Histamine release from human leukocytes: studies with deuterium oxide, colchicine, and cytochalasin B

Heavy water (D2O) induces autophagy-dependent apoptotic cell death in non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon microtubule disruption

OBJECTIVE

Deuterium oxide (D2O) or heavy water is known to have diverse biological activities and have a few therapeutic applications due to its limited toxicity to human subjects. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism of D2O-induced cytotoxicity in non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells.

RESULTS

We found that D2O-treatment resulted in cytotoxicity, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in A549 cells in a dose-dependent fashion. In contrast, limited cytotoxicity was observed in lung fibroblasts WI38 cells. Moreover, D2O-treatment resulted in the disruption of the cellular microtubule network, accompanied by the generation of ROS. On further investigation, we observed that the intracellular ROS triggered autophagic responses in D2O-treated cells, leading to apoptosis by inhibiting the oncogenic PI3K/ Akt/ mTOR signaling. D2O-treatment was also found to enhance the efficacy of paclitaxel in A549 cells.

SIGNIFICANCE

D2O induces autophagy-dependent apoptosis in A549 cells via ROS generation upon microtubule depolymerization and inhibition of PI3K/ Akt/ mTOR signaling. It augments the efficacy of other microtubule-targeting anticancer drug taxol, which indicates the potential therapeutic importance of D2O as an anticancer agent either alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic drugs.

Towards a mechanistic understanding of axon transport and endocytic changes underlying paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy

Paclitaxel is a common chemotherapeutic agent widely used to treat solid cancer. However, it frequently causes peripheral sensory neuropathy, resulting in sensory abnormalities and pain in patients receiving treatment for cancer. As one of the most widely used chemotherapeutics, many preclinical studies on paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) have been performed. Yet, there remain no effective options for treatment or prevention. Due to paclitaxel's ability to bind to and stabilize microtubules, a change in microtubule dynamics and subsequent disruptions in axonal transport has been predicted as a major underlying cause of paclitaxel-induced toxicity. However, the systemic understanding of PIPN mechanisms is largely incomplete, and various phenotypes have not been directly attributed to microtubule-related effects. This review aims to provide an overview of the literature involving paclitaxel-induced alteration in microtubule dynamics, axonal transport, and endocytic changes. It also aims to provide insights into how the microtubule-mediated hypothesis may relate to various phenotypes reported in PIPN studies.

Glyoxalase 2: Towards a Broader View of the Second Player of the Glyoxalase System

Glyoxalase 2 is a mitochondrial and cytoplasmic protein belonging to the metallo-β-lactamase family encoded by the hydroxyacylglutathione hydrolase (HAGH) gene. This enzyme is the second enzyme of the glyoxalase system that is responsible for detoxification of the α-ketothaldehyde methylglyoxal in cells. The two enzymes glyoxalase 1 (Glo1) and glyoxalase 2 (Glo2) form the complete glyoxalase pathway, which utilizes glutathione as cofactor in eukaryotic cells. The importance of Glo2 is highlighted by its ubiquitous distribution in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Its function in the system has been well defined, but in recent years, additional roles are emerging, especially those related to oxidative stress. This review focuses on Glo2 by considering its genetics, molecular and structural properties, its involvement in post-translational modifications and its interaction with specific metabolic pathways. The purpose of this review is to focus attention on an enzyme that, from the most recent studies, appears to play a role in multiple regulatory pathways that may be important in certain diseases such as cancer or oxidative stress-related diseases.

Dependence of Optimal Histamine Release on Cell Surface IgE Density on Human Basophils: Nature of the Stimulus

BACKGROUND

The characteristics of the aggregation reaction that follows allergen binding to cell surface IgE on basophils and mast cells depend on a variety of factors that include the density of IgE and the affinity of the allergen for IgE. For simple bivalent stimuli, one prediction is that the location of the optimum for aggregation is not dependent on IgE density, only the affinity for IgE. However, this behavior does not occur for stimulation with an anti-IgE antibody (Ab) during the treatment of patients with omalizumab.

METHODS

This study re-examined the stability of the optimum for histamine release, relative to cell surface IgE density, using the simple bivalent penicillin hapten (BPO2) or a bivalent monoclonal anti-IgE Ab.

RESULTS

The results validated one prediction for one bivalent hapten, BPO2. Across a range of BPO-specific IgE density of 270-23,500/cell, optimal histamine release remained constant (10 nM BPO2). In contrast, across a range of approximately 6,000-110,000/cell, optimal histamine release shifted 8- to 30-fold for anti-IgE Ab. The distinguishing characteristic between the 2 bivalent stimuli was the difference in their crosslink re-equilibration. Recent modeling of histamine release suggested that the SYK-to-receptor ratio could determine the position of histamine release optimum. The study showed that there were significant shifts in the SYK-to-receptor ratio (from 1: 6 to 5: 1) but the basophil's ability to sense this ratio was restricted to transient crosslinks, as occurred with anti-IgE Ab.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that ligand crosslinking dynamics couple with SYK and receptor expression levels to determine qualitative characteristics of the dose response curve for secretion.

Pros and Cons of Clinical Basophil Testing (BAT)

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We review basophil testing by flow cytometry with an emphasis on advantages and disadvantages.

RECENT FINDINGS

There are many tools available to assess the presence and severity of allergic diseases in patients. For 50 years, peripheral blood basophils have been used as tools to study these diseases. It is a very accessible cell that binds IgE antibody and secretes the classical mediators responsible for the symptoms of allergic reactions. In the last decade, an even more accessible methodology, using flow cytometry, has been developed to enhance the ability to use basophils for both mechanistic and clinical diagnostics. Basophil testing has been included in diagnostics for different forms of allergies as well as to monitor disease status. A variety of studies have begun to establish both precise methods and their clinical relevance for disease diagnosis, but there remain some important questions on how to take optimal advantage of the behaviours of basophils.

FceRI density and spontaneous secretion from human basophils

Mast cells and basophils depend on aggregation of the high-affinity IgE receptor, FceRI, to initiate secretion. A variety of studies have shown that FceRI densities vary 100 fold among subjects' basophils and it has been speculated that high densities might be responsible for unusual behaviors of the cells, notably sensitivity to certain monomeric IgE antibodies or spontaneous release. These studies experimentally examined the density dependence of spontaneous release and signaling element expression in subjects' basophils with FceRI densities ranging from approximately 6000 to 600,000 per cell. Through the use of numerical simulation, this study examined the expectations for spontaneous receptor aggregation and aggregate persistence at densities of FceRI ranging from 5000 to 500,000. Experimentally, FceRI density was not associated with greater spontaneous histamine release even when secretion was enhanced by the inclusion of deuterium oxide in the buffers. There was also no association of 15 activating or de-activating signaling elements with FceRI density. The numerical simulations demonstrated that at densities of ≈500,000 receptors, 13% of receptors were involved in transient aggregates at any given moment but that these aggregates rarely persisted for greater than 10 milliseconds. In contrast, a weak linear antigen aggregator, with ligand affinities known to induce secretion, would generate aggregates persisting for an average of ≈60 milliseconds. These results suggest that although a high density of FceRI likely produces a large number of transient aggregates, these aggregates do not persist long enough to induce signaling that results in secretion and do not induce the cells to alter their expression of several signaling elements known to be important in regulating secretion from human basophils. The results set some boundaries on the aggregation requirements for inducing histamine release from human basophils.

