Effect of 17-Hydroxy-11-Dehydrocorticosterone (Compound E) and of ACTH on Arthus Reaction and Antibody Formation in the Rabbit

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Abstract
The effects of compound E and ACTH on exptl. hypersensitivity of the Arthus type and on antibody production in the rabbit are described. Both compound E and ACTH inhibited sensitization to repeated intracut. injns. of crystalline egg albumin. Moreover, the inhibition produced by compound E was much greater than that obtained with ACTH; with compound E sensitization was almost completely prevented in all of the 8 animals tested. The data indicate that the inhibitory effect of compound E and ACTH on the development of the Arthus state results from the ability of these hormones to suppress antibody formation. As shown by antibody N detns., compound E and ACTH suppressed antibody formation by an avg. of 100 and 50%, respectively. In contrast to their striking effect on the production of the active Arthus reaction, compound E and ACTH have no effect on the passive local Arthus reaction, when antibody is supplied to the animal. Thus, the capacity of the animal to react to antibody-antigen combination in the tissues is not altered by treatment.