Basophil mediator release in atopic dermatitis

Basophils have been implicated as a source of histamine and pro-inflammatory eicosanoids in atopic dermatitis. However, mechanisms regulating basophil mediator release are not understood. An H3 receptor involved in the control of histamine synthesis and release has been identified in nervous tissue. In this study we have investigated 1) release of histamine, leukotriene C4, and prostaglandin D2 from anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE)-stimulated basophils of adults with atopic dermatitis and unaffected individuals and 2) specific H3 receptor-dependent basophil mediator release, using an H3 receptor agonist and antagonist. Basophil-rich leukocyte fractions were prepared by dextran sedimentation of venous blood from 19 patients with atopic dermatitis (five male, 14 female, mean age 30.6 years, range 19-59 years) and 15 unaffected individuals (five male, 10 female, mean age 27.6 years, range 19-50 years). Anti-IgE (0.78-78.0 micrograms/ml) stimulation of basophils induced a concentration-dependent release of histamine and leukotriene C4, but not prostaglandin D2. Histamine release was maximally induced by 7.8 micrograms/ml anti-IgE with no significant (Mann-Whitney U test) difference between atopic basophils (n = 17; 43.65 +/- 4.16% mean +/- SEM) and normal basophils (n = 13; 52.23 +/- 4.39%). LTC4 release was maximal from atopic basophils incubated with 2.6 micrograms/ml anti-IgE (n = 5; 0.99 +/- 0.29 pg/10(6) cells) and from normal basophils incubated with 0.78 microgram/ml anti-IgE (n = 5; 25.38 +/- 5.79 pg/10(6) cells). Anti-IgE-stimulated release of leukotriene C4 from atopic basophils was significantly less than from normal basophils at all concentrations (p < 0.05). Basophils were co-incubated with anti-IgE (2.6 and 7.8 micrograms/ml) and either the H3 receptor agonist, (R)alpha-methylhistamine (10(-8) and 10(-7) M), or the H3 receptor antagonist thioperamide (10(-6) and 10(-5) M). Neither drug modulated anti-IgE-induced release of histamine (atopics, n = 10; normals, n = 8). These results indicate 1) that basophils from adults with atopic dermatitis release the same amount of histamine as, but less leukotriene C4 than, basophils of unaffected adults and 2) that H3 receptors are not involved in anti-IgE release of histamine from basophils. These data do not support a role for increased basophil release of histamine as a mediator in the itch and erythema of atopic dermatitis in adults.