Colchicine protects rat skeletal muscle from ischemia/reperfusion injury by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation

OBJECTIVES

Neutrophils play an important role in ischemia/reperfusion (IR) induced skeletal muscle injury. Microtubules are required for neutrophil activation in response to various stimuli. This study aimed to investigate the effects of colchicine, a microtubule-disrupting agent, on skeletal muscle IR injury in a rat hindlimb ischemia model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-one Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into three groups IR group, colchicine treated-IR (CO) group and sham operation (SM) group. Rats of both the IR and CO groups were subjected to 3 hr of ischemia by clamping the right femoral artery followed by 2 hr of reperfusion. Colchicine (1 mg/kg) was administrated intraperitoneally prior to hindlimb ischemia in the CO group. After 2 hr of reperfusion, we measured superoxide dismutase (SOD) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β levels in the muscle samples. Plasma creatinine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were measured. We also evaluated the histological damage score and wet/dry weight (W/D) ratio.

RESULTS

The histological damage score, W/D ratio, MPO activity, MDA, TNF-α and IL-1β levels in muscle tissues were significantly increased, SOD activity was decreased, and plasma CK and LDH levels were remarkably elevated in both the IR and CO groups compared to the SM group (P<0.05). Colchicine treatment significantly reduced muscle damage and edema, oxidative stress and levels of the inflammatory parameters in the CO group compared to the IR group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Colchicine attenuates IR-induced skeletal muscle injury in rats.

A case of mannitol hypersensitivity

Mannitol is used for increased intracranial pressure and prevention of nephrotoxicity. We present a case report of a patient who experienced an anaphylactic response to mannitol and review the literature.

Marked differences in the signaling requirements for expression of CD203c and CD11b versus CD63 expression and histamine release in human basophils

Many techniques are being used to examine the status of circulating human basophils including the enhanced expression of a variety of cell surface proteins. There is accumulating evidence that there are at least two compartments containing these activation marker proteins but there are only some indications for the signaling requirements for each of the compartments. This study began with published reports by other investigators who potentially dissociated CD63 expression from anaphylactic degranulation with the p38 inhibitor, SB203580, a possible falsification of a previously proposed hypothesis regarding CD63 expression. To explore the signaling requirements for CD63, a variety of pharmacological agents were used to inhibit or enhance 4 endpoints of basophil activation. First, it was found that inhibition of both histamine release and CD63 expression with SB203580 was concordant. But it was also found that this agent had no effect on increased expression of CD203c and CD11b. Actin polymerization inhibitors caused marked enhancement of CD63 expression (concordant with their effects on degranulation) with no effect on expression of CD203c and CD11b. The third generation syk inhibitor, NVP-QAB205, showed a 5-fold lower potency for inhibiting expression of CD203c and CD11b than for CD63. Finally, while desensitization of CD11b and CD203c expression occurs, it is slower than desensitization of the CD63 response. Taken together, these various observations demonstrate a marked difference in the early signaling requirements for the CD11b/CD203c compartment and CD63 degranulation and provide support for the hypothesis that CD11b and CD203c reside in a similar compartment.

Properties of hydrogen peroxide-induced histamine release from rat mast cells

Incubation of rat peritoneal mast cells with hydrogen peroxide results in a marked release of histamine. Maximal release is observed with 0.05-0.1 mM H(2)O(2), but higher concentrations of H(2)O(2) instead suppresses the release. Histamine release starts after about 2 min of lag time and reaches a plateau in about 10 min. Hydrogen peroxide-induced release does not exceed 50-60 per cent of total histamine if the incubations are prolonged or additional H(2)O(2) is given at 10 min. This would be explained by the fact that H(2)O(2) causes impairment of the histamine releasing system of mast cells simultaneously with the release of histamine. Hydrogen peroxide-induced release is not due to nonspecific lysis of the cells because lactate dehydrogenase, a cytoplasmic enzyme, is not liberated during the reaction. The reaction requires the presence of Ca(2+), is enhanced by D(2)O and suppressed by colchicine. It is not, however, affected by dibutyryl cAMP or dibutyryl cGMP. No significant alteration of intracellular levels of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP is observed during the incubation of mast cells with 0.1 mM H(2)O(2). These results indicate that microtubular functions would be involved in the releasing reaction although they are not under the control of cyclic nucleotides. Microscopic observation shows that H(2)O(2)-induced release is accompanied by degranulation.

Polymerization of actin does not regulate desensitization in human basophils

Previous studies have suggested that maintenance of IgE-mediated signaling results from regulation of the activity of signaling complexes by actin polymerization. This process is also hypothesized to be related to desensitization of basophils and mast cells. Recent studies demonstrated that any signaling process dependent on syk or PI-3K activity cannot be a mechanism of desensitization, and in this context, syk and PI-3K inhibitors were found to inhibit actin polymerization. Inhibitors of actin polymerization were tested for their effect on desensitization of human peripheral blood basophils. Latrunculin A, in particular, removed all resting and stimulated f-actin but did not inhibit desensitization. Cytochalasin D and latrunculin A also did not reverse the loss of syk phosphorylation that accompanies desensitization. These results demonstrate that desensitization mechanisms are not dependent on actin polymerization. In this context, it was also shown that progressive immobilization of Fc epsilon RI during aggregation was sensitive to syk or actin polymerization inhibition. Therefore, desensitization is also not dependent on receptor immobilization. These studies demonstrate that desensitization is not the result of two signaling pathways once considered relevant to down-regulation of IgE-mediated signaling.

