The Persistent Abstract

eral, inhibit the formaldehyde-induced inflammatory response in the hind paws of rats. This inhibition is not antagonized by sotalol (MJ 1999), a beta adrenergic blocking agent. Catecholamines, which also inhibit the inflammatory response, are blocked by sotalol in this regard. Antiinflammatory activity of the antihistamines does not correlate well with antihistaminic activity per se, antiserotonin activity or local anesthetic activity, thus sug-gesting a nonspecific mode of action for these drugs. Possible mechanisms of action are discussed. Received for publication October 3, 1967