Reserpine and the suppression of both edema formation and cellular infiltrate of the contact sensitivity reaction in the mouse.

Reserpine treatment in doses of 1.0 and 5.0 mg/kg body weight, given 6 h before antigen challenge significantly suppresses the contact sensitivity reaction to picryl chloride in sensitized mice. The suppression involves both the edema formation, measured as ear swelling, and the accumulation of inflammatory cells at the test site. This is probably mediated through inhibition of the release of vasoactive amines from local mast cells.