Inhibition of mast cell histamine release by flavonoids and biflavonoids

The effect of 11 flavonoids and 4 biflavonoids on the release of histamine from peritoneal rat mast cells induced by compound 48/80 and calcium ionophore A23187 was studied. Dihydroflavonoids (flavanones) and (+)-catechin did not modify histamine release induced by both secretagogues. Flavone, apigenin and cromoglycate inhibited the secretion elicited by compound 48/80 but did not modify the A23187-induced secretion. The effect of kaempferol on the compound 48/80-induced histamine release was biphasic. Low doses (10 (-6) to 10 (-5)M) of the compound potentiated secretion whereas higher doses inhibited histamine secretion. Some of the drugs tested revealed a higher potency as referred to quercetin. Luteolin, a tetrahydroxyflavone and amentoflavone, a biapigenin, exhibited the highest inhibitory effects of mast cell histamine secretion.     

Calcium uptake in mast cells, energy metabolism and histamine secretion

The inhibition of energy metabolism of mast cells causes an inhibition of histamine secretion. As the secretion is generally initiated by the influx of calcium into the cell, we have made correlative studies of the effect of blocking the energy metabolism on calcium uptake and histamine secretion. When the influx of calcium is increased by exposing the cells to low concentrations of saponin or ionophore A23187, histamine release occurs, having the character of a secretory response. Brief incubation of the cells with antimycin A, 10(-9) M-10(-7) M, prior to exposure to saponin or the calcium ionophore gave similar dose-response curves for the inhibitory effect of antimycin A on calcium uptake and histamine release. The inhibition of calcium uptake in untreated mast cells by antimycin A, 10(-9) M-10(-7) M, showed good correlation to the inhibition of anaphylactic histamine release and the release induced by compound 48/80. The antigen-induced histamine release is dependent on extracellular calcium and an inhibition of its uptake by antimycin A could by itself inhibit the release. Compound 48/80 on the other hand induces histamine release both in the presence and absence of calcium, and both are similarly inhibited by 10(-9) M-10(-7) M antimycin A. This indicates that antimycin A has other sites of action apart from the inhibition of the influx of extracellular calcium. The inhibitory effect of antimycin A on compound 48/80-induced histamine secretion in the absence of extracellular calcium may be due to an inhibition of energy requiring steps in the final phase of the secretory process.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

On the mechanism of histamine release induced by thapsigargin from Thapsia garganica L.

Thapsigargin (Tg) is a pure chemical compound isolated from Thapsia garganica with a molecular weight of 650. It releases histamine from isolated rat mast cells but not from isolated histamine-retaining mast cell granules. The rate of release is markedly influenced by pretreatment of mast cells with Tg prior to the addition of calcium. In agreement with the effect of the ionophore A23187 but in contrast to many other calcium-dependent histamine-releasing agents, cells preincubated with Tg respond to the secretory action of calcium whenever the ion is introduced. However, after dilution of Tg-pretreated cells histamine release induced by the addition of calcium became dependent on the time of its addition. The secretory reaction induced by Tg and calcium can be divided into a two-step reaction at 37 degrees C. Pretreatment of mass cells with Tg renders the cells insensitive to the secretory action of compound 48/80 in the absence of calcium, and this effect could be partly counteracted if 1 mM of strontium was added together with compound 48/80. It is concluded that among various calcium- and energy-dependent histamine-releasing agents Tg most closely resembles the action of fluoride on isolated rat mast cells.     

