The antigen-induced degranulation of basophil leucocytes from atopic subjects, studied by phase-contrast microscopy

Abstract

A type of microscopical chamber is described which enables monolayers of cells to be examined at 37°C by phase-contrast microscopy at high magnification and which can be perfused semi-automatically. Such chambers have been used to observe morphological changes in the basophil leucocytes of atopic subjects when challenged with an extract of Timothy grass pollen. The appearance of basophil leucocytes in monolayers prepared from both washed and defibrinated blood cell suspensions has been studied. Basophils taken from non-atopic subjects or atopic subjects who were not hypersensitive to grass pollen showed no reaction to Timothy grass pollen extract. By contrast, basophils taken from pollen sensitive atopic subjects reacted to Timothy grass pollen extract with an acute change in motility and many degranulated. The morphological changes observed are described and illustrated in detail. No significant changes were seen in other types of cell. Some immunological and cellular mechanisms which may underlie this degranulation of human basophil leucocytes are discussed.