bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value of immunologic tests in cow milk allergy
Authors: Tainio V.‐M. , Savilahti E.
Published: May 2007

The aim of this study has been to clarify the immunopathogenesis and diagnosis of cow milk allergy (CMA). Thirty‐four children with symptoms suggestive of CMA had a challenge test with cow milk (CM) and an estimation of their immunological response. Nineteen of the 34 children reacted to CM challenge test. We measured serum levels of immunoglobulins G, A, M and E, complement fractions 3 and 4, class specific CM antibodies as well as the numbers of the different lymphocyte subsets and the responses of lymphocytes in whole blood to stimulation by phytohemagglutinin (PHA), concavalin A (ConA) and beta‐lactoglobulin (BLG). Twelve (63%) of the children who reacted had high levels of IgE CM‐specific antibodies; they had lower mean levels of serum IgA and lower lymphocyte stimulation indices with BLG and PHA than the rest of the children (37%) who reacted on CM, but were without IgE antibodies. Of these seven children, five gave elevated responses to stimulation with BLG, and in three of six the helper/ suppressor lymphocyte ratio rose during the challenge test. Most (10) of 15 children who showed no reaction when challenged with CM at hospital, had earlier had cutaneous symptoms closely related to CM formula feeding. No single laboratory method was sufficient to discriminate between the children who reacted to CM and those who did not. The best combination of tests was measurements of CM‐specific IgE and the index of lymphocyte stimulation with BLG. This combination had a sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 67% for predicting a clinical reaction.
Heterozygous α‐antichymotrypsin and PiZ (α1‐antitrypsin deficiency
Authors: Lindmark B. , Svenonius E. , Eriksson S.
Published: May 2007

In a case‐control study we compared the prevalence of heterozygous deficiency of two closely related anti‐neutrophil protease inhibitors, α1‐antitrypsin and α1‐antichymotrypsin, in 172 consecutive children with asthma. In a cohort study the clinical spectrum and severity were compared. On the basis of family studies 5/172 (2.9%) were classified as heterozygotes for α1‐antichymotrypsin deficiency, a high prevalence compared with that of an unselected adult population (prevalence ratio 4.5 (1.7–11.9), P<0.005). This finding suggests that the carrier state of this rare allele (prevalence 0.64%) may predispose to asthma in children. Among these heterozygous patients the prevalence of positive RAST tests for foodstuffs was significantly increased (prevalence ratio 4.8 (1.7–13.2). P<0.005) and 2/5 manifested food allergy with Quincke oedema. Either the PiMZ or SZ phenotype of α1‐antitrypsin deficiency was found in 12 (7.0%) of the 172 patients, a prevalence similar to that of a normal population (prevalence ratio 1.3 (0.67–2.6), P= 0.44). However, the asthma was more severe among the Z allele carriers, judged by the number of hospital admissions, compared with the non‐Z asthmatic children (mean 2.92 vs. 1.72, P<0.05). The results indicate that heterozygous deficiency of protease inhibitors directed against neutrophil proteases may affect the severity and clinical spectrum of childhood asthma, and to some degree be predisposing.
Storage mite allergy among bakers
Authors: Revsbech P. , Dueholm M.
Published: May 2007

Allergy to storage mites has been shown among farmers and grain elevator workers. This study aimed to examine whether bakers also are sensitized to storage mites. Twenty‐three bakers or other employees in bakeries suffering from nasal or pulmonary symptoms were compared with 17 control persons with no relation to bakery work or agriculture. All participants underwent skin prick test with a standard panel of allergens, four types of flour and the storage mites Acarus sin, Lepidoglyphus destructor and Tyrophagus putrescentiae, RAST to storage mites and flour, and measurement of total IgE. We found no difference between the baker group and the control group in prevalence and strength of positive skin prick test or RAST to any of the three storage mite species. In the baker group positive RAST to flour was related to positive RAST to A. siro and L. destructor, but not T. putrescentiae. Almost all bakers sensitized to flour were also sensitized to storage mites (6 of 7). We suggest that if a baker become sensitized to flour he will be more prone to develop specific IgE towards storage mites too.
Atopy and systemic reactions to drugs
Authors: Haddi E. , Charpin D. , Tafforeau M. , Kulling G. , Lanteaume A. , Kleisbauer J. P. , Vervloet D.
Published: May 2007

