Sulphidoleukotriene release of cord blood basophils in response to allergen stimulation correlates with neither a family history of atopy nor a subsequent development of atopic eczema.
OBJECTIVE
We tested a possible relationship between sulphidoleukotriene (SLT) release of cord blood (CB) basophils, a family history of atopy (HA) and subsequent development of atopic eczema. Population and methods A cohort of 86 neonates were involved (48.8% males; 46.5% with a positive HA(+)). CB samples were analysed for in vitro SLT release quantified by ELISA, and in a subgroup for basophilic activation (CD 63 expression) by flow cytometry in response to a positive control (anti-IgE-receptor antibody), an allergen-mix (TOP and PTOP), egg white (EW), egg yolk (EY), and the purified allergens beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) and alpha-lactalbumin (ALA).


RESULTS
Median concentrations of SLT were 124.2 (negative), 3871.5 (positive), 123.9 (TOP), 128.5 (PTOP), 113.1 (EW), 108.4 (EY), 125.2 (BLG) and 122.3 (ALA) pg/mL. Groups of HA(+) and HA(-) show no difference in all analysed allergens. An allergen-specific SLT release (defined as SLT>125 pg/mL above individual baseline and a stimulation index >2) was detected in 98% (positive control), 5% (TOP), 7% (BLG), 3% (ALA) and 2% (EW and EY), respectively. After a median observation period of 18 months, n=7 out of 70 children developed an atopic eczema, but we observed no association between CB SLT release (positive response to at least one tested allergen).


CONCLUSIONS
Allergen-specific SLT release is detectable in 15.5% of healthy neonates, irrespective of their family history of atopy. However, early allergen-specific SLT release is not predictive for the development of atopy.
Walaschek
C
C
University Children's Hospital, Freiburg, Germany.
Heinzmann
A
A
Weckmann
M
M
Kopp
M V
MV
D000375:Aging; D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D001491:Basophils / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000209:etiology*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000166:cytology*; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000235:genetics*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000378:metabolism; D018793:Interleukin-13 / Q000378:metabolism; D015289:Leukotrienes / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000485:Allergens; D018793:Interleukin-13; D015289:Leukotrienes; D007371:Interferon-gamma