Leukocyte Activation in Allergen-Induced Late-Phase Asthmatic Reactions

Abstract

Some patients with allergen-induced asthma have both an early and late reaction to allergen (dual asthmatic reactions). To investigate the role of leukocyte activation in dual asthmatic reactions, we measured neutrophil chemotactic activity, percentages of neutrophil and monocyte complement rosettes, and one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV₁) in 11 patients with allergen-induced dual asthmatic reactions after a challenge with allergen. To control for the effects of bronchoconstriction, the same studies were done after a challenge with methacholine.