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Dual Effect of Lanthanum on Histamine Release from Mast Cells

Nature New Biology volume 240, pages 255–256 (1972)Cite this article

Abstract

THE release of histamine from mast cells is similar, in many respects, to other secretory processes. In common with transmitter release at the motor nerve terminal and catecholamine release from the adrenal medulla, histamine release is dependent on calcium ions1–4. Experiments have shown that the antigen-stimulated histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells has two components: a larger component requiring the presence of calcium ions, and a smaller one which is not reduced by removal of calcium ions from the incubating medium or by the addition of a calcium chelating agent (EDTA)4. Also “spontaneous release” of histamine, in the absence of antigen, is apparently independent of calcium. Lanthanum inhibits the action of calcium in certain tissues, and van Breemen has shown that lanthanum blocks the movement of calcium across artificial membranes and smooth muscle cell membranes5,6. We wished therefore to study the action of lanthanum on histamine release from isolated rat peritoneal mast cells.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E6BT

    J. C. FOREMAN & J. L. MONGAR

Authors
  1. J. C. FOREMAN
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  2. J. L. MONGAR
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FOREMAN, J., MONGAR, J. Dual Effect of Lanthanum on Histamine Release from Mast Cells. Nature New Biology 240, 255–256 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1038/newbio240255a0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/newbio240255a0

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