title: Experimental models in asthma.
abstract: Histamine is an important mediator released from activated mast cells in acute bronchoconstriction provoked by allergen, exercise, hypertonic stimuli and inhaled adenosine. Histamine may also contribute to the allergen-induced late asthmatic response probably following the recruitment and activation of basophils. H1-receptor antagonists partially attenuate these responses but greater inhibition when these drugs are combined with cysteinyl LT1-receptor antagonists indicative of an interaction between mast cell-derived mediators. The combination of two or more selective mediator antagonists in the treatment of allergic disorders such as asthma offers a new therapeutic approach worthy of careful appraisal.
authors.affiliation: University Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK.
authors.forename: S T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Holgate
mesh_terms: D000241:Adenosine / Q000494:pharmacology; D001249:Asthma / Q000209:etiology*; D001250:Asthma, Exercise-Induced / Q000209:etiology; D016084:Bronchoconstriction; D003080:Cold Temperature; D006632:Histamine / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D006632:Histamine; D000241:Adenosine