Related Experiment Videos
Human monocytes generate basophil histamine-releasing activities
E S Schulman1, M C McGettigan, T J Post
1Department of Medicine, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|April 1, 1988
Summary
Human monocytes produce potent histamine-releasing factors that activate basophils but not mast cells. These activities persist for weeks in culture and are independent of IgE binding.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Monocytes are key immune cells with diverse functions.
- Histamine release from immune cells like basophils and mast cells plays a role in allergic responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the histamine-releasing activities generated by human peripheral blood monocytes.
- To determine the effects of monocyte-derived activities on human basophils and mast cells.
Main Methods:
- Human peripheral blood monocytes were cultured for up to 3 weeks.
- Monocyte/macrophage supernatants were used to challenge human basophils and mast cells.
- Histamine release was quantified.
- Gel filtration was used to estimate the molecular weight of active factors.
Main Results:
- Monocyte cultures generated potent histamine-releasing activities for basophils.
- These activities were sustained for at least 3 weeks.
- Histamine release was optimal at 37°C and 2-5 mM calcium, rapid, and inhibited by anti-allergic drugs.
- The mechanism appeared independent of IgE.
- Monocyte-derived factors showed minimal histamine release from human lung mast cells.
- Activity peaks were observed around 12,000 and 30,000 m.w.
Conclusions:
- Human monocytes produce potent, long-lasting basophil histamine-releasing activities.
- These monocyte-derived factors exhibit differential effects, potently activating basophils but not mast cells.
- The findings suggest a distinct role for monocytes in modulating allergic inflammation through histamine release.