Histopathological Support of Antagonism of Allergen-Induced Mast Cell Mediator Release in Human Skin by a Beta2-Agonist

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Abstract
The site of antagonistic action on allergen-induced early skin reactions by the beta2-agonist terbutaline was studied by light microscopy in 10 atopic subjects. Pretreatment with 1 .mu.g terbutaline intradermally 5 min prior to challenge with horse dander allergen produced an approximate inhibition of 85 and 55% of flare and wheal responses respectively (P < 0.001). Biopsy specimens obtained from skin sites injected with allergen alone showed a reduced number of remaining stainable mast cells as compared to sites injected with terbutaline prior to allergen (P < 0.05, Sign test). The data support the concept of in vivo inhibition of the mast cell mediator release reaction in atopic skin by terbutaline.