Actin cytoskeleton-dependent down-regulation of early IgE-mediated signaling in human basophils

Two regions of down-regulation of FcepsilonRI [high-affinity immunogloublin E (IgE) receptor] signaling have been localized recently in basophils. An early down-regulatory step is located proximal to syk and appears responsible for a transient syk phosphorylation in antigen-stimulated basophils. A second, more distal region appears responsible for the transient activation of the ras-extracellular-regulated kinase (Erk) pathway when syk phosphorylation is sustained in anti-IgE-stimulated basophils. As the actin cytoskeleton has been demonstrated to inhibit the early FcepsilonRI signaling in rat basophilic leukemia cells, we explored the hypothesis that the actin cytoskeleton was responsible for the transience of syk phosphorylation in antigen-stimulated basophils. The inhibition of F-actin polymerization with latrunculin A induced a sustained syk phosphorylation in basophils stimulated with an optimal dose of the antigen benzyl penicilloyl-human serum albumin. However, in the presence of latrunculin A, Erk phosphorylation remained transient after stimulation with the antigen or anti-IgE. Latrunculin A also increased downstream events such as histamine release, leukotriene C(4) release, and the intracellular calcium signal, although some of these effects were not specific for an immunologic stimulus. Our results suggest that the actin cytoskeleton is responsible for down-regulation of FcepsilonRI signaling at a point located proximal to syk phosphorylation. Moreover, the fact that latrunculin A did not result in sustained Erk phosphorylation supports the presence of a second down-regulatory step between syk and Erk that cannot be overcome by a sustained early signal.

Two regions of down-regulation in the IgE-mediated signaling pathway in human basophils

Previous studies demonstrated that after stimulation of human basophils with a polyclonal anti-IgE Ab, early signaling elements showed sustained phosphorylation, whereas later elements were transient, suggesting that a region of down-regulation involved inhibition of phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3 kinase or its products. However, the current studies show that under some conditions, syk phosphorylation is transient. Generally, stimulation with a variety of Ags makes this early form of down-regulation more apparent. An exploration of the conditions needed to induce early down-regulation indicates that both the nature of aggregation and the cell surface density of IgE play roles. It was also found that the previously described late form of down-regulation (PI3 kinase product transience) can occur in cells displaying early down-regulation (transient syk phosphorylation), but this phenomenon is revealed by testing for subsequent down-regulation of the response to non-cross-reacting stimuli, altering their ability to induce phosphorylation of Akt or extracellular signal-regulated kinase. In contrast, phosphorylation of syk kinase, in response to a non-cross-reacting stimulus, was relatively unaffected by prior stimulation. The magnitude of cross-desensitization of the Akt or extracellular signal-regulated kinase response was a function of the strength of the first stimulus. Mediator release showed a similar cross-desensitization effect. Therefore, stimulation induces two forms of down-regulation, one operating before or at the level of syk phosphorylation, possibly characterizing the process formerly known as specific desensitization, and one that operates in the region of PI3 kinase, accounting for the process formerly known as nonspecific desensitization, which is dependent on the strength of stimulus.

Update on colchicine and its mechanism of action

Colchicine is a unique anti-inflammatory drug with respect to its limited clinical usefulness and its mode of action. Colchicine is mainly indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of gout and familial Mediterranean fever. Its mode of action includes modulation of chemokine and prostanoid production and inhibition of neutrophil and endothelial cell adhesion molecules by which it interferes with the initiation and amplification of the joint inflammation. This paper discusses its adverse effects and indications.

In Vitro Regulation of FcRIα Expression on Human Basophils by IgE Antibody

In vivo studies suggested the possibility of an IgE-dependent regulation of high-affinity (FcRI) IgE receptor expression on basophils. The current studies extend these observations to in vitro cultures of human basophils. Incubation of basophils for 3 to 4 weeks resulted in a slow dissociation of IgE antibody, during which time FcRI expression decreased, as measured by flow cytometry using the anti-FcRIα monoclonal antibody, 22E7, or by measuring FcRIα mass by Western blotting of whole-cell lysates. Culture of basophils with IgE resulted in upregulation of FcRIα expression by both flow cytometry and Western blotting of whole-cell lysates. Upregulation followed a linear time course during 2 weeks of culture. The relative increase in FcRIα density depended on the starting density; with starting densities of FcRIα of 10,000 to 170,000 per basophil, the upregulation varied 20- to 1.1-fold, respectively. Upregulation occurred in high-purity basophils, was not influenced by IgG at concentrations up to 1 mg/mL, and was inhibited by dimeric IgE. Heat-inactivated IgE was less effective and the monoclonal antibody CGP51901 that prevents IgE binding to FcRIα blocked the ability of IgE to induce upregulation. The dose-response curve for IgE-induced upregulation had an effective concentration50 of 230 ng/mL. Although the receptor through which IgE induces this upregulation is not yet known, several characteristics suggest that the upregulation is mediated by IgE interacting through FcRIα itself.

In Vitro Regulation of FcRIα Expression on Human Basophils by IgE Antibody

In vivo studies suggested the possibility of an IgE-dependent regulation of high-affinity (FcRI) IgE receptor expression on basophils. The current studies extend these observations to in vitro cultures of human basophils. Incubation of basophils for 3 to 4 weeks resulted in a slow dissociation of IgE antibody, during which time FcRI expression decreased, as measured by flow cytometry using the anti-FcRIα monoclonal antibody, 22E7, or by measuring FcRIα mass by Western blotting of whole-cell lysates. Culture of basophils with IgE resulted in upregulation of FcRIα expression by both flow cytometry and Western blotting of whole-cell lysates. Upregulation followed a linear time course during 2 weeks of culture. The relative increase in FcRIα density depended on the starting density; with starting densities of FcRIα of 10,000 to 170,000 per basophil, the upregulation varied 20- to 1.1-fold, respectively. Upregulation occurred in high-purity basophils, was not influenced by IgG at concentrations up to 1 mg/mL, and was inhibited by dimeric IgE. Heat-inactivated IgE was less effective and the monoclonal antibody CGP51901 that prevents IgE binding to FcRIα blocked the ability of IgE to induce upregulation. The dose-response curve for IgE-induced upregulation had an effective concentration50 of 230 ng/mL. Although the receptor through which IgE induces this upregulation is not yet known, several characteristics suggest that the upregulation is mediated by IgE interacting through FcRIα itself.

An evaluation of colchicine as an alternative to inhaled corticosteriods in moderate asthma. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Asthma Clinical Research Network

Colchicine demonstrates an array of anti-inflammatory properties of potential relevance to asthma. However, the efficacy of colchicine as an alternative to inhaled corticosteroid therapy for asthma is unknown. Five centers participated in a controlled trial testing the hypothesis that in patients with moderate asthma needing inhaled corticosteroids for control, colchicine provides therapeutic benefit as measured by maintenance of control when inhaled steroids are discontinued. Subjects were stabilized on triamcinolane acetonide (800 microg daily) and then enrolled in a 2-wk run-in during which all subjects took both colchicine (0.6 mg/twice a day) and triamcinolone. At the end of the run-in, all subjects discontinued triamcinolone and were randomized to continued colchicine (n = 35) or placebo (n = 36) for a 6-wk double-blind treatment period. The treatment groups were similar in terms of disease severity. After corticosteroid withdrawal, 60% of colchicine-treated and 56% of placebo-treated subjects were considered treatment failures as defined by preset criteria. No significant difference in survival curves was found between treatment groups (log rank = 0.38). Other measures, including changes in FEV1, peak expiratory flow, symptoms, rescue albuterol use, and quality of life scores, also did not differ between groups. Of note, subjects failing treatment had significantly greater methacholine responsiveness at baseline than did survivors (PC20, 0.81+/-1.38 versus 2.11+/-2.74 mg/ml; p = 0.01). An analysis of treatment failures suggested that the criteria selected for failure reflected a clinically meaningful but safe level of deterioration. We conclude that colchicine is no better than placebo as an alternative to inhaled corticosteroids in patients with moderate asthma. Additionally, we conclude that the use of treatment failure as the primary outcome variable in an asthma clinical trial where treatment is withdrawn is feasible and safe under carefully monitored conditions.

