EFFECT OF OUABAIN, DIGOXIN AND DIGITOXIGENIN ON POTASSIUM UPTAKE AND HISTAMINE-RELEASE FROM RAT PERITONEAL MAST-CELLS

Rat peritoneal mast cells were used to study the effects of digitalis glycosides on potassium uptake and histamine release induced by compou nd 48/80, substance P and egg-albumin (immunological release). In the absence of calcium all glycosides inhibited potassium uptake. Ouabain and digoxin enhanced the histamine release while digitoxigenin either had no effect or was slightly inhibitory. In the presence of calcium, the glycosides only affected potassium uptake and histamine release sl ightly. In the presence of lithium or lanthanum the enhancement of the histamine release was counteracted. Hydrophilic digitalis glycosides seem to enhance histamine release secondary to an increase in intracel lular sodium. Lipophilic glycosides have no effect on the release.