Oxatomide: inhibition and stimulation of histamine release from human lung and leucocytes in vitro.

Oxatomide is a very potent inhibitor of histamine release induced by anti-1gE and Timothy pollen extract in passively sensitized human lung fragments and that induced by anti-1gE from human leucocytes. Its spectrum of activity is different from sodium cromoglycate-like drugs. In high concentrations oxatomide, like other antihistamines and related structures, induced histamine release from both lung and leucocytes. However, oxatomide induced histamine release far more effectively from sensitized lung than non-sensitized lung. Inhibition of immunologically induced histamine releast by oxatomide may play a part in its action as an anti-hay fever and, possibly, an anti-asthmatic drug.