IN-VITRO EFFECTS OF URIAGE SPRING WATER ON THE APOPTOSIS OF HUMAN EOSINOPHILS

The influx of eosinophils in tissues plays a central role in the patho physiology of allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, allergic as thma or atopic dermatitis. The death of eosinophils by apoptosis is an important factor for the resolution of hypereosinophilia. In the pres ent study, we have shown that Uriage spring water induced in vitro the apoptosis of IL-5-primed eosinophils. This effect was dose-dependent and was statistically significant at Uriage water concentrations above 20%. The induction of apoptosis was related to the Ca2+ content of Ur iage water. Indeed, Ca2+ at the same concentration as in Uriage water mimicked the apoptotic effect of the spring water. Furthermore, EGTA r eversed the apoptotic effect of Uriage water. These results suggest th at topically applied, Uriage water could contribute to the resolution of eosinophilic inflammation. (C) 1998 Elsevier, Paris.