[Level of specific binding of beta-adrenergic ligands and the morphofunctional properties of erythrocytes in bronchial asthma].

Peripheral blood erythrocytes of patients with bronchial asthma (BA) and preasthma (PA) were investigated using the following methods: 1) the radiochemical method--the level of specific binding of beta-adrenergic ligands; 2) direct erythrocytometry--erythrocyte diameter; 3) the cytochemical method (paraldehyde fuchsine/PAF/-reaction)--membranous glycoproteins. The level of erythrocytic specific binding of beta-adrenergic ligands was decreased in BA and PA patients. The level of small size erythrocytes (SSE) was on an increase in patients with atopic BA, extrapulmonary allergoses as well as in healthy persons with aggravated atopic heredity. The content of PAF-negative erythrocytes turned out to be considerably raised in atopic BA. A conclusion was made of general disorders of the membranoreceptor system as a fundamental cause of allergically changed reactivity.