To elucidate whether systemic reactions (SR) to drugs should be included in the atopic status in epidemiological studies, we compared the distribution of atopy in subjects with or without a history of SR to drugs. The studied population comprised 2067 adults, 20 to 60 years old, visiting a health care center for a check‐up examination. The protocol included a questionnaire related to history of SR to drugs and a Phadiatop® test which evaluates on a blood sample the presence of specific IgE against common aeroallergens. Overall, 14.7% of the study group, including 66% women, reported reliable histories of SR to drugs. The cumulative prevalence of asthma, hay fever and childhood dermatitis was higher in the SR group. By contrast, the percentage of positive Phadiatop tests was similar in subjects with or without a history of SR. Thus atopy, defined by an objective criterion, i.e. the presence of specific IgE against common aero‐allergens, is not associated with the occurrence of SR to drugs. Such a history should not be included as part of the atopic status.
Enumeration and identification of airborne viable mould propagules in houses
Authors: Verhoeff A. P. , van Wijnen J. H. , Boleij J. S. M. , Brunekreef B. , van Reenen‐Hoekstra E. S. , Samson R. A.
Published: May 2007

A number of techniques for the enumeration and identification of viable mould propagules in the indoor air of houses were evaluated in order to document to what extent different results are obtained when different methods are used. A comparison was made between the results obtained with five commercially available air sampling devices (Slit‐to agar sampler, N6‐Andersen sampler, Surface Air System sampler, Reuter Centrifugal Air sampler. Gelatine Filter sampler) and a non‐volumetric sampler (the Open Petri Dish), in combination with four culture media (malt extract agar, dichloran glycerol‐18 agar, oxytetracycline glucose yeast extract agar and dichloran rose bengal chloramphenicol agar). The coefficients of variation were high (generally < 20%) for all combinations. Statistical analysis showed that the Slit sampler and the N6‐Andersen sampler in combination with DG18 and MEA gave the best precision and the highest yield in terms of colony forming units per square cubic meter of air (CFU/m3) and number of species isolated.
Allergy screening with Phadiatop® and CAP Phadiatop® in combination with a questionnaire in adults with asthma and rhinitis
Authors: Eriksson N. E.
Published: May 2007

The efficiency of the new screening tests for atopy, Phadiatop® and CAP Phadiatop®, was studied by comparing their results with a clinical diagnosis of atopy in 100 consecutive adults with asthma and/or rhinitis. Further, the diagnostic efficiency of a combination of Phadiatop and a few standardized questions was studied. The Phadiatop was found to have a specificity of 0.98, and a sensitivity of 0.92 and the CAP Phadiatop a specificity of 0.94 and a sensitivity of 0.96. When the Phadiatop was combined with a few questions, a sensitivity of 1.00 was achieved. It is concluded that Phadiatop and CAP Phadiatop have a higher diagnostic precision than other hitherto used methods for screening of atopic allergy. The place of Phadiatop in a diagnostic flow chart is suggested.
Precipitating antibodies against pigeon bloom antigens as a specific and sensitive measure of pigeon exposure
Authors: Siersted H. C. , Hansen N‐C. G.
Published: May 2007

Precipitating antibodies against pigeon bloom antigen and pigeon serum were evaluated as a measure of pigeon exposure in 62 male pigeon breeders compared with 40 unexposed control subjects. We found a combination of highly antigenic bloom extract and a sensitive counter current immunoelectrophoresis suitable for clinical estimation of pigeon exposure. The sensitivity of the test was 86% in never‐smokers and 73% in smokers at the 98% specificity level. Smoking significantly reduced the humoral immune response to both antigens.
Head‐high, airborne pollen grains from different areas of metropolitan Delhi
Authors: Malik P. , Singh A. B. , Babu C. R. , Gangal S. V.
Published: May 2007

