"Ultimate activation" of eosinophils in vivo: lysis and release of clusters of free eosinophil granules (Cfegs)

During the last decade in vitro data have ac-eration of clusters of free eosinophil granules have repeatedly been depicted by transmission cumulated showing cytokine mediated inhibition of the programmed eosinophil death electron microscopy. 2 6-10 The micrographs even suggest the possibility that lysis of eos-called apoptosis. 1 If valid to eosinophilic diseases, this action would increase the dwell time inophils, and an intriguing distribution of free eosinophil granules, may be a major feature of of eosinophils in the target tissue where they could repeatedly release fractions of their po-many eosinophilic diseases including bullous pemphigoid, 11 atopic dermatitis, 12 eosinophilic tent granular mediators. 2 Underscoring a potential importance of these mechanisms, the pneumonia, 13 allergic rhinitis, 14 nasal polyposis, 14 and asthma. 6-10 14 Yet, this phenomenon pharmacology of steroids includes both antirelease effects and pro-apoptotic actions, as is disregarded in discussions on the mechanisms of eosinophils in inflammation and determined in eosinophil test systems ex vivo. 3 Although its role in vivo has yet to be es-allergy. 1 2 15-18 This manifest disinterest may reflect a com-tablished, eosinophil apoptosis is now at the cutting edge of experimental and conceptual bination of circumstances. Authors may rightly be cautious in their interpretation of trans-research activities. 1 4 5 In contrast, the nonapoptotic death or lysis of eosinophils is poorly mission electron microscopy data due to the possibility that artefacts may have been inflicted recognised, not to say completely ignored. This imbalance in scientific interest is remarkable, both at the taking of biopsy specimens and at the sectioning of tissue samples. The fact that particularly in consideration of evidence indicating eosinophil lysis and its immediate only small, potentially non-representative, tissue areas have been examined may also con-result -clusters of free extracellular eosinophil granules (Cfegs) in the target tissues of several tribute to a lack of interest or disbelief in this phenomenon. In addition, free eosinophil common diseases.