Effects of colchicine on IgE-mediated early and late airway reactions

BACKGROUND

The pathogenesis of bronchial asthma is thought to involve elements of both acute and chronic inflammation. Hence, there is growing interest in the potential of immunomodulatory drugs in asthma therapy. This study examines the effects of the anti-inflammatory compound colchicine on early and late allergen-induced, IgE-mediated airway reactions.

METHODS

Nine mildly allergic asthmatic subjects were evaluated in a single-blind, two-way crossover study designed to examine the effects of colchicine and placebo on early and late airway reactions to ragweed allergen and related changes in nonspecific responsiveness to methacholine.

RESULTS

Compared with placebo, colchicine provided 19% (p = 0.036) and 40% (p = 0.004) inhibition of early and late airway reactions to allergen, respectively. Allergen-induced increases in methacholine responsiveness were observed with both types of treatment, although there was a trend toward a smaller increase after administration of colchicine (p = 0.13). We also found that methacholine responsiveness per se was not directly altered by colchicine (n = 7). In 6 subjects, we found suppression of neutrophil leukotriene B4 generation after colchicine treatment, suggesting that the colchicine dose (0.6 mg twice daily) was sufficient to produce an anti-inflammatory effect. Further in vitro studies using purified human lung tissue mast cells failed to demonstrate inhibition of mediator release at concentrations corresponding to achievable tissue or blood levels during the in vivo trial.

CONCLUSION

Colchicine partially inhibits IgE-mediated early and late airway reactions at conventional clinical doses. This inhibitory effect may be mediated via suppression of some cell species other than the lung tissue mast cell. Controlled studies to examine the benefits of colchicine in clinically evidenced asthma are warranted.

Histamine release from human basophils induced by platelet activating factor: the role of extracellular calcium, interleukin-3, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor

Although we have demonstrated that platelet activating factor (PAF) directly induces histamine release from human basophils, other studies have failed to report similar effects. In an attempt to understand the variability of these results, we examined the effect of some factors that could influence the basophils' response to PAF such as, extracellular Ca2+ and cytokines (interleukin-3 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor [GM-CSF]). The secretion of histamine induced by PAF was optimal when the cells were incubated in Ca2+ for 2 to 5 minutes, whereas it declined at longer time intervals up to 15 minutes. If cytochalasin B (5 micrograms/ml) was coincubated with PAF (1 mumol/L) to enhance the secretory response, histamine release was maximal at time 0 and decreased in parallel with the time of the basophils' exposure to Ca2+, like 0.1 microgram/ml anti-IgE-induced histamine secretion but unlike 1 mumol/L formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine-induced histamine secretion. We found that there is synergy between interleukin-3 (1 to 3 ng/ml) and PAF (1 mumol/L) for secretion of histamine from human basophils (p < 0.05) and that GM-CSF (10 ng/ml) significantly (p < 0.02) potentiates the secretion of histamine activated by PAF (1 mumol/L). Our results demonstrate that: (1) the kinetics of the interaction between Ca2+ and the activation pathway that leads to histamine secretion are central events in the release reaction elicited by PAF in human basophils, and (2) interleukin-3 and GM-CSF can potentiate the secretory response of human basophils stimulated by PAF.

A novel bioactivity assay for monoclonal antibodies directed against IgE

A novel bioactivity assay has been developed to quantitate the biological activity of a humanized, monoclonal anti-IgE antibody (rhuMAbE25) in human whole blood. Heparinized blood specimens from prescreened healthy donors were sensitized for 2 h with a constant amount of human plasma containing IgE specific for ragweed and then challenged with ragweed allergen. Histamine was released in a dose-dependent fashion and reached plateau levels after 30 min. As expected, the release of histamine by ragweed allergen was time, temperature and Ca2+ dependent, and could be enhanced by the presence of 33% deuterium oxide. Allergen-triggered release could be inhibited by rhuMAbE25 with an effective dose range from 0.1 to 1 microgram/ml. Preincubation with other humanized MAbs, which exhibit 95% homology to rhuMAbE25 but differ in epitope specificity, failed to inhibit the ragweed-induced histamine release. Overall, this bioactivity assay has a low interassay variability (%CV) of 17% (n = 23) and can be readily modified to determine if rhuMAbE25 or other anti-allergy therapeutics are capable of blocking histamine release elicited by other allergens. Moreover, the assay can be used to confirm IgE-mediated allergic responses and to provide early information regarding safety and potential efficacy of therapeutics aimed at blocking IgE dependent responses.

Crystal-induced neutrophil activation. IV. Specific inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation by colchicine

We recently demonstrated that pathologically relevant inflammatory microcrystals, namely triclinic monosodium urate (MSU) and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals, potently stimulate a characteristic protein tyrosine phosphorylation pattern in human neutrophils that differed from that observed in response to other soluble or particulate agonists. In this study, the effects of colchicine on protein tyrosine phosphorylation induced by MSU and CPPD crystals in human blood neutrophils were investigated. Immunoblot analysis with antiphosphotyrosine antibodies demonstrated that colchicine dose-dependently inhibited the tyrosine phosphorylation of all the proteins phosphorylated in response to MSU and CPPD crystals. Other microtubule-disruptive agents such as vinblastine, nocodazole, and colcemid also inhibited crystal-induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation while lumicolchicine and trimethylcolchicinic acid were without effect. Indomethacin and phenylbutazone were similarly without effect on microcrystal-induced tyrosine phosphorylation. Colchicine, as well as the other active alkaloids, failed to inhibit the protein tyrosine phosphorylation elicited by FMLP, C5a, leukotriene B4, and unopsonized zymosan. Overall, these results demonstrate that colchicine specifically and significantly inhibits the protein tyrosine phosphorylation induced by MSU and CPPD crystals and suggest that its effects are associated, at least in part, with its interaction with microtubules. Furthermore, the use of microtubule-disrupting drugs demonstrate that the mechanisms implicated in the induction of protein tyrosine phosphorylation by microcrystals differed from those involved in response to other soluble or particulate agonists.

Can anti-IgE be used to treat allergy?

