Basophil histamine release in patients with birch pollen hypersensitivity with and without allergic symptoms to fruits

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Abstract
Histamine release (HR) studies were performed in 40 birch pollen‐allergic patients (positive case history, positive SPT, positive birch pollen‐specific serum IgE: RAST ≤ 3) with (n= 20, A) and without (n= 20, B) fruit hypersensitivity, and 10 nonatopic volunteers (C). Several fruit allergens were used and characterized by protein determination and immunoblot techniques. Dose‐dependent HR (apple peel = apple pulp> peach = cherry) was demonstrated in both allergic groups, but to a higher extent in patients with fruit allergy (P < 0.01). Increased basophil sensitivity to birch pollen was found in the group with fruit allergy (P < 0.001). Strong correlations between the mediator response induced by several fruits indicate common allergens within the extracts. We conclude that fruit‐related symptoms require not only high specific serum IgE, but a strong cellular sensitization to birch pollen allergens together with an increased cellular reactivity to fruit allergens.