The relationship between cyclic AMP changes and histamine release from basophil-rich human leucocytes

Histamine release and changes in cyclic AMP levels induced by a variety of stimuli have been measured in isolated human leucocytes from a patient with 40-70% basophilia. Adenosine and sodium fluoride induced early monophasic rises in cyclic AMP which peaked at 1 min, but they did not release histamine. 2',5'-Dideoxyadenosine (DDA) caused a transient fall in cyclic AMP levels. Anti-IgE, polylysine and calcium ionophore A23187 induced a slow release of histamine commencing 2-5 min after addition of secretagogue. With polylysine and A23187, release was still proceeding 45 min after challenge. In contrast, the chemotactic peptide formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (f-met-leu-phe) induced a rapid secretion of histamine which was complete within 2 min. Anti-IgE induced a rapid monophasic rise in cyclic AMP which reached a maximum at 45 sec and was inhibited by pretreatment with DDA. Cyclic AMP rises induced by polylysine and f-met-leu-phe were kinetically similar but smaller in magnitude. A23187 caused a later rise in cyclic AMP which peaked 3 min after challenge. A high concentration (50 microM) of compound 48/80 induced a slow cytotoxic release of histamine which was not accompanied by changes in cyclic AMP levels. The inconsistent quantitative and kinetic relationships of histamine release and cyclic AMP production suggest that changes in cyclic AMP levels may not play a key role in the biochemical events leading to mediator secretion from human basophil leucocytes.     

The effect of ribose and purine modified adenosine analogues on the secretion of histamine from rat mast cells induced by ionophore A23187

The purine nucleosides adenosine and 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine (2',5'ddAdo) enhance and inhibit respectively the anti-IgE-induced secretion of histamine and transient rise in cellular levels of cyclic AMP in rat mast cells. These findings have provided evidence for a role for cyclic AMP in the activation of mast cell secretion. It has been generally accepted that the nucleosides mediate their effects on mast cells by altering adenylate cyclase activity. We have investigated the effect of various purine and ribose modified analogues of adenosine on secretion of histamine from rat mast cells induced by ionophore A23187 for which there is no associated elevation in cyclic AMP and no evidence for the activation of adenylate cyclase in its mechanism of action. Adenosine and N6, phenylisopropyladenosine (0.01-1000 microM) (activators of adenylate cyclase in many tissues) enhanced the secretion of histamine induced by ionophore A23187 and anti-IgE. Two inhibitors of adenylate cyclase had differential effects on secretion. 2',5'ddAdo (100-1000 microM) inhibited both A23187-and anti-IgE-mediated secretion; whilst 9-beta-D-arabinofuranosyladenine had no effect on secretion. These results suggest that the ability of these nucleosides to modulate histamine secretion is unrelated to their effects on adenylate cyclase.     

Kinetics of oxygen metabolism indices in the course of histamine secretion from rat mast cells.

In this study data are presented on the kinetics of changes in malondialdehyde content (MDA), lipoxygenase activity (LO), superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH-Px) and glutathione reductase activity (GSSG-Red) during the course of histamine secretion from rat mast cells. Both receptor-mediated (antigen, polymyxin B, compound 48/80) and non-receptor (the calcium ionophore A23187) stimuli of mast cell activation were investigated. A similar alteration in all the studied indices was observed after challenge with receptor-mediated stimuli. The earliest event was a decrease in SOD-activity, which coincided with the increase in histamine secretion. SOD-activity then gradually increased above the baseline levels. Similar changes in GSSG-Red- and GSH-Px-activities were also observed. The increase in MDA content occurred slightly later. Challenge with the calcium ionophore A 23187 did not cause a reduction in SOD-activity, only the increase in activity was observed. Histamine release induced by all stimuli was accompanied by a marked elevation in enzymatic peroxidation (LO-activity). Diethyldithiocarbamate (DTC), which inhibits SOD, not only blocked the enzyme activity but also caused a dose-dependent inhibition of histamine release and an inhibition of the elevation of enzymatic peroxidation in mast cells challenged with compound 48/80.     

