Antigen-induced eosinophil chemotactic factor (ECF) release by human leukocytes

A complement-independent eosinophil chemotactic factor (ECF) is described which is released from peripheral leukocytes of allergic and normal human volunteers after antigen stimulation and after exposure to anti-IgE. Dose response and time-release curves for ECF and histamine run closely parallel in this system. Histamine by itself is shown to have no effect on chemotaxis at the concentrations present in antigen-induced release, but is inhibitory at very high concentrations. Evidence suggests that the ECF released from human leukocytes is derived from basophils and is similar, or identical, to the ECF released from mast cells.This work was supported by Grants 07290 and 08270 from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.Publication No. 197, O'Neill Research Laboratories.Dr. Czarnetzki is recipient of the Stetler Research Fund for Women Physicians.