Studies of the mechanism of desensitization of anti-IgE-mediated histamine release from human basophils.

Human basophils became hyporesponsive to anti-IgE when exposed to this agent in the absence of Ca2+ for more than 10 min. The desensitization process proceeded in parallel to the releasing-process. The mechanism of desensitization seems to involve a very early step in the release-reaction, since the response to phospholipase A2 and diolein, agents involved in the release-reaction, was not affected by the desensitization.