Blockade by anti-glucocorticoids, actinomycin D and cycloheximide of the anti-inflammatory action of some Kampohozai (Chinese traditional medicines) against serotonin.

Blockade by anti-glucocorticoids, progesterone and 17 alpha-methyltestosterone, a messenger ribonucleic acid (m-RNA) synthesis inhibitor, actinomycin D, and a protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide, of the anti-exudative action of five kinds of Kampohozai (Daisaikoto, Shosaikoto, Saikokeishito, Daiobotanpito and Tokakujokito) were studied to investigate mode of the anti-inflammatory action of those Kampohozai. The inflammatory lesion was provoked by injection of serotonin (0.3 micrograms) in the Tyrode solution (5 microliter) in subplantar region of the hind paw of mice. The above anti-glucocorticoids and the m-RNA and protein synthesis inhibitors suppressed the anti-inflammatory effects of Daisaikoto and Shosaikoto dose-dependently. The action of Saikokeishito was suppressed weakly by treatment with progesterone or 17 alpha-methyltestosterone, but not blocked by treatment with actinomycin D or cycloheximide. On the other hand, Daiobotanpito and Tokakujokito were not blocked by treatment with those four inhibitors. These results suggest that mechanism of anti-inflammatory action of Daisaikoto and Shosaikoto is similar to that of glucocorticoid but Daiobotanpito and Tokakujokito exert anti-inflammatory effects through some other mechanisms.