Immunological release of histamine from human lung. I. Studies on the beta 2-sympathomimetic stimulator fenoterol.

Human lung tissue passively sensitized with anti-grass pollen IgE antibodies release histamine upon exposure to specific grass pollen antigen. Fenoterol, a beta 2-sympathomimetic stimulator drug, is shown to be a potent inhibitor of antigen-induced release of histamine. This inhibitory effect occurred with fenoterol concentrations of 2 x 10(-8) to 1 x 10(-7) M, and was determined by 67 and 95%, respectively. Thus, the beta 2-receptor stimulator fenoterol is a valuable drug for treating allergic bronchial asthma since it exhibits a combination of prophylactic and direct therapeutic properties.