New light on the mechanism of action of disodium cromoglycate.

Disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) shows a prolonged protective effect against histamine on the smooth muscle of guinea pig ileum. Preventing allergen-induced mediator release from mast cells as well as protection of smooth muscle against mediators already released can both explain a beneficial effect of DSCG in the treatment of bronchial asthma and food allergy. It is believed that disappointing clinical trials with many new anti-allergic drugs, e.g. RS 7540, can be explained by the lack of protective effect on the smooth muscle of target organs.