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Histamine-releasing factors and inhibitory factors

J A Grant1, R Alam, M A Lett-Brown

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston.

International Archives of Allergy and Applied Immunology
|January 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Peripheral-blood mononuclear cells produce histamine-releasing factors (HRF) and a specific inhibitor (HRIF). Interleukin-3 (IL-3) and other cytokines exhibit HRF activity, while IL-8 may function as an HRIF.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Peripheral-blood mononuclear cells (MNC) are known to synthesize various factors that influence histamine release.
  • Several characterized cytokines, including connective tissue activating peptide III, neutrophil-activating peptide 2, and interleukin-3 (IL-3), possess histamine-releasing activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the synthesis of histamine-releasing factors (HRF) and histamine release-inhibitory factors (HRIF) by MNC.
  • To characterize the nature and specificity of these factors, particularly identifying remaining HRF species and potential HRIF candidates.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of spontaneous and stimulated secretions from peripheral-blood mononuclear cells (MNC).
  • Characterization of cytokine activity, focusing on histamine-releasing and histamine release-inhibiting properties.

Main Results:

  • MNC spontaneously and upon stimulation synthesize multiple histamine-releasing factors (HRF).
  • Interleukin-3 (IL-3) is identified as one such cytokine with histamine-releasing activity.
  • A histamine release-inhibitory factor (HRIF) is secreted by MNC, exhibiting high specificity against HRF.
  • Interleukin-8 (IL-8) shows similarities in size and specificity to a low-molecular-weight HRIF species.

Conclusions:

  • MNC play a significant role in regulating histamine release through the synthesis of both HRF and HRIF.
  • Further characterization of HRF and HRIF is necessary to fully understand their biological functions.
  • IL-8 emerges as a potential candidate for a specific HRIF, warranting further investigation.

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