Search

The crosslinking of cell surface IgE molecules on basophils and mast cells by a specific antigen to which an individual has been sensitized leads to cell activation, eventually culminating in the release of potent inflammatory mediators. Included among these mediators are products of arachidonic acid derived by lipoxygenation. This report describes the production of lipoxygenase products by purified preparations of human basophils and pulmonary mast cells and the possible role of lipoxygenase products in the mechanism of release and in the modulation of the release process in these cells.