The specific binding of beta-adrenergic ligands and morphofunctional properties of erythrocytes in bronchial asthma.

Peripheral blood erythrocytes from patients with bronchial asthma (BA) and preasthma (PA) were investigated using the following methods: 1) the radiochemical method for determining the specific binding of beta-adrenergic ligands; 2) direct erythrocytometry for erythrocyte diameter; and 3) the cytochemical method [paraldehyde fuchsin (PAF) reaction] for membrane glycoproteins. The specific binding of beta-adrenergic ligands in erythrocytes was decreased in BA and PA patients. The number of erythrocytes of small diameter (ESD) showed a tendency to increase in patients with atopic BA and extrapulmonary allergies, as well as in healthy subjects with a family history of atopy. The percent of PAF-negative erythrocytes was found to be considerably increased in atopic BA. It is concluded that general disorders of the membrane-receptor system are a fundamental cause of reactivity changes in allergy.