Disodium cromoglycate inhibits allergic patch test reactions

Pharmacological modulation of a model of bronchial inflammation after aerosol-induced active anaphylactic shock in conscious guinea pigs

Twenty-four hours after an active anaphylactic shock induced by inhalation of antigen in conscious guinea pigs sensitized by a large dose of ovalbumin in complete Freund's adjuvant, a noteworthy bronchial inflammation, characterized by increased numbers of neutrophils, mononuclear cells and eosinophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, was observed. Some drugs administered after the anaphylactic shock were investigated using this model. Disodium cromoglycate primarily reduced the number of mononuclear cells and eosinophils. Dexamethasone and theophylline decreased the number of eosinophils. Salbutamol and mepyramine increased neutrophils. Indomethacin did not give rise to any significant effect. This test appears to be of use for the investigation of anti-inflammatory compounds in the prophylactic treatment of asthma.

Disodium cromoglycate versus diet in the treatment and prevention of nickel-positive pompholyx

In some cases that have been diagnosed as contact allergy to nickel, there are repeated cutaneous eruptions of pompholyx, even in areas with no direct contact with the metal. The possible alimentary origin of dyshidrotic eczema should be considered when deciding on therapy. We have collected the clinical data for 24 patients with dyshidrotic eczema caused by nickel, to evaluate the benefit of a low-nickel diet versus treatment with oral disodium cromoglycate, comparing both objective and subjective symptoms. A low-nickel diet does not improve these patients but those treated with DSCG reacted better, from both objective and subjective point of view, than either the controls or the patients treated by diet. We next did intestinal permeability tests before therapy and after 15 days of treatment. We found that nickel uptake diminishes simultaneously with the reduction of absorption through the smaller aqueous "pores". This phenomenon was greatest after DSCG. We suggest that DSCG can help selected cases of pompholyx.

Does sodium cromoglycate have an effect on contact dermatitis?

Sodium cromoglycate was applied to the forearm of 9 subjects with known delayed hypersensitivity, and to the back of 14 dinitrochlorobenzene-sensitized guinea pigs before challenge with the allergen and sodium lauryl sulphate. Sodium cromoglycate did not decrease the intensity of allergic of toxic-irritant reactions in either humans or guinea pigs.