Fas receptor expression on asthmatic eosinophils

Activation of the Fas receptor (Fas; CD95) on eosinophils induces apoptosis and may play a role in controlling eosinophil number in blood and tissue. To determine whether Fas expression on eosinophils is different between ast hmatics and nonasthmatics, eosinophils were isolated from the peripheral bl ood using a three-step procedure of dextran sedimentation, ficoll hypaque s eparation and negative selection with anti-CD16 monoclonal antibody bound t o magnetic beads. Fas expression was quantified by flow cytometry. Fas expr ession and the percentage of eosinophils expressing Fas were not different between asthmatics (n=9) and non-asthmatics (n=14).