BASOPHIL HISTAMINE-RELEASE IN PATIENTS WITH BIRCH POLLEN HYPERSENSITIVITY WITH AND WITHOUT ALLERGIC SYMPTOMS TO FRUITS

Histamine release (HR) studies were performed in 40 birch pollen-allergic patients (positive case history, positive SPT, positive birch pollen-specific serum IgE: RA ST greater-than-or-equal-to 3) with (n = 20, A) and without (n = 20, B) fruit hypersensitivity, and 10 nonatopic volunteers (C). Several fruit allergens were used and characterized by protein determination and immunoblot techniques. Dose-dependent HR (apple peel = apple pulp > peach = cherry) was demonstrated in both allergic groups, but to a higher extent in patients with fruit allergy (P<0.01). Increased basophil sensitivity to birch pollen was found in the group with fruit allergy (P<0.001). Strong correlations between the mediator response induced by several fruits indicate common allergens within the extracts. We conclude that fruit-related symptoms require not only high specific serum IgE, but a strong cellular sensitization to birch pollen allergens together with an increased cellular reactivity to fruit allergens.