Upregulated response to chemokines in the expression of adhesion molecules on eosinophils from allergic patients

Abstract Rationale Activation of eosinophils is closely associated with the pathology of allergic inflammatory disease, especially bronchial asthma. We have developed a simple technique for flowcytometric analysis of activated eosinophils in peripheral whole blood. We have shown that the expressions of adhesion molecules from allergic patients were higher than those from normal subjects. Methods Heparinized whole blood was drawn from healthy adults and allergic patients, then cells were incubated in the presence or absence of RANTES, eotaxin, PMA and ionomycin for 45 min at 37 degrees C. After hemolyzation, flow-cytometric findings for CR3, LFA1-alpha, LFA1-beta and VLA-4 expression on eosinophils were examined. Results Expression of CR3 and LFA1-beta stimulated by RANTES, eotaxin, PMA and ionomycin was significantly higher than that of the control. Effect of RANTES and eotaxin was significantly enhanced in eosinophils from the patients. Conclusions In this study, the characteristics of eosinophils were investigated. Our results suggest an upregulated response to chemokines in eosinophils from allergic patients.