Sulphidoleukotriene release of cord blood basophils in response to allergen stimulation correlates with neither a family history of atopy nor a subsequent development of atopic eczema

Summary Objective We tested a possible relationship between sulphidoleukotriene (SLT) release of cord blood (CB) basophils, a family history of atopy (HA) and subsequent development of atopic eczema. Population and methods A cohort of 86 neonates were involved (48.8% males; 46.5% with a positive HA+). CB samples were analysed for in vitro SLT release quantified by ELISA, and in a subgroup for basophilic activation (CD 63 expression) by flow cytometry in response to a positive control (anti‐IgE‐receptor antibody), an allergen‐mix (TOP and PTOP), egg white (EW), egg yolk (EY), and the purified allergens β‐lactoglobulin (BLG) and α‐lactalbumin (ALA). Results Median concentrations of SLT were 124.2 (negative), 3871.5 (positive), 123.9 (TOP), 128.5 (PTOP), 113.1 (EW), 108.4 (EY), 125.2 (BLG) and 122.3 (ALA) pg/mL. Groups of HA+ and HA– show no difference in all analysed allergens. An allergen‐specific SLT release (defined as SLT>125 pg/mL above individual baseline and a stimulation index >2) was detected in 98% (positive control), 5% (TOP), 7% (BLG), 3% (ALA) and 2% (EW and EY), respectively. After a median observation period of 18 months, n=7 out of 70 children developed an atopic eczema, but we observed no association between CB SLT release (positive response to at least one tested allergen). Conclusion Allergen‐specific SLT release is detectable in 15.5% of healthy neonates, irrespective of their family history of atopy. However, early allergen‐specific SLT release is not predictive for the development of atopy.