Analysis of histamine-binding lymphocytes in atopy

Abstract

Using flow cytofluorimetry, the histamine-binding properties and T cell subclass distribution of peripheral blood lymphocytes in normal and atopic subjects were investigated. In the case of active (or symptomatic) atopy, the levels of histamine-binding lymphocytes were significantly reduced. However, none of these parameters distinguished between normal individuals and patient groups when the atopics were asymptomatic except the OKT3 marker; in the atopic group, the proportion of OKT3-positive cells was lower. These results indicate that the decreased levels of histamine-binding lymphocytes in atopy are a secondary phenomenon, and that the ratio of T helper to T suppressor/cytotoxic cells is not significantly altered in atopic patients. The changes in histamine-binding lymphocytes appear to be unrelated to the decreased numbers of OKT3-positive cells, since the latter changes were evident in active and asymptomatic atopics.