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Analysis of histamine-binding lymphocytes in atopy
International Archives of Allergy and Applied Immunology
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Histamine-binding lymphocytes are reduced in active atopy, suggesting this is a secondary effect. T cell ratios remain unchanged, indicating atopy doesn't significantly alter T cell balance.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Atopy is associated with immune dysregulation.
- The role of histamine-binding lymphocytes and T cell subclasses in atopy requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate histamine-binding properties and T cell subclass distribution in normal and atopic individuals.
- To determine if reduced histamine-binding lymphocytes in atopy are a primary or secondary phenomenon.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytofluorimetry was used to analyze peripheral blood lymphocytes.
- Histamine-binding capacity and T cell markers (including OKT3) were quantified.
Main Results:
- Significantly reduced histamine-binding lymphocytes were observed in active (symptomatic) atopy.
- No significant differences in T cell subclass distribution were found between normal and asymptomatic atopic groups, except for a lower proportion of OKT3-positive cells in atopics.
- Decreased histamine-binding lymphocytes in atopy appear to be a secondary phenomenon, unrelated to OKT3-positive cell numbers.
Conclusions:
- Reduced histamine-binding lymphocytes in atopy are likely a secondary consequence, not a primary cause.
- The ratio of T helper to T suppressor/cytotoxic cells is not significantly altered in atopic patients.
- Changes in histamine-binding lymphocytes are independent of the observed decrease in OKT3-positive cells in atopy.