The effects of drug-induced adrenocortical deficiency and of mineralocorticoid drugs on anaphylaxis in the guinea-pig

Abstract

Abstract Administration of adrenocortical inhibitors [metyrapone, amphenone-B, or 1,1-dichloro-2,2-di(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDD)] decreased anaphylactic preconvulsion times in guinea-pigs. Simultaneous corticotrophin treatment potentiated the effect of metyrapone. Metyrapone induced adrenocortical deficiency, and changed the character of corticosteroid secretion from predominantly glucocorticoid to mineralocorticoid. Mineralocorticoid treatment decreased preconvulsion times. Mepyramine prevented the effect of mineralocorticoids on anaphylaxis but did not modify the effect of metyrapone which probably resulted from glucocorticoid lack, but mineralocorticoid secretion may have contributed. Mineralocorticoids probably potentiated the histaminic component of anaphylaxis.