Effect of drugs on histamine release.

The effects of histamine release in the pathogenesis of bronchial obstruction in asthma, and the action of several pharmacological agents on this release--both by prevention of this mediator's secretion and its antagonism, is briefly reviewed. It is concluded that some drugs can prevent either the histamine secretion or antagonize its effects, partially or totally, but some results must be carefully interpreted in what the clinical practice is concerned, as its practical application needs further investigation.