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Activated human eosinophils generate SRS-A leukotrienes following IgG-dependent stimulation

Nature volume 316, pages 150–152 (1985)Cite this article

Abstract

Eosinophils, a class of granular leukocytes, are prominent in many inflammatory processes, particularly in asthma, certain allergic diseases and during infections with helminthic parasites. Following incubation with the Ca ionophore A23187 (refs 1–4) (a non-physiological agent which circumvents membrane calcium-gating mechanisms5), eosinophils generate large amounts of sulphidopep-tide leukotrienes, potent inducers of smooth muscle constriction6–9 and mucus production10. These are now known to represent the activity previously termed ‘slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis’ (SRS-A) but attempts to identify a physiological stimulus for SRS-A production by eosinophils have so far been unsuccessful. The cells contain recognized receptors for IgG (Fc)11–14 and it is known that they adhere to, and can be activated by, contact with the surface of large organisms such as helminthic larvae15. We show here that eosinophils, particularly when activated, produce sulphidopeptide leukotrienes after contact with large particles coated with IgG.

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Author notes

  1. C. J. F. Spry: Department of Immunology, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital, London W12 0HS, UK

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Cardiothoracic Institute, Brompton Hospital, London, SW3 6HP, UK

    R. J. Shaw, G. M. Walsh, O. Cromwell, R. Moqbel, C. J. F. Spry & A. B. Kay

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  6. A. B. Kay
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Shaw, R., Walsh, G., Cromwell, O. et al. Activated human eosinophils generate SRS-A leukotrienes following IgG-dependent stimulation. Nature 316, 150–152 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1038/316150a0

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