Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM: We investigated the inhibitory action of medium molecular weight heparinyl phenylalanine (MHF) on type I hypersensitivity in comparison with medium molecular weight heparinyl arginine (MHR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: MHF and MHR were synthesized from heparin (HE) to decrease the side-effect of HE based on its anticoagulant action and used in this study. RESULTS: MHF demonstrated a significant inhibitory action on 48-h homologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in rats. Although MHF did not affect the death of mice injected with a lethal dose of histamine, it significantly prolonged the survival time of mice administered a lethal dose of compound 48/80. On the other hand, MHR did not inhibit type I hypersensitivity. CONCLUSION: The inhibitory action of MHF on the type I allergic reaction was due to a reduction or delay in histamine release from mast cells. MHF may be a potent anti-allergic agent.