Morphological studies on human blood basophils in immunological reactions Part II. Scanning electron microscope observation of morphological changes in basophils challenged in vitro with anti-human immunoglobulins

Morphological change of blood basophils were investigated in 3 healthy controls, 4 atopic and 4 intractable asthmatics by scanning electron microscopy after they had been exposed to anti-human IgE or anti-human IgG. Most of the basophils from healthy controls, atopic and intractable asthmatics challenged with physiological saline solution (P. S. S.) were sphericalshaped. Basophils from atopic asthmatics, or basophils from healthy controls and intractable asthmatics after passively sensitized with IgE rich serum, were pear-shaped or 'swollen' when challenged with anti-IgE. In such conditions some basophils showed surface structural changes such as hemispheric projections, pore formation or ruptured cell membrane. Basophils from intractable asthmatics tended to be pear-shaped or 'swollen' and also showed surface structural changes as mentioned above when anti-IgG was added. The results show that not only IgE but also IgG may participate in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma, especially of intractable asthma.