Detection of immediate hypersensitivity in rabbits by direct basophil degranulation.
The direct in vitro antigen-induced degranulation of rabbit basophils based on a simplified one-step method for the staining of these cells is reported. Degranulation was assessed by counting the number of basophils before and after exposure to antigen at 37 degrees C in the presence of Ca++. The degranulation was IgE-mediated, as shown by its passive transfer to nonimmunized rabbits by IgE-containing serum; also, the reaction was dependent on the presence of Ca++ ions and normal cell metabolism. The technique allowed the detection of serum factors capable of blocking the degranulation. It provided a means for following IgE sensitization at the cellular level, which is a better index of immediate hypersensitivity than the presence of circulating specific IgE.
D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies; D000917:Antibody Formation; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D000941:Antigens; D001491:Basophils / Q000473:pathology*; D002413:Cations, Divalent; D006636:Histamine Release; D006735:Horseradish Peroxidase / Q000276:immunology; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007116:Immunization, Passive; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D007158:Immunologic Techniques; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000276:immunology; D011817:Rabbits; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors
D000906:Antibodies; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D000941:Antigens; D002413:Cations, Divalent; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D006735:Horseradish Peroxidase