Abstract
Summary
Deuterium oxide, an agent known to stabilize microtubules, greatly enhances antigen-induced histamine release from human leukocytes. Concentrations as low as 7% are effective and enhancement occurs over a wide range of antigen concentrations. The effects of D2O are partially reversed by colchicine, a drug known to disrupt microtubules. These findings strengthen the view that microtubules are involved in the secretory mechanism by which the mediators of the allergic response leave the IgE containing target cells.
We thank J. Harrison and A. Sobotka for their excellent technical assistance.
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