Interleukin-4 production from human basophils is critically dependent on the storage conditions employed prior to stimulation.
OBJECTIVE
Marked variations in the interleukin-4 (IL-4)-producing capacity of basophils can be observed when aliquots from the same cell preparation are kept under different conditions before stimulation. The aim of this study was to identify factors affecting the functional activity of basophils and to determine optimal storage conditions.


METHODS
Healthy blood donors.


METHODS
Aliquots of purified basophils were kept for different time intervals on ice or at 37 degrees C, in buffer or culture medium, respectively. Following subsequent stimulation with anti-IgE, IL-4 release was determined.


RESULTS
Upon storage times up to 4 h, basophils produced more IL-4 when kept at 37 degrees C as compared to 4 degrees C. Surprisingly, buffer was superior compared to culture medium for storage. When the storage time was 20 h, IL-4 release was reduced significantly under all conditions studied.


CONCLUSIONS
The storage conditions considerably affect basophil IL-4 release and thus should taken into account when comparing results.
Aumüller
E
E
Division of Cellular Allergology, Forschungszentrum Borstel, Parkallee 22, D-23867 Borstel, Germany.
Gibbs
B F
BF
Gronow
A
A
Haas
H
H
D019138:Antibodies, Blocking / Q000494:pharmacology; D001491:Basophils / Q000378:metabolism*; D002469:Cell Separation; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000502:physiology; D003470:Culture Media; D003584:Cytological Techniques; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007377:Interleukin-3 / Q000494:pharmacology; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D013048:Specimen Handling; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical; D013997:Time Factors
D019138:Antibodies, Blocking; D003470:Culture Media; D007377:Interleukin-3; D015847:Interleukin-4; D007073:Immunoglobulin E