[The effect of salbutamol on histamine release from basophils in vivo and in vitro].

In vivo and in vitro basophil histamine release inhibition by salbutamol was investigated in patients with bronchial asthma. The study involved 14 patients in stable period of the disease: FEV1 = 66-84% of the normal values. Histamine release was determined following an incubation of the isolated basophils with concanavalin A (Sigma Co., USA) or specific allergens (dust, grass pollens, mites; Bencard, UK). Histamine was assayed with isotope-enzymatic technique according to Shaff and Beaven with histamine N-methyltransferase. Salbutamol administered intravenously in the dose of 1 mg inhibited allergen-induced histamine release from the basophils isolated from patient's blood within 30 minutes. Salbutamol in the concentration of 8 X 10(-6) M inhibited in vitro histamine release induced by an allergen and concanavalin A.