Complement-mediated release of histamine from human basophils. III. Possible regulatory role of microtubules and microfilaments

J. Andrew Grant, Elton Dupree, David O. Thueson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

The release of histamine by normal human leukocytes (basophils) following in vitro challenge with activated complement (zymosan-treated serum) was previously reported. In this study, the effects of various pharmacologic agents on this release mechanism were compared with allergen-induced release of histamine. Colchicine and vinblastine antagonize the polymerization of tubulin to form microtubules, and both agents inhibited complement- and allergen-mediated release of histamine. The dose-response effects of these drugs were quite similar for the two release mechanisms. Deuterium oxide, an agent which stabilizes microtubules, enhanced both complement- and allergen-triggered release of histamine from basophils. Finally, treatment with cytochalasin B, a fungal product known to interfere with microfilament formation, resulted in enhanced release of histamine from complement-treated basophils but no significant change in the percentage of histamine released from allergen-treated basophils. These findings suggest that microtubules and/or microfilaments are involved in complement-induced secretion of histamine by human basophils.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)306-311
Number of pages6
JournalThe Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Volume60
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1977
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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