Anaphylaxis: New Treatment Target?
Reported April 26, 2010
(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
