Disodium cromoglycate binds in vitro and in vivo to lipids in white cells. Smears of cells from lymphocyte cultures and from bone marrow aspirates treated with DNCG and subsequently stained with pseudoisocyanine show a characteristic green fluorescence (515 nm) of membrane- and intracellular-lipids. It is suggested that the mode of action of DNCG in the prophylaxis of bronchial asthma could be the binding of DNCG to membrane lipids. This binding might block the IgE-mediated reaction on the surface of mast cells which otherwise would lead to degranulation and release of vasoactive substances.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.