Harpagoside-induced anaphylactic reaction in an IgE-independent manner both in vitro and in vivo

Background: Harpagoside (HAR) is an active component of Scrophularia ningpoensis (SN), which has anti-inflammatory and anti-immune effects. SN is used widely in China to treat various diseases. Recently, SN has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine injection and used clinically. However, allergic responses to these injections are frequently reported.

Aim: We examined whether the main component of SN, HAR, is associated with the allergic reaction to SN.

Methods: This study assessed the effects of HAR in mice and mast cell activation to characterize its anaphylactic effects and underlying mechanisms. Mice hindpaw swelling, serum allergy factor detection, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and degranulation assays were performed to measure allergic mediators both in vivo and in vitro.

Results: The present study indicated that HAR induced paw swelling, interleukin-6, inositol triphosphate, tumor necrosis factor-α, and histamine increases in mice. Our in vitro data also showed that HAR induced β-hexosaminidase, inositol triphosphate, and interleukin-6 release, leading to mast cell degranulation. In contrast, neither C48/80 nor HAR induced local anaphylaxis in STOCK Kit^W-sh/HNihrJaeBsmJNju mice.

Conclusions: HAR is a potential sensitization compound in SN, and these results provide information for the safe clinical use of SN.