ABSTRACT
Objective: To explore the allergenicity of two kinds of Chinese materia medica (CMM) injections, Qingkailing (QKL) and Tanreqing (TRQ) Injections, with serum antibody sensitized RBL-2H3 cells. Methods: The antiserum was prepared by sc injection of allergen composed of ovalbumin (OVA), QKL, or TRQ combined with aluminum hydroxide adjuvant respectively in Wistar rats. The total IgE level in serum antibody was determined by radioimmunoassay. The RBL-2H3 cells were sensitized with serum antibodies, then stimulated by OVA, QKL, or TRQ after 48 h. The release rate of β-hexosaminidase in the supernatant was determined after the degranulation of sensitized RBL-2H3 cells. Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) test was performed with rats, and the positive reaction rate with blue plaque in animal skin was observed. Results: Compared with the control group, the total IgE level in serum antibody was increased significantly in OVA, TRQ, and QKL groups (P < 0.05). The degranulation test revealed that the release rate of β-hexosaminidase was significantly increased in the supernatant when the cells were incubated with the antiserum and then stimulated with OVA, QKL, and TRQ. Compared with the control group, the largest relative times of release were 3.7, 1.53, and 1.98, respectively. The results of PCA test showed that the highest percentage rates of positive reaction of blue plaque were 100%, 100%, and 86% respectively. The results of RBL-2H3 cell test and PCA test have good consistency. Conclusion: The serum antibody sensitized RBL-2H3 cell model can be used for screening or assessing allergenicity of CMM injection.