FMLP-activated neutrophils evoke histamine release from mast cells

Human neutrophils, having been activated by the chemotactic peptide N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP), evoke histamine release from rat serosal mast cells. The release is dependent on FMLP concentration and it can be inhibited by disodium cromoglycate and by a flavonoid, silymarin, which displays free radical scavenging properties. Silymarin inhibition of neutrophil-mediated histamine release is dose-dependent. These results further stress the concept of a neutrophil-mast cell interaction, which may be involved in inflammatory processes.