Effect of methylmercury on histamine release from rat mast cells

Methylmercury chloride (MeHgCl) is well known as a significant environmental hazard, particularly as a modulator of the immune system. As it is acknowledged that the critical effector cells in the host response participating in various biological responses are mast cells, we tried to define the possible contribution of mast cells in the development of methylmercury-evoked effects. We investigated the effects of methylmercury on the rat mast cell degranulation induced by non-immunological stimuli (the selective liberator of histamine, compound 48/80, and calcium ionophore A23187) both in vivo and in vitro. Using the cells prepared from methylmercury-intoxicated rats through a 5-day treatment of MeHgCl (10 mg/kg/day), we observed the suppression of calcium ionophore A23187- and 48/80-induced histamine release, which was enhanced with time after treatment. Similar suppression was observed in the ionophore-stimulated release, when cells were prepared from rat with a single treatment of MeHgCl (20 mg/kg). It should be noted that when cells from the control rat were pre-incubated with methylmercury in vitro at a 10(-8) M concentration for 10 min, A23187 and compound 48/80-stimulated histamine release was significantly enhanced. However, when the pre-incubation period was prolonged to 30 min, the release was suppressed. An increase in the methylmercury concentration to 10(-6) M also suppressed the histamine release. These results show that methylmercury treatment can modify mast cell function depending on concentration and time, and might provide an insight into the role of mast cells in the development of methylmercury-stimulated effects.     

Effects of Clostridium botulinum C2 toxin-induced depolymerisation of actin on degranulation of suspended and attached mast cells

We studied the effects of C. botulinum C2 toxin, which ADP-ribosylates G-actin, on mast cell degranulation. C2 toxin inhibited degranulation of suspended rat peritoneal mast cells induced by compound 48/80 and dinitrophenyl-conjugated bovine serum albumin (DNP-BSA) maximally by about 50 and 90%, respectively. Inhibition by C2 toxin occurred in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Half-maximal inhibition of DNP-BSA-induced degranulation by C2 toxin occurred at about 0.015 ng/ml, whereas stimulation of mast cells induced by compound 48/80 was half-maximally inhibited at 0.15 ng/ml C2 toxin. C2 toxin also inhibited stimulated [³H]serotonin release from suspended mast cells. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced histamine release of suspended mast cells was inhibited by C2 toxin by about 80–90%. C2 toxin had no effect on calcium ionophore A23187-induced histamine release. Toxin treatment of mast cells caused ADP-ribosylation of actin and depolymerisation of F-actin. Attachment of mast cells, which largely increased the diameter of the subcortical actin network, reduced degranulation stimulated by compound 48/80, antigen and calcium ionophore but not by PMA. Opposite to its effect on suspended cells, in adherent mast cells C2 toxin stimulated degranulation by compound 48/80, antigen, and calcium ionophore but not by PMA. The data indicate that mast cell degranulation and responsiveness towards the actin-depolymerising C2 toxin depend largely on mast cell attachment. Received: 7 October 1996 / Accepted: 22 November 1996     

β‐eudesmol suppresses allergic reactions via inhibiting mast cell degranulation

The regulatory effect of β‐eudesmol, which is an active constituent of Pyeongwee‐San (KMP6), is evaluated for allergic reactions induced by mast cell degranulation. Phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore A23187‐stimulated human mast cell line, HMC‐1 cells, and compound 48/80‐stimulated rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) are used as the in vitro models; mice models of systemic anaphylaxis, ear swelling, and IgE‐dependent passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) are used as the in vivo allergic models. The results demonstrate that β‐eudesmol suppressed the histamine and tryptase releases from the PMA plus calcium ionophore A23187‐stimulated HMC‐1 cells. β‐eudesmol inhibits the expression and activity of histidine decarboxylase in the activated HMC‐1 cells. In addition, β‐eudesmol inhibits the levels of histamine and tryptase released from the compound 48/80‐stimulated RPMCs. Furthermore, β‐eudesmol decreases the intracellular calcium level in the activated RPMCs. β‐eudesmol also decreases the compound 48/80‐induced mortality and ear swelling response. β‐eudesmol suppresses the serum levels of histamine, IgE, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐13, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) under PCA mice as well as PCA reactions. Therefore, the results from this study indicate the potential of β‐eudesmol as an anti‐allergic drug with respect to its pharmacological properties against mast cell‐mediated allergic reactions.     

