Antigen-induced histamine-release from duodenal biopsy in gastrointestinal food allergy

Twenty-four patients allergic to food, which was demonstrated by oral provocation, were investigated. Six particles from duodenal mucosa were obtained during endoscopic examination and incubated with different foods. Specimens challenged by anti-human-IgE or without any stimulus served as control values. Also, skin tests and assays of specific IgE were performed. The spontaneous histamine release varied from 19% to 36%. Anti-IgE caused an increase up to 26% until 65%. Incubation with allergenic food induced a histamine release from 41% to 81%, demonstrating positive results in 27 out of 30 separate experiments. Antigen-induced histamine release from biopsy specimens turned out superior to skin tests and specific IgE. It is the most reliable tool for diagnosis of gastrointestinal food allergy besides oral provocation.