Effect of disodium cromoglycate on activation of human eosinophils and neutrophils following reversed (anti-IgE) anaphylaxis

Immunological release of histamine and lipid mediators is known to occur when basophils, contained in whole blood human leucocytes, are incubated with anti-IgE (reversed anaphylaxis). In the present study we show that IgE-dependent stimulation of basophils was associated with activation of bystander eosinophils and neutrophils, as assessed by enhanced complement (C3b) and IgG (Fc) rosettes, and increased cytotoxicity for complement-coated schistosomula of Schistosoma mansoni. These changes in eosinophil and neutrophil function were totally inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion by prior incubation with disodium cromoglycate (DSCG). In all in vitro systems examined, complete inhibition of enhancement was observed with concentrations as low as 10^-7 moles/1. In contrast, DSCG had no effect on histamine release, or the percentage of rosettes or cytotoxicity prior to anti-IgE stimulation. These results suggest that DSCG inhibits activation of inflammatory cells consequent to an IgE-dependent stimulus.