Effect of recombinant IFN-gamma on igE-dependent leukotriene generation by peripheral blood leukocytes in patients with pollinosis and asthma.

Interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) is considered one of the causative and intensifying factors in inflammation. The reaction to allergens releases IFN-gamma, an immunomodulatory cytokine known to inhibit IgE synthesis and Th cell proliferation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of IFN-gamma on leukotriene (LT) release in vitro, from human leukocytes of atopic patients with pollinosis and asthma. Thirty-eight patients were enrolled in the study: 15 with pollinosis and 23 asthmatics. In the presence of IL-3, leukocytes were stimulated with specific allergens. Other samples of leukocytes were preincubated with different concentrations of IFN-gamma for 15 min before allergen stimulation. The concentration of LT in supernatants was measured according to the CAST-ELISA procedure. We stated that IFN-gamma had significantly diminished LT release in a dose-dependent mode from the leukocytes of pollinotics. IFN-gamma did not change LT release in the asthmatic group, although, in leukocytes the small and medium basic production of LT, IFN-gamma caused a statistically significant fall in LT generation.