IgE-mediated release of histamine from whole blood was examined in two healthy and four asthmatic subjects by dose-dependent fashion. The significantly increased amount of histamine was released from basophils of both healthy and asthmatic subjects by a limited concentration of anti-IgE. Antigen (house dust) caused histamine release only from basophils of asthmatics who are sensitive to house dust. Basophils from one patients with asthma released no significant amount of histamine by anti-IgE.
