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Studies with isolated cells are important to the understanding of mechanisms by which eosinophils participate in allergic inflammation. Due to species variability, isolation techniques and cell biology need to be defined for each source. We developed methods to obtain rat eosinophils with purity and viability exceeding 90%, characterized the superoxide anion production of these cells in response to standard activators, and compared these results with those previously obtained in our laboratories with the use of human eosinophils. Rat eosinophils responded vigorously to phorbol myristate acetate and poorly to platelet-activating factor and to N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, parallel to the responses of human eosinophils. In contrast, rat eosinophils responded unlike human eosinophils to other activators, having a larger response to calcium ionophore A23187, a smaller response to serum-treated or serum-opsonized zymosan, and a negative rather than positive modulatory effect of cytochalasin B. We conclude that rat eosinophils can be obtained in high purity and with intact responsiveness to a number of different activators.

A systematic approach to therapeutic problem solving is discussed. Therapeutic problem solving includes defining the problem, assessing possible solutions to the problem and choosing the best solution (therapy). The thought processes specific to drug therapy include: (1) choice of agent, (2) evaluation of benefit versus risk ratios, and (3) determination of dosage. Once treatment has been initiated, the problem-solving process shifts to reassessing the patient, monitoring and readjusting therapy, and anticipating new problems related to therapy. An algorithm is provided to demonstrate a thought sequence for solving therapeutic problems. To assure that no important consideration has been neglected, it is useful to develop a pattern of thought that may be applied to each therapeutic situation.