A survey of airborne pollen grains from four zones of metropolitan Delhi was conducted for 1 year (February 1988‐January 1989) at human height level (5′‐6′). Sampling was carried out in different inhabited areas in the four zones using Burkard Volumetric Personal Samplers. Sampling was carried out at weekly intervals, three times a day (7, 14, & 20 h) for 15 min. Poaceae, Ricinus, Cheno‐Amaranth, Moms, Artemisia, Myrtaceae, Parthenium, Prosopis and Cannabis are important pollen contributors to the atmosphere, especially at lower heights. In general, pollen concentration was low at human height. Quantitative zonal variations have been recorded within an urban city.
Occupational asthma caused by inhalation of casein
Authors: Olaguibel J. M. , Hernandez D. , Morales P. , Peris A. , Basomba A.
Published: May 2007

Solutions of casein are usually sprayed over the leather in the final stage of tanning. We present the result of a thorough investigation of an a topic tannery worker with occupational asthma. Data from clinical record and metacholine challenges support the occupational source of the patient's symptoms, and positive bronchial challenge with casein clearly defines it as the specific aetiological agent. The presence of specific IgE suggests a hypersensitivity type I mechanism. In the tanning process chromium salts, paraphenyl‐endiamine and formaldehyde have all been included as specific aetiological agents of asthma, but occupational asthma induced by inhalation of casein has not previously been reported.
Serum sickness‐like syndrome associated with minocycline therapy
Authors: Puyana J. , Urena V. , Qyirce S. , Fernandez‐Rivas M. , Cuevas M. , Fraj J.
Published: May 2007

A 19 year‐old youth was taking oral minocycline and after 8 days he presented all four cardinal symptoms of serum sickness (urticaria, iewer, lymphadenopathy and joint symptoms). C3, C4 and CH50 evolution imitate experimental serum sickness complement evolution. We exclude other causes of this syndrome. Although other hypersensitivity reactions have occurred with minocycline usage, to our knowledge serum sickness‐like syndrome has not been previously reported with this drug.
Childhood bronchial asthma in a desert country
Authors: Strannegard I.‐L. , Strannegård Ö.
Published: May 2007

A 3 year‐study of emergency room visits (total 50,300) to the paediatric clinic of the main teaching hospital in Kuwait revealed that the rates of bronchial asthmatic attacks increased significantly from 8.8 % of all visits during the 1st year to 14.9% during the 3rd year. The seasonal distribution of asthmatic attacks showed maximum rates during the winter and minimum values in the summer, giving a very close inverse correlation to temperature and direct correlation to relative humidity. A similar, excellent correlation was seen between asthmatic attacks and upper respiratory infections. Occurrence of atmospheric pollen, which characteristically shows a bi‐annual pattern i Kuwait, was not found to correlate with asthma attack rates. Neither was there any demonstrable effect of dust storms on the frequency of asthmatic attacks in the children. Independent of season, the boy to girl ratio among the asthma cases was remarkably constant, around 2:1.
Inhibition of anti‐IgE induced skin response in normals by formoterol, a new β2 adrenoceptor agonist, and terbutaline
Authors: Gronneberg R. , Zetterström O.
Published: May 2007

