Production of eosinophil-activating factor (EAF) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from asthma patients

Mononuclear cells from blood samples from asthmatic patients were tested for their ability to produce two eosinophil activating factors, EAF and TNF. High levels of EAF were produced by some but not by all patients. The influence of external factors on EAF production was evaluated. Patients receiving prednisolone (10-30 mg/day) tended to produce only low levels of EAF. Prednisolone has been shown to inhibit production of EAF in vitro by isolated mononuclear cells, at concentrations of 0.1-1 micrograms steroid/ml. Incubation of mononuclear cells with certain allergens enhances EAF production in sensitive individuals. Little or no production of TNF was observed in the patients examined.