Skin reactivity, basophil degranulation and IgE levels in ageing

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Abstract
Skin tests with histamine, the histamine-liberator, codeine, and various allergens, and blood basophil degranulation by anti-IgE or anti-IgG4 and total serum IgE levels were studied in 2 female populations of different ages (average 23.1 and 73.9 yr). All 31 patients selected for this study were clinically non-allergic. A trend towards reduced skin ractions to histamine and codeine in the higher age-group was observed. No decrease of basophil degranulation as a sign of basophil impairment with age was found. No difference in total serum IgE levels was noticed. No correlation between skin tests and basophil degranulation was observed; yet patients with isolated, positive skin tests to house dust and/or Candida albicans showed a statistically significant reduced blood basophil degranulation by anti-IgE or anti-IgG4.