Inhibition of IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation by sulphasalazine

The effect of sulphasalazine on two mast cell populations and human peripheral leukocytes is reported. Sulphasalazine inhibited histamine release from mouse and rat mast cells, but it caused a potentiation of secretion in human peripheral leukocytes. The drug alone did not induce histamine release when administered without an anaphylactic stimulus. The results are discussed in terms of a possible mode of action of sulphasalazine in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.