A summary of the properties of CGP 51901 is shown in Table 3. On the basis of its binding to IgE and IgE-secreting cells and its activity in vitro and in vivo, CGP 51901 is expected to be able to decrease serum IgE by direct clearance of IgE and by reduction of the numbers and productivity of IgE-secreting cells. The end result of reduction of IgE in the circulation and on mast cells is expected to be the attenuation of IgE-mediated reactions and the improvement in allergy symptoms. The effective serum concentration of CGP 51901 is expected to be in the range 1-10 micrograms/ml. Because CGP 51901 is an antibody specific for IgE, it is expected to be highly selective in its activity. Because IgE does not appear to be essential and because CGP 51901 has been rigorously tested to confirm its non-anaphylactic nature, this treatment is not expected to have any adverse effects. Therefore, CGP 51901 is expected to be safe and to have a good probability of being effective when it is tested in human clinical trials.

Presence of IgG4 on the membrane of human basophils. Histamine release is induced by monoclonal antibodies directed against the Fab but not the Fc region of the IgG4 molecule

We have studied the possible role of human IgG4 as an anaphylactic antibody. For that purpose, we have determined the induction of histamine release (HR) from human basophils by anti-IgE and anti-IgG4 monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) recognizing different epitopes located at the Fc and Fab regions of the IgG4 molecule. The results show that anti-IgG4 (Fab) MoAb was able to induce HR in 93% of donors tested, with no differences between atopics and non-atopics. That HR is calcium dependent and is accompanied by the synthesis and release of leukotriene C4. In contrast, no HR could be induced by anti-IgG4(Fc) MoAbs in any individual, even in the presence of D2O or after a second challenge with a polyclonal goat anti-mouse IgG antibody. The results obtained suggest the presence of IgG4 on the basophil membrane and that the epitope recognized by the anti-IgG4 (Fc) MoAbs is probably hidden in cell-bound IgG4. This was demonstrated by immunofluorescence techniques: IgG4 bound to the basophil membrane could be detected with anti-IgG4(Fab) but not with anti-IgG4(Fc) MoAbs. In addition, we found that nine donors were unresponsive to an anti-IgE stimulus, while they released histamine efficiently after challenge with anti-IgG4(Fab), suggesting the existence of different receptors for both immunoglobulins.

Ionic regulation of human basophil releasability. I. Inhibitory effect of copper

The effects of copper (CuSO4 and CuCl2) on in vitro histamine release from human basophils stimulated by anti-IgE and Ca2+ ionophore A23187 were evaluated. Both CuSO4 and CuCl2 caused a dose-related inhibition of histamine release, which was more pronounced on anti-IgE- than on Ca2+ ionophore-induced histamine release. The concentration which produced 50% inhibition of anti-IgE-induced histamine release was 1.3 microM for CuSO4 and 1.5 microM for CuCl2; the maximal inhibition of Ca2+ ionophore-induced histamine release was 33% for CuCl2 (4 microM) and 51% for CuSO4 (16 microM). The inhibitory effect on anti-IgE-induced histamine release persisted also when extracellular Cu2+ was removed by cell washing before stimulation, whereas no inhibition of Ca2+ ionophore-induced histamine release was found when extracellular Cu2+ was removed. The activity of Cu2+ was independent of any effects of deuterium oxide and colchicine, two agents known to interact with microtubules. Increased extracellular Ca2+ concentrations reduced the inhibitory effect of CuCl2 on Ca2+ ionophore-induced histamine release, and Schild plot analysis demonstrated that Cu2+ ions are competitive antagonists of Ca2+ ions. These results indicate that Cu2+ ions in the micromolar range down-regulate anti-IgE- and Ca2+ ionophore-induced histamine release. Since Cu2+ concentration in human plasma is in the micromolar range (30 microM with 10-30% of free Cu2+), it is conceivable that Cu2+ ions contribute to the in vivo regulation of histamine release from human basophils.

Cytoskeletal modulation of plasma membrane events induced by interferon-alpha

Cytochalasin B, a drug that alters microfilament structure, was found to modulate interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha)-induced changes in ion fluxes, in motional freedom of spin probes, and lateral diffusion of surface antigens. These changes occur in Daudi cells inherently sensitive to the antiproliferative signal of IFN-alpha, but not in insensitive cells, and were associated with the antiproliferative signal previously. The biophysical effects of cytochalasin B were detected by flow cytometric quantitation of membrane potential using an oxonol dye, by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometry, and by measurements of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) of surface antigens using a laser-interactive cell imaging system. Cytochalasin B treatment increased an IFN-alpha-induced membrane potential shift by -5 mV. The motional freedom of 5-doxyl-stearic acid changed from 0.67 to 0.63, as expressed by the order parameter, S, with IFN-alpha treatment and was prevented by cytochalasin B. Changes in the lateral diffusion of surface antigens induced by IFN-alpha treatment, D = 5.3 x 10(-10) without treatment and D = 7.8 x 10(-10) cm2/s with treatment, was blocked by cytochalasin B. In contrast, the microtubule stabilizers taxol and D2O and the microtubule depolymerizing colcemid were ineffective at dose levels sufficient to cause the characteristic cell physiological alterations of these agents. These results implicate microfilaments but not the microtubule system in transduction of the antiproliferative signal by IFN-alpha in Daudi cells.

The heterogeneity of human IgE exemplified by the passive transfer of D2O sensitivity

Basophil responsiveness to histamine-releasing factors (HRF) is limited to cells from atopic donors; this response can be transferred passively to non-reactive basophils by IgE molecules from the sera of donors who are intrinsically responsive to HRF. Deuterium oxide (D2O) also causes mediator release from the basophils of atopic asthmatic subjects. To assess whether basophil responsiveness is IgE dependent, and, if so, whether this release revealed IgE heterogeneity, we tested the ability of sera from HRF responders (IgE+) and non-responders (IgE-) to sensitize basophils to D2O. Both purified IgE+ and unpurified sera from an HRF responder were passively used to sensitize basophils whose IgE had been removed by lactic acid treatment. As a control, an IgE- myeloma-containing serum was used for passive sensitization. In five experiments, histamine release in the presence of 44% D2O was 9 +/- 2% and 46 +/- 4% using control IgE- and IgE+ sensitized cells, respectively. The non-responder serum, even at higher IgE levels, did not sensitize the cells for D2O release. If the IgE receptors on lactic-acid treated cells were first exposed to serum from an IgE- donor, sensitization to D2O by IgE+ was blocked. The percentage histamine release to D2O was directly related to both the amount of IgE+ used for passive sensitization and the concentration of D2O used for release. These experiments further support the concept of IgE heterogeneity and suggest that the occupancy of IgE receptors on the basophil surface 'activate' the cell to make it more responsive to various stimuli.

