Effect of amiloride on arachidonic acid and histamine release from rat mast cells.

The effect of a putative Na+/H+ exchange inhibition on histamine and [14C]arachidonic acid ([14C]AA) release has been examined in rat peritoneal mast cells, using either addition of amiloride or removal of extracellular Na+. The cells were stimulated by non-immunological agents, i.e. calcium ionophore A23187, nerve growth factor (NGF), thapsigargin and compound 48/80. On the basis of the results obtained, a possible role for Na+/H+ exchange in rat mast cell secretion is discussed.