[Effect of calcium channel blockers on histamine liberation from isolated basophils and bronchial reactivity in patients with bronchial asthma].

An effect of verapamil and nifedipine on the cellular histamine release and non-specific reactivity of the bronchi measured with methacholine test was studied. In vitro tests were carried out in basophils isolated from 19 asthmatic patients. Reactivity of the bronchi was investigated in 5 patients. Both verapamil and nifedipine significantly inhibited histamine release from the cells in vitro in all examined concentrations (10(-7)-10(-4) M) while a single dose of these drugs administered to the asthmatic patients did not exert a significant effect on the airway constriction in vivo.