Inhibitory effect of calcium antagonists on histamine release from human leukocytes. In vivo and in vitro experiments.

A study was made of the influence of calcium antagonists on human basophil histamine release induced in vitro by specific antigen, anti-IgE or the calcium ionophore A23187. Both verapamil, nifedipine, and nimodipine were found to inhibit the release, and a similar effect was also observed after peroral administration of verapamil and nifedipine. The inhibitory effect of the drugs on histamine release seems to depend on interaction with calcium at different sites. The anti-allergic effect might explain the improvement found with calcium antagonists in exercise-induced asthma.