Serum levels of soluble IL-2 receptor, IL-4 and IgE-binding factors in childhood allergic diseases.
The serum levels of soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R), IL-4 and IgE-binding factors were examined in children with allergic diseases, and compared with those in non-allergic controls of the same age and sex. The results showed age-related decreases in the serum levels of sIL-2R and IgE-binding factors, but not in that of IL-4 in both allergic and non-allergic individuals. Significant elevation of sIL-2R was observed in sera from children with atopic eczema or history of an anaphylactic reaction to food, as compared with that in non-allergic controls. The serum concentration of IL-4 was elevated in all allergic groups, including cases of atopic eczema, bronchial asthma and anaphylaxis to food, compared with non-allergic controls, and was correlated significantly with the serum level of IgE (r = 0.59). The IgE-binding factor levels in sera from patients aged 6-10 years with bronchial asthma, or patients aged 1-5 years with a history of food anaphylaxis were elevated as compared with those in non-allergic controls of same age. There was no significant correlation between the serum levels of IgE-binding factors and IgE. Since sIL-2R is released by activated T cells, the present study is in favour of T cell activation causing allergic skin disorders. The serum levels of IL-4 as well as IgE did not differ among allergic patients of different clinical categories. The role of IgE in atopic eczema and other allergic diseases is not clearly established; however, it seems likely that IL-4 is deeply involved in the increased production of IgE seen in allergic individuals. The possible involvement of IgE-binding factors in the age-related changes of clinical manifestations in childhood allergic diseases was also discussed.
Matsumoto
T
T
Department of Child Development, Kumamoto University Medical School, Kumamoto Chuo Hospital, Japan.
Miike
T
T
Yamaguchi
K
K
Murakami
M
M
Kawabe
T
T
Yodoi
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000032:analysis; D007223:Infant; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000097:blood*; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000097:blood*; D029584:Prostatic Secretory Proteins; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000097:blood*
D008222:Lymphokines; D029584:Prostatic Secretory Proteins; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2; C043076:beta-microseminoprotein; C013059:immunoglobulin-binding factors; D015847:Interleukin-4; D007073:Immunoglobulin E