Abstract
Mast cells have been regarded as one of the most important effector cells in IgE-dependent allergic response. Recently the heterogeneity of mast cells in localization and species have been recognized. However, whether anti-allergic drugs possess inhibitory effects on histamine release from human mast cells still remains uncertain. Therefore, in the present study, effects of anti-allergic drugs on histamine release from human mast cells, which were derived by the culture of cord blood cells with 80 ng/ml recombinant human stem cell factor and 50 ng/ml interleukin 6. The human cultured mast cells presented functional IgE receptors on their cell surfaces and were effectively stimulated to release histamine in dose-dependent and time-dependent manners of anti-IgE antibody. Anti-allergic drugs, such as azelastine, ketotifen, and emedastin, were able to inhibit histamine release from the human mast cells in dose-dependent manners. Immunosuppressive agent, cyclosporin A, and flavonoid, quercetin, also showed inhibitory effects on the histamine release from the human cultured mast cells.
