Inhibition by galanin and by high K+ of human basophil histamine release triggered by calcium ionophores but not responses induced by anti-IgE, chemotactic peptide or phorbol ester.

1. Galanin concentration-dependently blocked human leukocyte histamine release triggered by the calcium ionophores A23187 and ionomycin. Almost complete inhibition of release was recorded at 410 nM whereas 41 nM galanin mediated close to 50% inhibition of responses. 2. Pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin did not influence the inhibitory effects of galanin. 3. Leukocyte responses triggered by anti-IgE, the chemotactic peptide formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) or 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) were not affected by galanin. 4. Ionophore-induced basophil histamine release, but not responses triggered by anti-IgE, FMLP or PMA, was inhibited when cells were challenged in medium containing high potassium (120mM). 5. We conclude that galanin and a depolarizing medium selectively inhibit ionophore-induced basophil histamine release.