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633886 
Journal Article 
Inhibition of IgE-induced mast cell activation by ethyl tertiary-butyl ether, a bioethanol-derived fuel oxygenate 
Yamaki, K; Yoshino, S 
2009 
Yes 
Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
ISSN: 0022-3573 
61 
9 
1243-1248 
English 
19703375 
Objectives The effect of ethyl tertiary-butyl ether (ETBE), which is widely used as a fuel
oxygenate commonly produced from bioethanol, on immunoglobulin (Ig)E-dependent mast cell activation was investigated.
Methods The rat mast cell line RBL2H3 sensitised with monoclonal anti-ovalbumin IgE
was challenged with ovalbumin in the presence or absence of ETBE, tert-butanol (TBA),
which is the main metabolite of ETBE in humans, and ethanol. Degranulation of RBL2H3 was examined by the release of b-hexosaminidase. To understand the mechanisms responsible for regulating mast cell function, the effects of ETBE, TBA and ethanol on the levels of intracellular calcium, phosphorylation of Akt (as a marker of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase) and global tyrosine phosphorylation were also measured as indicators of mast cell activation.
Key findings In the presence of ETBE, TBA or ethanol, IgE-induced release of
b-hexosaminidase was decreased. These compounds also attenuated the IgE-mediated
increase in the levels of intracellular Ca2+, phosphorylation of Akt and global tyrosine
phosphorylation in RBL2H3 cells.
Conclusions ETBE, TBA and ethanol inhibited mast cell degranulation by inhibiting the
increase in intracellular calcium ion concentration and activation of phosphatidylinositol
3-kinase and protein tyrosine kinase activation, suggesting that exposure to ETBE might affect immune responses, particularly in allergic diseases. 
degranulation; ethyl tertiary-butyl ether; IgE; mast cell; phosphatidylinositol
3-kinase; RBL2H3