Cytochalasin-B-induced immunosuppression of murine allogeneic anti-tumor response and the effect of recombinant human interleukin-2

Cytochalasin B (CB), administered i.p. to C57B1/6 mice in a single dose as a suspension in carboxymethylcellulose 2%/Tween 20 1%, inhibits in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner the ability of spleen cells to respond to allogeneic P815 mastocytoma tumor cells in vitro. Spleen cells from CB-treated animals sensitized to X-irradiated P815 cells in 4-day cultures at a 50:1 responder:stimulator ratio and tested for specific cytotoxicity against 51Cr-labelled P815 target cells showed strong inhibition 3 h after CB treatment at a dose of 50 mg/kg. A dose of 25 mg/kg showed measureable but not statistically significant inhibition at 3 h, whereas 10 mg/kg produced only slight inhibition, and 5 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg were noninhibitory. None of the doses produced significant suppression 19 h or 72 h after CB treatment. Addition to the sensitization cultures of human recombinant interleukin-2 (rhIL-2) at 350 BRMP units/ml completely restored tumor lytic capacity. C57B1/1 mice treated with CB 50 mg/kg, i.p. and challenged i.p. with 3 x 10(7) allogeneic P815 mastocytoma cells showed a brief, time-dependent, statistically significant abrogation of allogeneic responsiveness consistent with transient reversible immunosuppression within 3-12 h following CB treatment. No such inhibition of host allogeneic responsiveness in vivo was observed when CB was administered 24 h prior to, simultaneously with, or 1, 2, or 4 days after tumor challenge. Thus CB at the highest tolerated i.p. dose in vivo causes only a transient inhibition of anti-allo-responsiveness measured in culture, and rhIL-2 used in vitro restores lytic capacity. The anti-allo effect of CB is also seen to be transient directly in vivo since allogeneic tumor outgrowth is permitted for only a brief period following administration of CB. These results indicate that the use of CB in vivo in anti-tumor chemotherapy protocols will not be complicated by profound or prolonged immunosuppressive effects.

A comparative study of releasing and nonreleasing human basophils: nonreleasing basophils lack an early component of the signal transduction pathway that follows IgE cross-linking

Basophils from approximately one fifth of the population were found to be unresponsive (nonreleasers), in terms of both histamine and leukotriene release, to an IgE cross-linking stimulus, such as anti-IgE antibody. Although unresponsive to any IgE-mediated stimulation, these basophils responded to non-IgE-mediated stimuli, such as the phorbol ester, 12-o-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13 acetate, the calcium ionophore, A23187, and to formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine peptide. These stimuli produced equal dose-response curves in both releaser (basophils able to respond with greater than 5% histamine release to anti-IgE antibody) and nonreleaser basophils. Nonreleaser basophils possessed statistically similar densities of cell-surface IgE antibody (287,000 versus 400,000 IgE molecules per basophil for releaser and nonreleaser basophils, respectively), and with 12-o-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13 acetate as a probe of anti-IgE-induced cross-linking, the IgE on nonreleaser basophils was found to be cross-linked by the polyclonal anti-IgE antibody used for these studies. Interleukin-3 (IL-3) has previously been demonstrated to enhance markedly both histamine and leukotriene release in human basophils. However, IL-3 was unable to convert nonreleasing basophils into releasing basophils, as measured by anti-IgE antibody. IL-3 equivalently enhanced formyl methionine peptide-induced release in both releaser and nonreleaser basophils, suggesting that the lack of an effect on anti-IgE-induced release was not due to a lack of IL-3 receptors. Although there are several possible interpretations of these data, these results and results of our previous studies of protein kinase C activation and cytosolic Ca++ elevations in human basophils suggest that nonreleasing basophils have a defect in early signal transduction, possibly involving the influx of Ca++.

Neutrophil attractant/activation protein-1 (NAP-1) causes human basophil histamine release

Basophils from five of six human donors released histamine in response to neutrophil attractant/activation protein-1 (NAP-1). Histamine release by this protein was concentration-dependent over the range of 3 x 10(-7) M to 4 x 10(-6) M. At 4 x 10(-6) M, the mean agonist-induced release was 16 +/- 3% (SEM) of total basophil histamine. For the same basophil preparations, release by anti-IgE was 35 +/- 6%. The chemotactic protein did not cause release of histamine from basophils at 0 degrees C or in the presence of 10 mM EDTA. The time-course of histamine release was rapid; release was 43% of maximal after 30 s and maximal after 1 min of incubation. Thus, in addition to its previously characterized neutrophil chemotactic and activating properties, this protein activates human basophils.

Enhancement of the phosphorylation of membrane bound myosin light chain by antigen stimulation in rat basophilic leukemia cells

We have found that phosphorylation of the 18,000 mol. wt protein in rat basophilic leukemia cells (RBL-2H3 cells) is enhanced by stimulation by an antigen. This phenomenon was also observed when cells were treated with phorbol myristate (TPA) and a calcium ionophor, A23187. The phosphorylated 18,000 mol. wt protein was mainly located in the membrane fraction. It was identified as one of the myosin light chains as follows: (1) the mol. wt of one of the major myosin light chains of RBL-2H3 cells was 18,000; (2) more than half of the phosphorylated 18,000 mol. wt protein was recovered in an actomyosin fraction; (3) this phosphorylated 18,000 mol. wt protein was immunoprecipitated with anti-myosin antibody. Since the presence of Ca2+ in the cell culture medium was essential for the phosphorylation of the 18,000 mol. wt protein and, since trifluoperazine (a potent inhibitor of calmodulin as well as of the degranulation process of RBL-2H3 cells) inhibited the reaction, the phosphorylation may be catalyzed by a Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent process, most likely by myosin light chain kinase. These results, together with our previous observation [Teshima et al. Molec Immun. 23, 279-284 (1986)], suggest that simultaneous phosphorylation of the 18,000 mol. wt myosin light chain and a 36,000 mol. wt membranous protein is a prerequisite for the degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells.

Characterisation of IgE-mediated histamine release from equine basophils in vitro

In vitro IgE-mediated histamine release by equine blood basophils was characterised as the basis for a screening test for immediate hypersensitivity responses in horses. The responses are initiated by inducing agents that are capable of crosslinking or bridging the membrane-bound IgE molecules. The release process is complete within 40 mins. In vitro histamine release is dose-dependent, with a submaximal response at less or greater than the optimal dose of inducing agent. Exogenous calcium is required but not magnesium; the optimal release calcium concentration is 1.0 to 1.5 mM. If an IgE-mediated inducing agent is added in the absence of exogenous calcium, the basophils become desensitised. The pH and temperature optima for release are physiological (pH 7.4, 37 degrees C). Histamine release is potentiated by deuterium oxide.

