Drug-mediated amplification

Drug-Mediated Amplification of Contact-Phase Activation... 

Bell et al. have proposed a neural sensitization model to account for the observed hypersensitivity on some individuals to low level chemical exposures in MCS.fi7 20 22 These researchers describe neural sensitization as the progressive host amplification of a response over time from repeated, intermittent exposure to a stimulus. They report that drugs, chemicals, endogenous mediators, and exogenous stressors can all initiate sensitization and exhibit cross-sensitization between different types of stimuli. Laboratory studies with animals have demonstrated sensitization to several toxic chemicals, including formaldehyde, toluene, and pesticides. Animal studies have also shown cross-sensitization with formaldehyde and cocaine. Human laboratory studies with chemically intolerant humans have shown heightened sensitization specific chemical exposures as well as to nonspecific experimental challenges. 20 ... 

The effects of 6m enantiomers on receptor-mediated selection and amplification of NIH-3T3 cells is measured. Values in parentheses represent the maximal response obtained for each drug, normalized to the effects of carbachol. 

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