Dual Effect of Magnesium on Compound 48/80-Induced Histamine Secretion from Rat Peritoneal Mast Cells

Abstract: The effect of magnesium on the secretory response to compound 48/80 from rat peritoneal mast cells was studied. The decrease in secretion caused by calcium deprivation was enlarged by magnesium. Glucose partially counteracted the decrease caused by calcium deprivation but not the one caused by magnesium. The addition of calcium to the cells simultaneously with compound 48/80 completely restored the secretory response if magnesium was present. The response was only partially restored in a magnesium- and glucose-free medium, whereas it was almost completely restored if glucose was present. Magnesium had a considerable effect on the restoration of the secretory response of EGTA-treated cells, whereas the effect of glucose was minimal indicating that an effect on the energy metabolism was of minor importance. The secretory response could also be restored by an exposure of the cells to calcium prior to stimulation with compound 48/80. This was, however, only observed if magnesium was present and glucose had no effect. The influence of magnesium on the restoration of the secretory response may partly occur by an effect on the energy metabolism, partly by an effect on the stimulus-secretion coupling. We propose that insufficient supply of Mg²⁺ to the G-protein during activation by compound 48/80 might cause a suboptimal signal transduction.     

Immunopharmacological actions of the new antiallergic drug butyl 3'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)oxanilate. 2nd communication: inhibitory effects on histamine release from rat mast cells and lung fragments

The effects of butyl 3'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)oxanilate (WP-833), a new antiallergic drug, on its ability to inhibit histamine release from both peritoneal mast cells and lung fragments of rats were investigated. WP-833 inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated histamine release from mast cells. Such potent inhibition was observed in glucose-free as well as complete Tyrode's solution but neither in Ca2+-free nor D2O-supplemented Tyrode's solution. In addition, WP-833 significantly increased intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) levels in purified mast cells. On the other hand, WP-833 inhibited compound 48/80-but not calcium ionophore A23187-induced histamine release from normal mast cells. Also both IgE- and IgG-mediated histamine release from lung fragments were inhibited by WP-833. WP-833 showed non-competitive inhibition of cyclic AMP-dependent phosphodiesterase derived from lung preparations.     

Inhibition of mast cell-dependent anaphylaxis by succinic acid

We have examined the effect of succinic acid on anaphylaxis. Succinic acid (100 mM) significantly inhibited systemic anaphylaxis induced by compound 48/80 in mice and dose-dependently inhibited local anaphylaxis activated by anti-dinitrophenyl IgE. Further 10 and 100 mM significantly inhibited histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells activated by compound 48/80 or anti-dinitrophenyl IgE. In addition succinic acid (0.1 and 1 mM) had a significant inhibitory effect on anti-dinitrophenyl IgE-induced tumour necrosis factor-alpha secretion from rat peritoneal mast cells. The level of cyclic AMP in rat peritoneal mast cells, when succinic acid (100 mM) was added, transiently and significantly increased about 4 times compared with that of basal cells. These results suggest a possible use of succinic acid in managing mast cell-dependent anaphylaxis.     

Characterization of histamine secretion induced by anthracyclines in rat peritoneal mast cells

The histamine-releasing activity of three anthracyclines, adriamycin, daunomycin and epirubicin, has been tested on rat peritoneal mast cells. The three drugs induced a marked and dose-dependent histamine secretion, in a noncytotoxic manner. The release was not sustained by extracellular calcium but was largely dependent on intracellular stores of this cation. This function was blocked by extremes of temperature (0 and 45 degrees), was very rapid and virtually complete within 10 sec. Treatment of mast cells with theophylline or disodium cromoglycate significantly reduced the secretory response to anthracyclines. On the basis of these results it is clear that the stimulant effect of anthracyclines is a true exocytotic response and thus is very similar to that of the classic mast cell secretagogue, compound 48/80.     