The intention of the present study was to compare formoterol and terbutaline regarding ability to inhibit immediate wheal and Hare responses (WFR) to antihuman IgE with focus on the duration of anti‐WFR action. Formoterol is a novel β2‐adrenergic agonist with a prolonged duration of bronchodilation capacity after inhalation. The drugs injected intradermally 2 min prior to challenge with anti‐IgE in volunteers produced a dose‐dependent inhibition of the WFR in the range 1pg–100ng (formoterol) and Ing‐1μg (terbutaline). Formoterol was 70 times (flare) and 25 times (wheal) more potent (ID40) than terbutaline on a weight basis. The duration of the anti‐WFR action for formoterol, injected in a 25 times lower dose than terbutaline, was significantly longer, namely > 24 h versus 8 h for terbutaline. The histanune induced wheal reaction was attenuated by 15% and 25% by terbutaline and formoterol, respectively. The results indicate a higher β2‐receptor activity for formoterol with respect to inhibition of IgE‐dependent mast cell mediator release in addition to an anti‐leak effect exerted by both drugs. The prolonged duration of antagonistic effect by formoterol on the WFR to anti‐IgE might be due to the lipophilic property of the drug, with an expected higher retention of formoterol at the target tissue compared with the more hydrophilic compound terbutaline.
The prevalence of allergy in Danish farmers
Authors: Iversen M. , Pedersen B.
Published: May 2007

Sensitization to work‐related and other common inhalation allergens was studied in 187 farmers by means of SPT and RAST. A positive RAST to house dust mites occurred in 6.4% and to storage mites in 5.3% of farmers. Sensitization to grain, pollen and animal dander was less frequent and a positive RAST to moulds was not found. There was a very strong association between a positive RAST to house dust mites and storage mites (odds ratio 173.6). Smoking seemed to be a risk factor for sensitization to mites, pollen, grain, and animal dander. Smokers who had lived in damp dwellings had a significantly increased risk of sensitization to mites (odds ratio 6.2–12.6), whereas this was not so with non‐smokers (odds ratio 0.9–2.0).
Concentrations of specific dusts in swineries and the humoral response of swinery workers
Authors: Virtanen T. , Kalliokoski P. , Vilhunen P. , Taivainen A. , Mäntyjärvi R.
Published: May 2007

The concentrations of swine epithelial antigen (SEA), swine urinary antigen (SUA) and swine feed antigen (SFA) were measured in swineries, SEA seems to be the most prevalent of the constituents measured. In the serum samples of the subjects studied, specific IgG antibodies against the antigens were frequently encountered. However, a difference was seen in the distribution of anti‐SUA‐IgG antibodies between swinery workers and a control group of students. The influence of the level of specific dust concentrations on specific antibody titers was studied statistically. Positive correlations were observed between stationary site SUA concentrations and anti‐SUA‐IgG and anti‐SEA‐IgG titers, respectively, pointing to an association between exposure and humoral response in swinery work. Consequently, our results suggest that the measurement of antibodies against SUA or its components could offer a basis for the estimation of the level of swinery work‐related respiratory exposure and for monitoring the quality of the working environment in swineries.
Effects of N‐acetyl‐aspartyl glutamic acid and sodium cromoglycate on leukotriene B4 secretion by human leukocytes
Authors: Goldschmidt P. L. , Normand B. Vulliez‐Le , Briquet I. , Dray F.
Published: May 2007

Peripheral leukocytes from allergic subjects were treated for 30 min with sodium cromoglycate (SCG) or with N‐acetyl‐aspartyl glutamic acid (NAAGA) and challenged for leukotriene B4 (LTB4) production with calcium ionophore A 23187. NAAGA significantly inhibits LTB, release at concentrations of 10−2 M (−86%), 5.10−3 M (−49%) and 10−3 M (−34%), while SCG was not able to block LTB4 production within the range of 10−2–10−4 M. In spite of the fact that SCG and NAAGA are chemically unrelated and that both show antiallergic properties, only NAAGA is able in this model to block production of LTB4, a chemical mediator strongly involved in inflammatory and hypersensitivity reactions.
The increased number of epithelial mast cells in nasal polyps and adjacent turbinates is not allergy‐dependent
Authors: Ruhno J. , Howie K. , Anderson M. , Andersson B. , Vanzieleghem M. , Hitch D. , Lapp P. , Denburg J. , Dolovich J.
Published: May 2007