Identification of chondroitin sulfate E proteoglycans and heparin proteoglycans in the secretory granules of human lung mast cells

The predominant subclasses of mast cells in both the rat and the mouse can be distinguished from one another by their preferential synthesis of 35S-labeled proteoglycans that contain either heparin or oversulfated chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans. Although [35S]heparin proteoglycans have been isolated from human lung mast cells of 40-70% purity and from a skin biopsy specimen of a patient with urticaria pigmentosa, no highly sulfated chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan has been isolated from any enriched or highly purified population of human mast cells. We here demonstrate that human lung mast cells of 96% purity incorporate [35S] sulfate into separate heparin and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans in an approximately equal to 2:1 ratio. As assessed by HPLC of the chondroitinase ABC digests, the chondroitin [35S]sulfate proteoglycans isolated from these human lung mast cells contain the same unusual chondroitin sulfate E disaccharide that is present in proteoglycans produced by interleukin 3-dependent mucosal-like mouse mast cells. Both the chondroitin [35S]sulfate E proteoglycans and the [35S]heparin proteoglycans were exocytosed from the [35S]sulfate-labeled cells via perturbation of the IgE receptor, indicating that both types of 35S-labeled proteoglycans reside in the secretory granules of these human lung mast cells.

Modification of the glyoxalase system during the functional activation of human neutrophils

The glyoxalase system catalyses the metabolism of methylglyoxal to D-lactic acid, via the intermediate S-D-lactoylglutathione. It is present in human neutrophils and undergoes a significant modification during functional activation--induction of chemotaxis, phagocytosis and degranulation. During the activation of neutrophils with serum-opsonised zymosan and the tumour-promoting phorbol diester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate, the activity of glyoxalase I increases and the activity of glyoxalase II decreases by 20-40% of their activities in resting cells, in the initial 10 min of the activation period. Determination of the Michaelis constant, Km, and the apparent maximum velocity, Vmax, for these enzymatic reactions indicates that the change in activity is due to a non-competitive activation and inhibition of glyoxalase I and glyoxalase II, respectively. This is consistent with a modification of the glyoxalase enzyme protein during the activation response. This modification occurs under aerobic and anaerobic incubation conditions. The concentration of S-D-lactoylglutathione increases approx. 100% of the resting cell concentration during the initial 10 min of the activation period. The presence of S-D-lactoylglutathione in neutrophils may be related to its ability to stimulate microtubule assembly.

DNP-phycobiliproteins, fluorescent antigens to study dynamic properties of antigen-IgE-receptor complexes on RBL-2H3 rat mast cells

In RBL-2H3 rat mucosal mast cells, the crosslinking of cell-surface IgE-receptor complexes by multivalent antigens initiates a sequence of responses leading to degranulation. We have developed a family of dinitrophenol (DNP)-conjugated fluorescent antigens to study dynamic membrane events associated with these responses. Lysyl groups on the phycobiliproteins, B-phycoerythrin and C-phycocyanin, were labelled with DNP, yielding fluorescent conjugates that cause the release of [3H]serotonin from anti-DNP-IgE-primed RBL-2H3 cells. The binding of these antigens to IgE-receptor complexes was observed by fluorescence microscopy and quantified by flow cytometry. Incubation with 1 microgram/ml DNP42-B-phycoerythrin stimulates maximum degranulation from IgE-saturated cells. Under these conditions, approximately 26 X 10(3) molecules of DNP42-B-phycoerythrin are bound per cell at equilibrium. The rate and extent of antigen binding and of antigen-stimulated mediator release decrease in parallel as the concentration and DNP:protein ratio of the fluorescent conjugates is reduced. Secretion stops immediately when the nonfluorescent monovalent antigen, DNP-lysine, is added to degranulating cell suspensions. DNP-lysine also displaces surface-bound antigen when added during the first minutes after multivalent antigen. However, the ability of DNP-lysine to displace surface-bound DNP42-B-phycoerythrin from IgE-receptor complexes decreases progressively with time. Treatment with dihydrocytochalasin B and several analogs that prevent antigen-stimulated F-actin assembly enhances secretion and delays the transition of antigen to its DNP-lysine-resistant form. Cytochalasin treatment also permits the long-range movement of antigen into surface caps.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The effect of co-operativity on the equilibrium binding of symmetric bivalent ligands to antibodies: theoretical results with application to histamine release from basophils

A theory for the co-operative binding of bivalent ligands to cell surface or solution antibody is presented. The theory treats both negative co-operativity, where the binding of a ligand to one site on an antibody makes it more difficult to bind to the second site, and positive co-operativity, where the binding of a ligand to one site on an antibody makes it easier to bind to the second site. Candidates for bivalent ligands exhibiting negative co-operativity (caused probably by steric hindrance) are certain anti-immunoglobulin antibodies. We show how to calculate the amount of ligand bound, the fraction of antibody in cross-links (i.e. in ligand-antibody aggregates) and the fraction of antibody in any size ligand-antibody aggregate. With sample calculations it is demonstrated that there can be major differences in the binding and cross-linking properties of co-operative and non-co-operative bivalent ligands. We discuss how the theory can be used to analyze experiments where human basophils or rat basophilic leukemia cells are exposed to bivalent ligands that bind co-operatively to immunoglobulin E.

Modulation of the spontaneous histamine release by adrenergic and cholinergic drugs

Experiments have been reported on the possible modulation of the spontaneous histamine release by adrenergic and cholinergic drugs. Adrenergic drugs increase the spontaneous histamine release in vivo, and in neoplastic mast cells, in vitro. The mechanism of histamine release appears to be dependent upon the activation of alpha-adrenoceptors. Cholinergic drugs activate the release of histamine in many secretory processes in vivo; in vitro, acetylcholine is one of the most powerful histamine releasers in isolated purified rat mast cells. The release of histamine evoked by acetylcholine in rat mast cells is a calcium-requiring, temperature-dependent exocytosis. The physiological relationship of the sympathetic, parasympathetic and histamine-containing cells are discussed.

Possible role of calmodulin in the control of histamine release from human basophil leukocytes

We investigated the possible role of calmodulin (CaM) in the control of histamine release from human basophil leukocytes using several CaM antagonists. Trifluoperazine (TFP) (10(-6)-2 X 10(-5) M), pimozide (10(-6)-1.5 X 10(-5) M), chlorpromazine (CPZ) (10(-5)-10(-4) M) and promethazine (PMZ) (2 X 10(-5)-10(-4) M) inhibited in vitro histamine secretion from human basophils induced by several immunological (antigen, anti-IgE, and formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine: f-met peptide) and nonimmunological (Ca2+ ionophore A23187 and the tumor promoter 12-0-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate: TPA) stimuli. Trifluoperazine sulfoxide (TFP-S) and chlorpromazine sulfoxide (CPZ-S), which have very low affinity to CaM, had practically no inhibitory effect on histamine release from human basophils. The inhibitory effect of TFP could be made irreversible by irradiating the cells with UV light. A sulfonamide derivative, the compound N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide hydrochloride (W-7) (2.5 X 10(-5)-2 X 10(-4) M), which selectively binds to CaM, inhibited the release of histamine from basophils. In contrast, the chloride deficient analogue, W-5, which interacts only weakly with CaM, had practically no inhibiting effect. The IC50 for enzyme release by a series of eight CaM antagonists was closely correlated (r = 0.91; p less than 0.001) with the CaM specific binding, supporting the concept that these agents act by binding to CaM and thereby inhibiting histamine release. TFP and W-7 inhibited histamine release in the absence and in the presence of increasing concentrations of extracellular Ca2+. These results emphasize the possible role of CaM in the control of histamine secretion from human basophils.

