Prostaglandin mediated histamine tachyphylaxis in subhuman primate tracheal smooth muscle

The phenomenon of histamine tachyphylaxis previously observed in tracheal smooth muscle from canine species was investigated in isolated tracheal smooth muscle from subhuman primates. Tachyphylaxis to histamine was readily demonstrated by repetitive exposure to histamine. However, similar testing with acetylcholine did not indicate decreased responsiveness to this agent. The development of histamine tachyphylaxis could be prevented or reversed by inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis (indomethacin, mefenamic acid, oxyphenbutazone). In indomethacin treated tissue, exogenous administration of prostaglandin E2 reduced the histamine response. It is concluded that the histamine tachyphylaxis which is present in subhuman primate tracheal smooth muscle is prostaglandin mediated.