Respiratory epithelial mast cells are an expression of airway inflammatory processes. Nasal epithelial mast cells are known to be increased m allergic rhinitis and have now been examined in patients with nasal polyps. Metachromatic cell counts (mean ± standard error) expressed as the sum of large mast cells, atypical mast cells and basophils in epithelial scrapings of the inferior turbinates, assessed after Carnoy's fixation and toluidine blue staining (pH 0.5), were 37.5±29 in non‐allergic normal control subjects (n= 11), 435±130 in polyp patients who were allergic (n= 18), and 699±267 in polyp patients who were not allergic (n = 8). Metachromatic cell counts in epithelial scrapings obtained in vivo from nasal polyps of allergic patients (n= 8) were 1769±962, and 2308±1544 from polyps of non‐allergic patients (n = 5); metachromatic counts were 2089±633 in epithelial scrapings from excised polyps of allergic patients (n= 14) and 2214±640 from polyps of non‐allergic patients (n= 13). It is concluded that the number of metachromatic cells in the epithelium of nasal polyps and the adjacent nasal mucosa is elevated compared with normal nasal epithelium and the increased number does not depend upon allergy.
Comparison of Bricanyl® Turbuhaler and Berotec® dry powder inhaler
Authors: Ribeiro L. B. , Wirén J. E.
Published: May 2007

Terbutaline (Bricanyl®) 0.5 mg t.i.d. administered via Turbuhaler® was compared with fenoterol (Berotec®) 0.2 mg t.i.d. administered via Inhalator Ingelheim® in 36 asthmatic children aged 7–12 years. The study was of an open crossover design with two randomly allocated treatment periods, each lasting 2 weeks. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were measured at clinic visits before study start and at the end of each treatment period. The patients recorded peak expiratory flow (PEF) before and after inhaler use, morning and evening. They also recorded asthma symptoms and number of extra inhalations. At the end of the study, children and parents were asked for inhaler preference. No differences between the treatments were found concerning the results of the lung function measurements at the clinic or at the PEF measurements at home. No differences were found between the treatments as regards asthma symptoms or number of extra inhalations. Two patients experienced mild side effects during fenoterol treatment, none during terbutaline treatment. Treatment with terbutaline in Turbuhaler was preferred by a majority of children and parents. In conclusion, in this group of asthmatic children, treatment with terbutaline administered via Turbuhaler was as efficacious as treatment with fenoterol administered via Inhalator Ingelheim. There was a clear preference in favour of the Turbuhaler.
Effects of one‐year hyposensitization in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Pécoud A. , Nicod L. , Badan M. , Agrell B. , Dreborg S. , Kolly M.
Published: May 2007

In an open study, 21 patients suffering from chronic non‐seasonal rhinitis and allergic to house mites (HDM) have been treated for 1 year with either a new extract (Pharmalgen; n= 10) or an allergoid, pyridine denatured, extract (Alavac; n= 11), both precipitated with AlOH3, (depot). The following investigations were performed before and after therapy: clinical scoring (for 4 weeks), quantified skin prick tests (SPT) and nasal provocation tests (NPT) with HDM, and determination in serum of HDM‐specific IgE and IgG. Both groups were compared with six patients who remained untreated and underwent the same investigations. Hyposensitization with either extract induced an improvement in clinical scores (P < 0.05), a decrease in SPT reactivity (Pharmalgen: P < 0.001; Alavac: P < 0.01), a marked increase in the nasal tolerance to HDM (P < 0.001) and in HDM‐specific IgG (P < 0.001). In the group of untreated patients, all these parameters remained unchanged. Compared with the Alavac extract, the Pharmalgen extract was more active in decreasing SPT reactions (P < 0.05) and inducing a HDM‐specific IgG rise (P < 0.05). Although both extracts induced some untoward allergic reactions, no adrenaline was used at any time during the study. These data suggest that hyposensitization with depot extracts of HDM can be considered a safe and active adjunct to the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
Antigen‐induced dyspnea in Sprague Dawley rats
Authors: Dahlbäck M. , Karlberg I.‐B. , Prytz M. , Jarby R.
Published: May 2007

