Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
10:22
Basophil Activation Test for Investigation of IgE-Mediated Mechanisms in Drug Hypersensitivity
Published on: September 16, 2011
A beta 2-agonist, procaterol, inhibits basophil migration
1Department of Medicine and Physical Therapy, University of Tokyo School of Medicine, Japan.
Summary
Beta 2-receptor agonists like procaterol can reduce allergic late-phase reactions by inhibiting human basophil migration. This finding highlights a new anti-inflammatory mechanism for these commonly used asthma medications.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Beta 2-receptor agonists are known to inhibit immediate-phase allergic reactions.
- Their effectiveness in allergen-induced late-phase reactions (LPR) is recognized, but the underlying mechanisms require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of the selective beta 2-agonist, procaterol, on human basophil migration.
- To determine if procaterol's action on basophil migration contributes to its anti-inflammatory effects in LPR.
Main Methods:
- Human basophil migration assays were performed.
- Cells were stimulated with Interleukin-8 (IL-8) and Complement component 5a (C5a).
- The effect of varying concentrations of procaterol on migration was assessed, along with its cytotoxicity.
Main Results:
- Procaterol demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of IL-8- and C5a-induced basophil migration.
- A concentration of 10(-7) M procaterol reduced migration by approximately 30% for both chemoattractants.
- The inhibitory effect was rapid and not attributable to basophil toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Procaterol effectively inhibits human basophil migration, a key component of LPR.
- These findings expand the known anti-inflammatory actions of beta 2-agonists, suggesting a role in managing allergic inflammatory responses.
Related Concept Videos
01:09Cell Migration
Cell migration, the process by which cells move from one location to another, is essential for the proper development and viability of organisms throughout their life. When cells are not able to migrate properly to their ordained locations, various disorders may occur. For example, disruption in cell migration causes chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.
01:21Chemotaxis and Direction of Cell Migration
Cells can detect chemical cues in their environment and reorganize the cytoskeleton to migrate toward them or away from them. This directional migration, called chemotaxis, is essential during embryogenesis and development, immune response, tissue repair and regeneration, and reproduction. These chemical cues can either attract or repel the cell's movement. For example, axon development is determined by a combination of chemoattractants and chemorepellents that direct the growing axon towards...
01:15Differentiation of Common Myeloid Progenitor Cells
Common myeloid progenitors (CMPs) are oligopotent cells that can differentiate into granulocytes and macrophages. Granulocytes and macrophages are essential for protecting the body against bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. They migrate from the bone marrow into the circulating blood to reach specific tissue sites where they differentiate and help in immune surveillance. However, they survive only for a few days and must be continuously made available to the organism to maintain a robust...