[Elucidation of the mechanism of nicotinic acid flush in the animal experiment (author's transl)].

The reddening of the ears of guinea pigs following the administration of nicotinic acid and its derivatives is regarded as an animal experiment for the human flush-reaction. In agreement with the observations in humans we found that the reddening effects decreased after repeated administration of xantinol nicotinate (Complamin). The results demonstrate that the reddening of the ears of guinea pigs--and presumably flushing in humans as well--is a complex event. The liberation of prostaglandins, histamine and serotonin, and first of all, cholinergic reactions, seem to be involved.