Activation of human leukemic mast cell line LAD2 is modulated by dehydroleucodine and xanthatin.

The aim of the present study was to determine whether dehydroleucodine, xanthatin and 3-benzyloxymethyl-5H-furan-2-one inhibit the activation of human leukemic LAD2 mast cells induced by compound 48/80 or the calcium ionophore A23187. LAD2 cells were preincubated in the presence of test drugs and then challenged with the secretagogues. This study provides the first evidence in favor of the view that dehydroleucodine and xanthatin inhibit the degranulation of LAD2 cells, thus acting as human mast cell stabilizers. These molecules could be effective in the treatment of human diseases associated with inappropriate mast cell activation.