Transmethylation reactions in human basophils induced by anti-IgE or specific antigen

The activation of methyl transferases in the membrane of human basophilic leukocytes was measured by incorporation of 3H-methyl groups into phospholipids. Basophils of healthy individuals were activated by anti-IgE, those of pollen allergic patients by the specific antigen, Lolium perenne extract. Basophil-rich fraction was obtained from peripheral blood by centrifugation in a gradient of Ficoll/metrizamide (g = 1.085). After incubation with anti-IgE an increase in the 3H-methyl incorporation was detected during the first 30 s of the reaction. The maximal incorporation in basophils of the pollen allergic patients, activated by L. perenne extract, was enhanced at 15 s. Appropriate controls showed that the activation of methyl transferases occurred in basophils only.