Human basophil releasability. II. Changes in basophil releasability in patients with atopic dermatitis

"Releasability" is the theory whereby biochemical events in basophils influence the capacity to release chemical mediators in response to activating stimuli. We have compared the releasability of basophils from 21 young patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) with that from 17 normal donors of matched ages. Basophils were challenged with several different stimuli: rabbit antihuman Fc epsilon (anti-IgE), N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (f-met-peptide), Ca++ ionophore A23187, and D2O. Basophils from patients with AD released significantly more histamine both "spontaneously" and in response to D2O than did controls. The basophils of patients with AD were significantly more responsive to anti-IgE and to A23187. There was no difference between the percent f-met-peptide-induced histamine release in patients with AD vs controls. No significant correlation between percent histamine release with optimal or suboptimal concentrations of the stimuli and serum IgE level was found. There was a significant correlation between the sensitivity of the cells to release with f-met-peptide and the response to A23187 both in control and in AD patients. Since basophils are thought to play some role at the site of inflammation in AD, their increased releasability might contribute to the symptoms of these patients.

Effect of hypo- and hyper-osmolarity on basophil histamine release

The pattern of histamine release from peripheral white blood cells in response to hyper-(sodium chloride, mannitol) and hypo-osmolar (water) stimuli was studied in order to determine the differences between non-atopic control and atopic asthmatic patients in histamine release caused by osmolar changes. All subjects showed histamine release to both hyper- and hypo-osmolar stimuli and this response was reproducible. Viability studies and the effect of time and temperature indicated that, at the extremes of hypo- and hyper-osmolality, histamine release was associated with cell cytotoxicity. Asthmatics and controls showed no differences either in their level of spontaneous or hyper-osmolar sodium chloride induced histamine release, but asthmatics' cells were more responsive to mannitol over 600-800 mOsm/kg and less responsive to a hypo-osmolar stimulus under 80 mOsm/kg. This suggests that asthmatics' cells may differ from controls in th manner in which they respond to osmotic stimuli and this may be relevant in certain clinical situations.

Cross-linking of receptor-bound IgE to aggregates larger than dimers leads to rapid immobilization

Controlled cross-linking of IgE-receptor complexes on the surface of rat basophilic leukemia cells and mast cells has allowed a comparison of the lateral mobility and cell triggering activity of monomers, dimers, and higher oligomers of receptors. Addition of a monoclonal anti-IgE(Fc) antibody to IgE-sensitized cells in stoichiometric amounts relative to IgE produces IgE-receptor dimers with high efficiency. These dimers are nearly as mobile as IgE-receptor monomers and trigger cellular degranulation poorly, but in the presence of 30% D2O, substantial immobilization of the dimers is seen and degranulation activity doubles. Addition of this monoclonal antibody in larger amounts results in the formation of larger oligomeric receptor clusters which are immobile and effectively trigger the cells. Thus, small receptor clusters that are active in stimulating degranulation are immobilized in a process that is not anticipated by simple hydrodynamic theories. Further experiments involving cross-linking of receptor-bound IgE by multivalent antigen demonstrate that immobilization of receptors occurs rapidly (less than 2 min) upon cross-linking and is fully and rapidly reversible by the addition of excess monovalent hapten. The rapidity and reversibility of the immobilization process are entirely consistent with the possibility that immobilization represents a recognition event between clustered receptors and cytoskeleton-associated components that plays an important role early in the cell triggering mechanism.

Surface functions during mitosis in rat basophilic leukemia cells

At the entry into mitosis, cells abruptly lose membrane activities such as phagocytosis, pinocytosis, and capping. The present studies test if mitotic cells also resist functional responses to cell surface ligand-receptor interactions. The IgE receptors of RBL-2H3 rat basophilic leukemia cells were labeled with anti-dinitrophenol IgE (anti-DNP-IgE) and then cross-linked with multivalent ligands (DNP-bovine serum albumin [BSA]; DNP-B-phycoerythrin; DNP-BSA-gold). IgE-receptor cross-linking modulates cell surface organization and function and releases serotonin and other mediators of allergic and asthmatic reactions from interphase cells (Pfeiffer, J. R., JC. Seagrave, B. H. Davis, G. G. Deanin, and J. M. Oliver, 1985, J. Cell Biol., 101:2145-2155). It was found that anti-DNP-IgE-receptor complexes are preserved on the cell surface throughout mitosis; they continue to bind DNP-proteins, and the resulting antigen-IgE-receptor complexes can redistribute to coated pits on the cell surface. Furthermore, there is no loss of [3H]serotonin through mitosis. Nevertheless, antigen-stimulated [3H]-serotonin release is strongly impaired in mitotic-enriched as compared with mixed interphase or G1-enriched cell populations. In addition, antigen binding transforms the surface of interphase cells from a microvillous to a plicated topography and stimulates the uptake of fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated dextran by fluid pinocytosis. Mitotic cells maintain a microvillous surface topography after antigen treatment, and fluid pinocytosis virtually ceases from prometaphase to telophase. Phorbol myristate acetate, a tumor promoter that activates protein kinase C, restores surface ruffling activity to mitotic cells. Thus, the mitosis-specific freezing of membrane and secretory responses is most likely due to the failure of transmembrane signaling.

Immunoglobulin E antibodies against coriander and other spices

Patient M, working with spices in the food industry, developed asthma on inhalation of dust from spices. Skin prick test results with curry, coriander, and mace were strongly positive. With RAST, specific IgE antibodies against coriander, curry, mace, ginger, and paprika powder could be demonstrated in serum from patient M. It could be demonstrated by RAST inhibition that the IgE-binding components from coriander did not cross-react with the IgE-binding components from ginger and paprika. Leukocytes from a normal donor, after passive sensitization with serum from patient M, released a substantial (greater than or equal to 50%) amount of histamine on challenge with extracts of coriander, mace, and curry powder. This study demonstrates that the inhalation of dust from spices can result in an IgE-mediated allergy toward these materials.