Abstract
We investigated the contributing effect of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus- stimulated mononuclear cell (MNC) cultured supernatants on the differentiation and density alteration of eosinophils. MNC, obtained from either normal subjects or asthmatics, were cultured with or without D. pteronyssinus. The supernatants were tested for the activity of eosinophil differentiation and density alteration. The results showed a significant increase in eosinophil differentiation activity in D. pteronyssinus-stimulated MNC supernatants of asthmatics when compared with normal subjects. This activity can be blocked by anti-IL-5 antibodies. Eosinophil hypodensity change was also noted after treatment with D. pteronyssinus- stimulated MNC supernatants or IL-5, but not after D. pteronyssinus treatment. In conclusion, MNCs, activated by D. pteronyssinus, might contribute to the eosinophil differentiation and hypodensity change in asthmatics.