TREATMENT OF STRESS-INDUCED SKIN DISEASE BY CORTICOTROPIN RELEASING HORMONE (CRH) ANTAGONISTS AND SKIN MAST CELL DEGRANULATION INHIBITORS

摘要

A method of reducing or blocking a stress-related atopic skin disease such as exzema or uticaria in a subject comprising administering to the patient an agent that antagonizes CRH-induced activation of skin mast cells, the agent being used alone or together with a second agent that inhibits activation of skin mast cells. Such agents include compositions that reduce the production or secretion of CRH, neurotensin or somatostatin or an agent that inhibitos the physiological action of CRH, neurotensin or somostatin on skin mast cells. The effects of CRH on skin mast cells can also be inhibited by histamine-3 receptor antagonists and by inhibitors of the phosphorylation of skin mast cell moesin.