were measured in vivo and the effects of EGCG on the compound 48/80-induced mast cell activations were examined in vitro. Results are below: as 1) EGCG significantly inhibited compound 48/80-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis, 2) the compound 48/80-induced degranulation, calci-um influx and histamine release of rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) were significantly inhibited by the pretreatment with EGCG, and 3) the compound 48/80-mediated inhibition of cAMP level in RPMCs was significantly increased by the pretreatment with EGCG. These results suggested that EGCG, inhibits the compound 48/80-induced mast cel activation and the increase of vascular per-meability, and potentially serve as effective therapeutic tols for alergic diseases. KCI Citation Count: 17