Human lung anaphylaxis results in rapid release of interleukin-4.
BACKGROUND
Interleukin-4 has been implicated as having numerous roles in the inflammatory responses characteristic of allergic asthma. Interleukin-4 has been shown to be involved in IgE synthesis, upregulation of BCAM-1 on endothelium, and promotion of inflammatory cell infiltration into the airways.


OBJECTIVE
We therefore examined whether IL-4 was produced after an IgE-mediated response in human lung samples.


RESULTS
Anti-IgE treatment of 12 human lungs resulted in the significant release of IL-4 within 30 minutes.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the source of released IL-4 is unknown, the rapid release of IL-4 suggests that cells with performed stores, such as mast cells and eosinophils, are involved. Once released, IL-4 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma.
Erger
R A
RA
Department of Internal Medicine, VA Medical Center, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
Sahl
B
B
Casale
T B
TB
D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000378:metabolism*; D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic / Q000494:pharmacology; D006636:Histamine Release / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000378:metabolism*; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology*; D013997:Time Factors
D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic; C026408:anti-IgE antibodies; D015847:Interleukin-4; D007073:Immunoglobulin E