Cellular histamine release, specific and total serum IgE levels in hay fever patients and controls

Abstract

The amount of histamine released from blood leukocytes by allergen, the amount of allergen required to release 50% histamine and the total Ig[immunoglobulin]E and IgE specific for Dactylis glomerata are compared in 9 hay fever patients and 5 control individuals. The variation with time of total IgE, of specific IgE and of the percentage of histamine released at a fixed allergen concentration, corresponding to the cellular sensitivity, is shown for 1 control individual with positive in vitro and skin tests, but without clinical symptoms. For 4 patients with a low total IgE level the evolution of these parameters during a 1 yr treatment period is presented.