[Inflammatory role of eosinophil in allergic reactions].

A role of eosinophil is thought to be an inflammatory effect, although it had been believed that the cell has a protective role by blocking mediators from the mast cell. Eosinophils release several kinds of basic and cationic proteins following receptor-mediated activation. These mediators gradually lead to tissue damage of the bronchi, skin, nerve, heart and other general organs. Bronchial asthma and eosinophilic pneumonia as well as hyper-eosinophilic syndrome is based on this pathogenesis. Potent therapy, including steroids, will be needed for long terms in these diseases with tissue eosinophilia.