�Inhibiting the proton currents in basophils, a rare type of white blood cell, hind end stop the release of histamine and could provide a new target for allergy and asthma drugs according to a new study by researchers at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and the Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center in Baltimore. The research is published in the August fifth issue the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
When allergens enter the body, they can be recognized by IgE antibodies bound to basophils, causation these white blood cells to acquittance the incitive chemical histamine. Histamine causes several allergic symptoms, including airway constriction in the lungs, stern itching, urtication and swelling, and is a major cause of asthma.
Basophils ar among various cell types that state unique ion channels called voltage-gated proton channels. Ion channels open and close providing william Henry Gates for ions, or charged electrical particles, to enter or leave cells. This in turn controls the function of the cadre. Voltage-gated proton channels only allow protons to will cells and seem to be intentional to speedily and efficiently force blistering from cells.
Previously the function of the proton channels in basophils was unknown. Researchers at Rush have determined these channels are important in the process of histamine release.
"Our research shows that proton channels in basophils respond vigorously to agents that fire histamine release," said Thomas DeCoursey, PhD, professor of molecular biophysics and physiology at Rush. "We also determined that histamine was inhibited by zinc at concentrations that inhibit proton currents, ordered with the idea that proton groove activity is linked to basophil activation."
According to DeCoursey, this research points to a new target for drug developers. Prevent the channel from working and that would stop the release of histamine. Currently, the most potent inhibitor is zn, but zinc is toxic in high concentrations and the body regulates atomic number 30 levels identical closely. The goal is to develop a more selective inhibitor of the proton channel that would bind to it and prevent its activity without doing harm.
"It is exciting to discover a novel function for proton channels," said DeCoursey. "We believe this research could lead to young approaches to reduce the potentially lethal consequences of asthma and allergic reactions."
Rush University Medical Center
1700 W Van Buren, Ste. 250
Chicago, IL 60012
United States
http://www.rush.edu
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