The effect of tyrosine kinase inhibitors on IgE-mediated histamine release from human lung mast cells and basophils.

To investigate the role of tyrosine kinases (TK) in IgE-mediated signal transduction in human lung mast cells (HLMC) and basophils. Peripheral blood basophils (n > or = 4) and human lung mast cells (n > or = 6). Cells were preincubated with TK inhibitor for 15 min at 37 degrees C, before the addition of anti-IgE. Histamine release (HR) was assayed using a fluorimetric technique. Results were compared using nonparametric statistics. Piceatannol and ST638 significantly (p < or = 0.05) inhibited anti-IgE induced HR from HLMCs and basophils whilst lavendustin C had no effect in either cell type. Herbimycin A also significantly (p < or = 0.05) inhibited anti-IgE induced HR from both cell types, an effect which was dose dependent but did require a 16 h preincubation with drug. In summary, HLMCs and basophils exhibit distinct inhibitory profiles in the presence of various inhibitors of TK.