Starvation reduces allergen-induced skin wheal responses and plasma substance P and vasoactive intestinal peptide in patients with atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome

The effect of starvation on allergen-induced skin wheal responses and plasma neuropeptide levels was not previously reported. Starvation for 24 h reduces allergen-induced skin wheal responses and plasma levels of substance P and vasoactive intestinal peptide in patients with atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome, but not in control subjects. These results may have implications for the pathophysiology of the atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome.