The in vitro migration of peripheral leukocytes of atopic asthmatic patients in relation to the level of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE).

In 50 patients with atopic asthma aged 18-32 (average 25) the level of serum IgE was measured radioimmunologically and the peripheral leukocyte migration in agar plates was determined. The control group consisted of 20 healthy people aged 20-31 (average 26). An increased level of IgE was found in 39 atopic patients. Statistically significant inhibition of peripheral leukocyte migration was noted. In each patient the degree of inhibition of migration was reciprocal to the concentration of serum IgE.