Current views of the mechanism of action of prophylactic antiallergic drugs.
The mechanisms of action of prophylactic antiallergic drugs, especially disodium cromoglycate (DSCG), have been reviewed. Some evidence is presented that suggests that DSCG acts not only as an inhibitor of mediator release from mast cells, but also by inhibiting the effects of mediators on bronchial and intestinal smooth muscle. The protective effects of DSCG at these sites can be "ascribed" to the membrane stabilizing effects of this drug on mast cells and smooth muscle fibers, through changes in membrane permeability to calcium and other ions required for mast cell degranulation or smooth muscle contraction. A stabilizing effect on the myenteric plexus also seems to be involved, and can be partially responsible for the beneficial role of this drug in food allergy. Other possible mechanisms of action of prophylactic antiallergic drugs are also discussed in this review.
D015105:3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001980:Bronchi / Q000187:drug effects; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000187:drug effects; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007422:Intestines / Q000187:drug effects; D007665:Ketotifen / Q000494:pharmacology; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000187:drug effects; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000187:drug effects; D009197:Myenteric Plexus / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats
D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D015105:3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium; D002118:Calcium; D007665:Ketotifen