Dual effect of magnesium on compound 48/80-induced histamine secretion from rat peritoneal mast cells.

The effect of magnesium on the secretory response to compound 48/80 from rat peritoneal mast cells was studied. The decrease in secretion caused by calcium deprivation was enlarged by magnesium. Glucose partially counteracted the decrease caused by calcium deprivation but not the one caused by magnesium. The addition of calcium to the cells simultaneously with compound 48/80 completely restored the secretory response if magnesium was present. The response was only partially restored in a magnesium- and glucose-free medium, whereas it was almost completely restored if glucose was present. Magnesium had a considerable effect on the restoration of the secretory response of EGTA-treated cells, whereas the effect of glucose was minimal indicating that an effect on the energy metabolism was of minor importance. The secretory response could also be restored by an exposure of the cells to calcium prior to stimulation with compound 48/80. This was, however, only observed if magnesium was present and glucose had no effect. The influence of magnesium on the restoration of the secretory response may partly occur by an effect on the energy metabolism, partly by an effect on the stimulus-secretion coupling. We propose that insufficient supply of Mg2+ to the G-protein during activation by compound 48/80 might cause a suboptimal signal transduction.     

Effects of compound 48/80 on mast cells,histamine and cyclic AMP in isolated superior cervical ganglia

Summary Superior cervical ganglia of the rat contain mast cells which are sensitive to degranulation by compound 48/80. The granulation process is shown to the independent of the ATP content of the ganglion. Compound 48/80 released histamine into the incubation medium, thereby decreasing the histamine content of the ganglia. Moreover, the release of ³H-noradrenaline was accelerated by the compound. Histamine and adrenaline induced a rapid accumulation of cyclic AMP in the ganglia. This effect of the amines was specifically blocked by diphenhydramine or propranolol with an ID₅₀ of 1.5×10^–9 M and 2.2×10^–7 M, respectively.In contrast to other findings with isolated mast cell preparations, compound 48/80 induced a rapid and marked accumulation of cyclic AMP in intact ganglia and an enhanced release of cyclic AMP into the incubation fluid. Diphenhydramine prevented the accumulation in the tissue but only partly inhibited the enhanced appearance of cyclic AMP in the medium. The accumulation of the cyclic nucleotide in the tissue was partly blocked by propranolol, suggesting an additional action of compound 48/80 on cyclic AMP through catecholamines.The cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity in homogenates of superior cervical ganglia was completely inhibited by compound 48/80 at 7 g/ml when low cyclic AMP concentrations were used.In addition to cyclic AMP release, rapid and marked efflux of ATP into the medium was observed during incubations with compound 48/80. The lactate dehydrogenase activity in the incubation medium was significantly enhanced with incubation periods of 40 to 60 min indicating rather slowly occurring toxic damage to cell membranes by compound 48/80.This work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB 70).     

Effect of the carboxylic ionophore monensin on histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells.

The effect of the monovalent carboxylic ionophore monensin, which mediates a one-for-one exchange of intracellular H+ for extracellular Na+, was investigated in purified rat peritoneal mast cells. Monensin inhibited histamine secretion induced by compound 48/80, adriamycin and the calcium ionophore A23187; the inhibitory effect was maximal when the compound was added at least 10 min before the secretagogues. Washing of cells before addition of the secretagogues did not abolish the inhibitory effect of monensin. On the contrary the carboxylic ionophore was completely ineffective in preventing concanavalin A-induced histamine release. When rat peritoneal mast cells were incubated in the presence of monensin for longer period (up to 5 hours), the substance induced a slow, progressive and dose dependent histamine release, which, at least for lower doses was noncytotoxic. The secretory effect of monensin was still present if the ionophore was washed away after 10 min of incubation, and the incubation continued in drug-free medium. Monensin stimulated histamine secretion was strictly dependent on extracellular Na+ concentrations, and independent on extracellular Ca++.     

