Evaluation of an antiallergic agent (disodium cromoglycate) in rat conjunctiva using monoclonal IgE antibody.

The effect of disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) on the anaphylactic reaction was re-evaluated by measuring the amount of leaked dye into tissues of rat conjunctiva 48 h after passive sensitization with IgE antibodies against ovalbumin. In the rat sensitized with mouse monoclonal IgE (titer 4), DSCG produced a dose-dependent inhibitory effect when used in a dose range between 1 and 5%; at more than 2%, the effect was statistically significant. On more severe anaphylactic reactions induced with the same antibody at titer 10, DSCG had no significant effect when applied in doses of less than 5%. On the other hand, DSCG (2%) had no significant effect on the sensitization with either rat polyclonal IgE or mouse polyclonal IgE (titer 4). These findings indicate that DSCG has a potential benefit when used in moderate anaphylactic reactions and has a strictly specific effect depending on the origin of the antibody.