Activation of Hyaluronidase by Metallic Salts and Compound 48/80, and Inhibitory Effect of Anti-allergic Agents on Hyaluronidase

Abstract

Modulation of hyaluronidase activities by various compounds which are closely related with the degranulation of the mast cells was studied. It was found that compound 48/80, a non-specific histamine releaser from mast cells, activated hyaluronidase strongly. Hyaluronidase activated by CaCl₂ or compound 48/80 was inhibited by anti-allergic agents such as disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) or tranilast. On the other hand, tranilast greatly enhanced the activity of the hyaluronidase activated by NaCl. The inhibitory effects of these anti-allergic agents on the activation of the inactive hyaluronidase were shown to be stronger than those on activated hyaluronidase. Since the hyaluronidase activity was modulated by compounds closely associated with allergic phenomena, it is suggested that the hyaluronidase might be present as one of the target enzymes of the influent calcium ions in the mast cells and might directly control the degranulation.