Respiratory viruses induce production of histamine-releasing factor by mononuclear leukocytes: A possible role in the mechanism of virus-induced asthma

Tasnee Chonmaitree, Michael A. Lett-Brown, J. Andrew Grant

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Histamine-releasing factor (HRF) is a cytokine produced by mononuclear leukocytes when stimulated with antigens or mitogens. HRF is capable of inducing degranulation of basophils and release of histamine. To determine if respiratory viruses can induce HRF production, mononuclear leukocytes from healthy adult donors were exposed to influenza or respiratory syncytial virus in vitro. HRF activity was tested by culturing the supernatants with fresh peripheral blood leukocytes and measuring the percentage of histamine released. Significant enhancement in histamine release was found in both virus groups compared with that of media controls. Thus, mononuclear leukocytes from normal individuals produce HRF in response to exposure to respiratory viruses, suggesting that this cytokine, which causes basophil degranulation, may play a role in the mechanism of virus-induced bronchospasm.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)592-594
Number of pages3
JournalJournal of Infectious Diseases
Volume164
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1991
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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