Studies on beta-adrenoceptors of purified mast cells from guinea-pig lung.

Ovalbumin-induced histamine release from passively sensitized monodispersed cells (2-4% mast cells) or purified mast cells (50-78%) from guinea-pig lung was inhibited by isoproterenol and sulfonterol and their relative potencies or maximum responses were similar in both cases. The apparent dissociation constant for butoxamine was also independent of mast cell purity. The results indicate that beta-adrenoceptors mediating histamine release inhibition from lung are localized to mast cells and act independently of other cell types.