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Histamine release induced by bacteria. A new mechanism in asthma?

  • Histamine and Kinins
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Abstract

Bacteria release histamine from human basophil leukocytes and mast cells. The release can be caused by an immunological (IgE-dependent) mechanism, but mostly we found a non-immunological (lectinmediated) mechanism which indicates that mediator release triggered by bacteria can occur without the person being sensitized to the micro-organism in question.

Both bacteria and bacterial products such as endotoxins potentiate basophil histamine release caused by allergens in allergic patients or by bacteria in persons sensitized to the micro-organisms. It is therefore tempting to speculate that bacteria and their products might be of importance for asthma by their capacity to release histamine and to potentiate mediator release.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Juliane Maries Vej 20, DK-2100, Copenhagen ø, Denmark

    S. Norn, P. Stahl Skov & C. Jensen

  2. Department of Clinical Microbiology at Hvidovre Hospital, Statens Seruminstitut, Copenhagen, Denmark

    J. O. Jarløv

  3. Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark

    F. Espersen

Authors
  1. S. Norn
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  2. P. Stahl Skov
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  3. C. Jensen
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  4. J. O. Jarløv
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  5. F. Espersen
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Norn, S., Stahl Skov, P., Jensen, C. et al. Histamine release induced by bacteria. A new mechanism in asthma?. Agents and Actions 20, 29–34 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01965622

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