Topical Protection Against Hyperergic Inflammations by a Preceding Local Inflammation

Abstract

The hyperergic reaction provoked in the rat by the intraperit. injn. of egg albumin can be topically inhibited by a previously produced local inflammation. The topical protection phenomenon can be modified by local and general influences. Section of the sciatic nerve of the injd. leg prevents or diminishes the protecting effect. Extirpation of the suprarenal glands prior to the application of the locally irritating substance prevents the topical protection phenomenon, which reappears if the animals receive immediately after the action of the locally irritative agent an intraperit. injn. of cortisone. The topical protection phenomenon depends partly on the moving, from the blood to the tissues, of the corti-costeroids which are freed during the alarm reaction following the local inflammatory irritation; these corticosteroids have an anti-inflammatory action which diminishes or prevents the development of the phlogistic alterations in the tissues which previously have suffered an inflammation.