*We wanted to study the effect of anti‐asthma drugs on antigen‐induced dyspnea in conscious Sprague Dawley (S.D.) rats, A line of dyspnea bred rats was produced, where all immunized animals respond with dyspnea when challenged with aerosolized oval‐bumin (OA). The animals were immunized intraperitoneally (i.p.) with OA (10 μg) together with Al(OH)3 (100 mg) and challenged 2 to 3 weeks later with OA aerosol. We examined the effects of terbutaline (TERB), disodium cromoglycate (DSCG), atropine (ATRO), theophylline (THEO), a 5‐HT receptor antagonist methysergide (METH), and two glucocorticosteroids (GCS) budesonide (BUD) and dexamethasone (DEX), on this response. The drugs were given locally either by intratracheal (i.t.) instillation or by aerosol. The rats were placed one by one in an air tight box and the breathing pattern was recorded. Parameters such as time of onset of dyspnea after end of challenge (elapsed time), duration and occurrence of dyspnea, were used to quantify the response. In the vehicle‐ treated group nearly all animals responded to OA with signs of dyspnea, TERB was the only drug effective when given as an aerosol, whereas when given i.t., also DEX and METH inhibited the dyspnea. Dyspnea is a serious response and can only be alleviated by the most effective anti‐asthma drugs.
Clinical significance of IgG subclass antibodies to wheat flour antigens in bakers
Authors: Tiikkainen U. , Klockers M.
Published: May 2007

We measured the IgG subclass antibody levels to wheat flour in 42 bakers and 20 controls with an enzyme immunoassay. The levels of total IgG, IgG1 IgG2 and IgG4 antibodies were significantly higher in the bakers than in the unexposed controls. The presence of anti‐wheat flour IgG subclass antibodies in the bakers was correlated with various clinical variables including IgE levels, duration of asthmatic or rhinitis symptoms, skin prick test response, peripheral blood eosinophil levels, bronchial histamine reactivity and responses to nasal challenge with wheat flour. The IgG subclass antibody levels of the total cohort of bakers did not correlate with any of the measured clinical variables. However, among men specific IgG4 and IgG1 antibody levels correlated negatively with total IgF levels and duration of rhinitis, respectively. We conclude that IgG and IgG subclass levels to wheat flour in bakers reflect exposure, but that it is not related to any specific clinical situation. The exact pathogenetic role of these antibodies in the development of occupational asthma and rhinitis is thus not clear.
A double‐blind study of hyposensitization with an alginate‐ conjugated extract of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Conjuvac®) in patients with perennial rhinitis
Authors: Pastorello E. A. , Ortolani C. , Incorvaia C. , Farioli L. , Italia M. , Pravettoni V. , Harris R. J. , Watson H. K. , Corrado O. J. , Davies R. J. , Zanussi C.
Published: May 2007

In a 2‐year double‐blind placebo controlled study an immunological evaluation was carried out on 33 patients (15 males, 18 females, mean age 29.2 years) with mite‐induced perennial rhinitis who were submitted to specific immunotherapy (IT) with an alginate‐conjugated extract of D. pteronyssinus. The behaviour of IgE, IgG, IgG1, and IgG4, antibodies specific to D. pteronyssinus and its major allergen Der p1, was characterized by assessment of their changes m serum, and changes in IgG in nasal secretions during the treatment. The placebo‐treated patients did not show any significant variation in the levels of specific antibodies, while in the actively treated patients we found; a statistically significant decrease (P < 0.005) of specific IgE, a statistically significant increase of specific IgG (P < 0.005), IgG1, (P < 0.005) and IgG4 (P < 0.005) in serum and a statistically significant increase (P < 0.001) of specific IgG in nasal secretions. The IgG response showed an early relative predominance of the IgG1 subclass and a late absolute predominance of IgG4 subclass, that confirmed the model of IgG4 restriction in prolonged allergen stimulation. No correlation was found between immunological and clinical data.
Hay fever, eczema and urticaria in southwest Norway
Authors: Bakke P. , Gulsvik A. , Eide G. E.
Published: May 2007

