(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Scientists have identified a protein that may
eventually be targeted to halt the deadly allergic reaction anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is a type of allergic reaction when the immune system reacts to
otherwise harmless environmental substances. Anaphylaxis is most commonly caused
by allergens in foods, drugs and insect venom. Reaction begins almost
immediately following exposure, and rapidly progresses to cause airway
constriction, skin and intestinal irritation, and altered heart rhythms. In
severe cases, it can result in complete airway obstruction, shock, and death.
Anaphylaxis causes the blood vessels to widen, which leads to anaphylactic
shock, or a dramatic drop in blood pressure.
New research has identified a possible drug target to counteract the widening of
blood vessels. The protein SphK1 is involved in generating the soluble molecule
S1P, which affects the blood vessels and immune system. In the study, mice
lacking SphK1 recovered poorly from anaphylaxis. However, when these mice were
treated with S1P, their recovery improved dramatically.
Researchers believe drugs that trigger the S1P protein may counteract the
widening of blood vessels associated with anaphylactic shock, and in doing so
could promote recovery.
Source: Journal of Clinical Investigation, April 2010
