Effect of disodium cromoglycate on activation of human eosinophils and neutrophils following reversed (anti‐IgE) anaphylaxis

Immunological release of histamine and lipid mediators is known to occur when basophils, contained in whole blood human leucocytes, are incubated with anti-IgE (reversed anaphylaxis). In the present study we show that IgE-dependent stimulation of basophils was associated with activation of bystander eosinophils and neutrophils, as assessed by enhanced complement (C3b) and IgG (Fc) rosettes, and increased cytotoxicity for complement-coated schistosomula of Schistosoma mansoni. These changes in eosinophil and neutrophil function were totally inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion by prior incubation with disodium cromoglycate (DSCG). In all in vitro systems examined, complete inhibition of enhancement was observed with concentrations as low as 10(-7) moles/l. In contrast, DSCG had no effect on histamine release, or the percentage of rosettes or cytotoxicity prior to anti-IgE stimulation. These results suggest that DSCG inhibits activation of inflammatory cells consequent to an IgE-dependent stimulus.