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Surface membrane alterations in guinea pig basophils undergoing anaphylactic degranulation. A scanning electron
Summary
Specific antigen triggers guinea pig basophil degranulation and histamine release within 20 minutes. This process involves pore formation and granule release, with cell surface changes reverting over 48 hours.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Histology
Background:
- Basophils are immune cells involved in allergic reactions and inflammation.
- Understanding basophil activation and degranulation is crucial for studying immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphological changes of purified guinea pig basophils after antigen exposure.
- To characterize the process of basophil degranulation and histamine release.
Main Methods:
- Scanning and transmission electron microscopy.
- Light microscopy of Epon-embedded sections.
- Short-term tissue culture of purified guinea pig basophils.
Main Results:
- Specific antigen induced rapid basophil degranulation and histamine release (5-20 minutes).
- Degranulation involved the formation and enlargement of a plasma membrane pore, allowing granule egress.
- Antigen exposure caused distinct cell surface changes, including rounding and ruffling, which reverted over 48 hours.
Conclusions:
- Specific antigen triggers a dynamic degranulation process in guinea pig basophils.
- Morphological changes reflect the functional activation and subsequent recovery of basophils.