Basophil histamine release by nuclear components in chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma of intrinsic type

The involvement of an allergic reaction directed against nuclear components and aggregated IgG was examined by basophil histamine release technique in chronic bronchitis (CB) in the intrinsic type of bronchial asthma (IA). In the group of 21 CB patients, seven responded to RNA, DNA or histone and three responded to aggregated IgG. In the other group of seven IA patients one responded to RNA and histone. In comparison with healthy blood donors the prevalence of smooth muscle antibodies was increased in CB patients and antinuclear antibodies were increased in both groups of patients. The findings suggest an involvement of an allergic reaction directed against RNA, DNA, histone, and aggregated IgG in some patients with CB and IA. This may play some role in the reversible airway obstruction of these diseases.