Neutrophil attractant/activation protein-1 (NAP-1) causes human basophil histamine release

Basophils from five of six human donors released histamine in response to neutrophil attractant/activation protein-1 (NAP-1). Histamine release by this protein was concentration-dependent over the range of 3 x 10(-7) M to 4 x 10(-6) M. At 4 x 10(-6) M, the mean agonist-induced release was 16 +/- 3% (SEM) of total basophil histamine. For the same basophil preparations, release by anti-IgE was 35 +/- 6%. The chemotactic protein did not cause release of histamine from basophils at 0 degrees C or in the presence of 10 mM EDTA. The time-course of histamine release was rapid; release was 43% of maximal after 30 s and maximal after 1 min of incubation. Thus, in addition to its previously characterized neutrophil chemotactic and activating properties, this protein activates human basophils.