title: Histamine-releasing factors and inhibitors: historical perspectives and possible implications in human illness.
abstract: The initiation of allergic reactions with the bridging of surface-bound IgE antibodies on mast cells and basophils by allergens is well recognized. However, it is clear that other factors most likely play a role in regulating these cells. A number of cytokines have been identified that modulate the secretory response of mast cells and basophils. Among the well-characterized cytokines, interleukin-3 and connective tissue-activating peptide III (or its degradation product, neutrophil-activating peptide 2) can increase the secretory response, whereas interleukin-8 specifically inhibits the response to cytokines. Additional factors are currently under investigation. Preliminary studies suggest an important role for these histamine-releasing factors in atopic disorders, as well as in other conditions in which an IgE-dependent mechanism is not demonstrable. Furthermore, these cytokines may modulate the response of basophils and mast cells in physiologic conditions, such as tissue repair and host defense.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77550.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Grant
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Alam
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Lett-Brown
mesh_terms: D001491:Basophils / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D016207:Cytokines / Q000494:pharmacology; D006633:Histamine Antagonists / Q000276:immunology* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006636:Histamine Release / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000276:immunology*; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000276:immunology* / Q000494:pharmacology; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D000090324:Tumor Protein, Translationally-Controlled 1
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D016207:Cytokines; D006633:Histamine Antagonists; D008222:Lymphokines; D000090324:Tumor Protein, Translationally-Controlled 1; D007073:Immunoglobulin E