Information on hay fever, eczema, urticaria, respiratory symptoms, smoking habits and occupational dust or gas exposure was obtained by a self‐administered questionnaire from a random sample of 4992 subjects of the general population aged 15–70 years of the Hordaland county, Norway. The response rate was 90% of the sample. The lifetime prevalences of hay fever, eczema and urticaria were 10%, 25% and 9% of the respondents, respectively. Eczema and urticaria were more often reported by women than by men. The lifetime prevalence of hay fever decreased substantially by age in both sexes. A history of hay fever was inversely related to cigarette smoking. The lifetime prevalences of eczema and urticaria were associated with occupational dust or gas exposure after adjusting for sex, age, smoking habits and area of residence. Adjusted odds ratios of respiratory symptoms in subjects with hay fever were almost 2.0 compared with those without.
Lowered platelet glutathione peroxidase activity in patients with intrinsic asthma
Authors: Hasselmark L. , Malmgren R. , Unge G. , Zetterström O.
Published: May 2007

Platelet glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activity and serum selenium (Se) levels were determined in 20 patients with intrinsic asthma. Nine of the patients had NSAID‐intolerance. The mean value of GSH‐Px activity in the patients was 47.0±7.1 U/1011 platelets, which is significantly lower than that of 56.4±12 U/1011 platelets in the controls (P < 0.01). There was also a tendency towards lowered Se levels in the patients compared with controls. The results are discussed in view of the protective role of GSH‐Px against oxidative stress and the tentative regulatory function of GSH‐Px in arachidonic acid metabolism.
Time‐course studies of immediate and delayed immune reactivity in patients with atopic dermatitis treated with herbal drugs
Authors: Søderberg U. , Nielsen B. Windelborg , Larsen C. Schade , Schiøtz P. O. , Testrup‐Pedersen K.
Published: May 2007

We followed a number of in vitro parameters in nine adult patients with atopic dermatitis for a period of 3 weeks during which the patients took herbal drugs that are claimed to improve chronic eczema. The following investigations were performed weekly: blood leucocytes, circulating eosinophils, serum IgE, mitogen responsiveness of lymphocytes, interleukin 1 release, soluble interleukin 2 receptor levels in serum, and in vitro histamine release from basophils in blood. The study demonstrated increased levels of IgE in six patients, increased levels of soluble interleukin 2 receptor in six patients, and a significant correlation between the amount of IgE in serum and the maximal release of histamine from basophils in blood. In this open study five patients experienced a clinical worsening of their disease during the intake of herbal medicine. All other parameters were within normal levels. There was no significant change in the in vitro parameters during the observation period.
Celery allergy associated with birch and mugwort pollinosis
Authors: Wüthrich B. , Stäger J. , Johansson S. G. O.
Published: May 2007

Skin prick tests (SPT) with various celery, carrot and potato preparations (raw, cooked, cooking water of each vegetable and allergen extracts) as well as specific IgE determinations by RAST to celery mix, celeriac (or root cellery), stick celery and heated celery extracts were performed in 70 patients with positive prick or intracutaneous tests to birch and/or mugwort pollens and celery (extract and/or raw). 94% of the patients showed positive prick tests to raw celeriac, 36% to cooked celeriac and 8/13 to cooking water. Celery‐birch positive patients (n= 13) showed negative or low RASTs to heated celery extracts and to stick celery. By contrast, in the celery‐mugwort sensitive patients (n= 6) the celery RASTs with heated celery extracts remained clearly positive and high RAST values to stick celery could be found. Celery‐birch‐mugwort‐association (n= 22) favoured more positive results with relatively high values of RAST to celeriac. The results of homologous and heterologous RAST inhibition experiments with birch, mugwort, unheated and heated celery (100°C) carried out in nine celery‐RAST positive sera are also discussed.
A prospective study of cow milk allergy in Danish infants during the first 3 years of life
Authors: Høst A. , Halken S.
Published: May 2007

