Influence of GABA on anaphylactic histamine release in vitro.

In this preliminary report an unreported inhibitory action of GABA on anaphylactic reaction has been described. In a functional model (Schultz-Dale reaction) GABA has been demonstrated to inhibit the antigen-evoked contraction. This effect depends on a modulation of anaphylactic histamine release. The phenomenon is dose-dependent and requires a period of time to develop. Since GABAergic neurons are present in the preparation, it is possible to speculate that GABA receptors are involved in this inhibitory action. However, pharmacological analysis of the phenomenon has to be carried out, especially in view of the latency of GABA to develop its effect.