Histamine release from the mast cells of guinea-pig lung

Abstract

The distribution of mast cells and the effects of antigen on the mast cell population of sensitized guinea-pig lung have been examined. Doses of antigen, phospholipase A, trypsin, and compound 48/80 which released similar amounts of histamine also caused mast cell damage to similar extents following in vitro or in vivo administration. Pretreatment with ethanolamine, hydrocortisone or theophylline reduced the release of histamine and of srs-a, and mast cell damage during subsequent anaphylaxis. Whilst there is evidence that the mast cell might be a selective target for the anaphylactic reaction in guinea-pig lung tissues, there is also evidence to suggest that the anaphylactic reaction induces generalized cell damage in these tissues.