Investigation of mechanisms of the flare and wheal reactions in human skin by band method.

Following intradermal injection of histamine, substance P or neurotensin into the normal human forearm skin at the site 0.5 cm proximal to the band, the flare response developed as quickly on the distal side as on the proximal side of the band, whereas the wheal reaction was localized on the proximal side. Pretreatment of skin with capsaicin dramatically inhibited the histamine-induced flare response but had no effect on nicotine-induced axon reflex sweating. The usefulness of the band method is discussed.