EXPRESSION OF SCD23 IN ATOPIC AND NONATOPIC BLOOD-DONORS - CORRELATION WITH AGE, TOTAL SERUM IGE, AND ALLERGIC SYMPTOMS

Although structure, biologic activities, and expression of the low-aff inity IgE receptor (Fc(e)RII, CD23) have been investigated, the diagno stic value for allergies of this molecule and its soluble circulating fragment (sCD23) remains unclear. Therefore, serum sCD23 levels were m easured in 203 blood donors. They were divided into atopic and nonatop ic subjects by allergy history, physical findings of allergic symptoms , and corresponding specific circulating IgE antibodies. The group con sisting of nonatopic subjects was divided into four age categories in order to exclude age-dependent variations in the expression of the low -affinity IgE receptor. In our study population, sCD23 serum levels we re not influenced by age. Furthermore, no significant differences, esp ecially no decrease in serum sCD23 levels, between the four nonatopic age groups were detected. There was no significant increase of sCD23 s erum levels in atopic subjects in comparison with nonatopic blood dono rs. In addition, no correlation between total IgE levels and sCD23 ser um levels could be detected, in either the group of atopic donors or t he group of nonatopics. Our data suggest that the circulating low-affi nity IgE receptor does not appear to be an additional general marker f or the diagnosis of allergies, as previously suggested.