Histamine release from mast cells by terpenoid aldehydes isolated from glanded varieties of cotton.

In vivo and in vitro experiments have strongly indicated that mast cell degranulation, with its release of histamine and other pharmacoactive compounds, plays a major role in the acute respiratory response of humans following inhalation of cotton textile dust. Thirteen terpenoid aldehydes isolated from the glands of the two major Gossypium species used for cotton production, stimulated significant release of histamine from mast cells at concentrations of 1 micrograms/mL. Eleven of the thirteen compounds produce significant mast cell degranulation at concentrations well below the levels of free terpenoid aldehydes that could be expected to enter the lungs during an eight hour work day under the current permissible card room standards of 200 micrograms per cubic meter. Daily mast cell degranulation, stimulated by these terpenoid aldehydes could account for many of the pathophysiological changes found in the chronic byssinotic.