Studies on human basophil releasability

Basophil releasability is an important parameter in several pathophysiological conditions. In normal donors, the maximum percent histamine release and cell sensitivity to rabbit anti-Fc epsilon (anti-IgE) is correlated with the age of cell donors. A positive correlation between serum IgE level and anti-IgE-induced histamine release was found in subjects below 20 years old. The response to formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (f-met peptide) was significantly reduced in subjects above 60 years old. In twins, IgE-mediated releasability and serum IgE levels appear to be controlled by two different genetic mechanisms. Basophils of patients with atopic dermatitis were more responsive than those of control subjects of matched ages to anti-IgE.