Effect of amiloride on arachidonic acid and histamine release from rat mast cells

The effect of a putative Na+/H+ exchange inhibition on histamine and [14C]arachidonic acid ([14C]AA) release has been examined in rat peritoneal mast cells, using either addition of amiloride or removal of extracellular Na+. The cells were stimulated by non-immunological agents, i.e. calcium ionophore A23187, nerve growth factor (NGF), thapsigargin and compound 48/80. On the basis of the results obtained, a possible role for Na+/H+ exchange in rat mast cell secretion is discussed.     

Characterization of FPL-52694 [5-(2-hydroxypropoxyl)-8-propyl-4-oxo-4H-benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid Na] on histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells induced by antigen, compound 48/80 and A 23187

We studied the in vitro effects of FPL-52694 [5-(2-hydroxypropoxyl)-8-propyl-4-oxo-4H-benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid Na] on histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells. These cells exposed to ascaris antigen, compound 48/80 or the ionophore A 23187 concentration-dependently released histamine. About a 30-40% histamine release was obtained by 1 X 10(-4) g/ml of antigen, 1 X 10(-7) g/ml of compound 48/80 and A 23187. FPL-52694 (10(-9)-10(-4) g/ml) concentration-dependently inhibited the histamine release from mast cells in response to antigen (1 X 10(-4) g/ml) and compound 48/80 (1 X 10(-7) g/ml), but only slightly inhibited the histamine release induced by A 23187 (1 X 10(-7) g/ml). Similar results were obtained with disodium cromoglycate (DSCG), in the same dose ranges. However, the inhibitory activity of FPL-52694 on histamine release by antigen and compound 48/80 was approximately 10 times more potent than that of DSCG at certain concentrations. Tachyphylaxis was observed when these two agents were preincubated with mast cells for 10 min. These results show FPL-52694 to be a novel mast cell stabilizer.     

Inhibition of histamine release induced by compound 48/80 and peptide 401 in the presence and absence of calcium. Implications for the mode of action of anti-allergic compounds

Histamine may be released from rat peritoneal mast cells by compound 48/80 and peptide 401 in the presence and absence of extracellular calcium. The process is non-cytolytic and requires an intact cell metabolism. The release produced under both conditions is inhibited by disodium cromoglycate, theophylline, dibutyryl cyclic AMP and (at high concentrations) quercetin. The efficacy of the drugs in the absence of extracellular calcium cannot be explained in terms of their postulated effect on the calcium-gating mechanism operative in anaphylactic secretion. Alternative modes of action of the compounds are thus considered.     

Changes in histamine secretion from mast cells caused by digitalis glycosides.

Cardiotonic glycosides modify histamine secretion from rat mast cells in the following way. (1) Preincubation (30 min) of mast cells with liposoluble glycosides (10(-4) mol/l) increases the spontaneous histamine secretion by about 5%. (2) Preincubation of mast cells with 10(-4) mol/l liposoluble glycosides (digitoxin, digoxin, digitoxigenine) decreases histamine release induced by compound 48/80 in the presence of calcium, whereas the water soluble glycoside, strophanthin G, has no effect on the secretion. (3) Preincubation of mast cells in a calcium-free medium with the glycosides (10(-4) mol/l) has a dual-effect on histamine secretion induced by compound 48/80: water soluble glycosides (strophanthin G and K) potentiate histamine release, whereas the liposoluble glycosides (digitoxin, digitoxigenine) decrease the secretory response. The difference in the activity of different glycosides could be explained by their dual effects, namely an inhibition of Na+K(+)-ATPase which leads to an increase in histamine release, and intracellular action(s) of liposoluble glycosides leading to a decrease of histamine secretion.