The human leukemia cell line KU812 exhibits a potential to differentiate into basophilic cells and has been described as a basophilic precursor cell line KU812 cells produce inflammatory mediators such as histamine and arachidonic acid metabolites. In addition, the cell line expresses high affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilon RI) which is central to an allergic responses, but formation of cytoplasmic granules has not been accomplished When basophilic differentiation was induced in basophilic lineage cells, the synthesis of inflammatory mediators are increased and granulated cells are appeared in culture.
Previously, we found that hydrocortisone can enhance the expression of Fc epsilon RI on KU812 cells. In this study, the effect of hydrocortisone on the formation of basophilic granules in KU812 cells was examined When the cells were cultured with 1 mu M hydrocortisone for 3 weeks, granulated cells that were stained metachromatically with Wright-Giemsa dye were observed In addition, the cellular histamine content of hydrocortisone-treated KU812 cells markedly increased after 3 weeks. These results suggest that hydrocortisone induces basophilic differentiation of KU812 cells.