Question

How to treat Type I hypersensitivity? Please describe the mechanism of action behind the drug(s)

Answer 1

Hi there, here is your answer.

Type 1 hypersensitivity is IgE-Mediated, and it is caused by an Antigen that induces cross-linking of IgE bound to mast cells and basophils with the release of vasoactive mediators.

The type 1 hypersensitivity can be treated by a variety of drugs and their mechanism of action is described below-

1) Antihistamines that block the H 1 and H 2 receptors on target cells.

2) Cromolyn sodium that Blocks Ca 2+ influx into mast cells.

3) Theophylline prolongs the high cAMP levels in mast cells by inhibiting phosphodiesterase, which cleaves cAMP to 5 -AMP.

4) Epinephrine (adrenalin) stimulates cAMP production by binding to adrenergic receptors on mast cells.

5) Cortisone reduces histamine levels by blocking the conversion of histidine to histamine and stimulates mast-cell production of cAMP.