The role of basophils in asthma

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Abstract
The increased plasma histamine levels observed after provocation of asthmatic human subjects with antigen or exercise may result from the release of this granule-associated mediator from either mast cells or basophil leukocytes. In a preliminary study, designed to elucidate the source and role of mediators in asthma, the effects of sodium cromoglycate on basophil histamine release was assessed. Basophil histamine release in vitro was not inhibited by 0.01-100 .mu.g/ml sodium cromoglycate. When administered by inhalation at a dose of 20 mg every 8 h to 6 subjects, the drug did not modify the ability of basophils to synthesize and store histamine or to release histamine on incubation with antigen. As sodium cromoglycate reduces IgE-dependent histamine release from human mast cells, the results suggest that lung mast cells, rather than circulating basophils, are the source of mediators in exacerbations of asthma and following exercise or antigen bronchial-provocation in asthmatic subjects.