Histamine-releasing properties of hydroxy-9-methyl-2-ellipticinium acetate

Previous work on Hydroxy-9-methyl-2-ellipticinium acetate indicated a bronchoconstrictor activity which could be partially offset by antagonists of the H1 histamine receptors, and the absence of any direct effect on smooth muscle. OH-9-CH3-2-E at concentrations of 10 micrograms/ml and 500 micrograms/ml produced a moderate and a variable release of histamine when placed in contract with whole human blood and lung fragments, respectively. In addition, at a dose of 3 mg/kg in the guinea pig, pulmonary airway resistance was raised and the blood histamine level lowered. A significant correlation was found between these two effects. These results demonstrate that OH-9-CH3-2-E possesses a histamine-releasing potency which is partly responsible for its bronchial effects, implying that precautions may have to be taken when it is used as a therapeutic agent in sensitive subjects. However, the moderate intensity of this potency has not so far precluded therapeutic use of the preparation.