A cohort of 1749 newborns from the municipality of Odense born during 1985 at the University Hospital were followed prospectively for the development of IgE‐mediated and non‐igE‐mediated cow milk allergy (CMA) during their first year. The diagnosis of CMA was based on the results of strict elimination/milk challenge procedures in a hospital setting, and continued clinical sensitivity to cow milk (CM) was assessed by rechallenging every 6–12 months until the age of3 years. Further, in infants with CMA, the Clinical course of adverse reactions to other foods and the development of allergy to inhalant allergens In 3 years were investigated. Of 117 (6.7 %) with symptoms suggestive of CMA, the diagnosis of CMA was proven m 39 infants (2.2%), 64% showed cutaneous symptoms. 59% gastrointestinal symptoms, and 33% had respiratory symptoms. 92% had two or more symptoms and 72 % symptoms from 2 organ systems. Based on a positive skin prick test ( 2 +) and/or AL‐RAST class 2 to CM 16 infants at the time of diagnosis, and at reinvestigation at 1 year, a further five infants giving a total of 21, were classified as having IgE‐mediated CMA, 19 infants showed “immediate reactions to CM (within 1 h after intake of 2.3 g milk protein) and 20 infants were “late reactors”, No significant correlation between IgE‐mediated CMA and “immediate reactions” to CM was demonstrated, The overall prognosis of CMA was good with a total recovery of 22/39 (56%) at 1 year. 30/39 (77%) at 2 years, and 34/39 (87%) at 3 years. Adverse reactions to other foods, particularly egg, citrus, tomato, developed in a total of 21/39 (54%) with the maximum point prevalence of 15/39 (38%) at 18 months, and 9/39 (23%) were still intolerant to other foods at 36 months. Inhalant allergy before 3 years developed in 11/39 (28%), particularly against dog and cat to which the infants had been exposed. Infants with CMA and early IgE, sensitization to CM had an increased risk of persisting CMA (24%) development of persistent adverse reactions to other foods (38%), particularly egg white (29%), and finally, inhalant allergy (48%) before 3 years of age.
Mastocytosis and atopy: a study of 33 patients with urticaria pigmentosa
Authors: Müller U. , Helbling A. , Hunziker T. , Wüthrich B. , Pécoud A. , Gilardi S. , Beretta E. , Fasel J. , Messerli W. , Maurer P.
Published: May 2007

Thirty‐three patients with histologically verified urticaria pigmentosa were studied for coexisting atopi disease by means of history, skin prick testing with five common inhalants and serological investigation for total IgE and specific IgE antibodies to five common inhalants. The prevalence of atopy in urticaria pigmentosa was similar to that observed m the normal Swiss population, both on the basis of history (7/33 = 21 %) and of positive skin prick tests to common inhalants (12/33 = 36%). However, total serum IgE levels were significantly lower (geometric mean value 16.8 kU/l) than in a control group of 52 Swiss blood donors of comparable age and sex distribution (geometric mean value 43.0 kU/l, 2.93, P < 0.005). Specific IgE antibodies to common inhalants were also observed less frequently in urticaria pigmentosa patients than in controls, although this difference was not statistically significant. Low total and specific IgE values in patients with urticaria pigmentosa may be explained by increased absorption of circulating IgE to abundant tissue mast cells.
Effect of a single dose of a topical glucocorticoid and a cyclo‐oxygenase inhibitor on allergen‐induced changes in nasal reactivity
Authors: Klementsson H. , Lindqvist N. , Andersson M. , Pipkorn U.
Published: May 2007

The inflammatory response of airway mucosa to allergen exposure is a complex phenomenon featuring symptoms, the influx of inflammatory cells, the release of mediators, and changes in local reactivity. These features and their pharmacological modifications can be successfully studied in nasal challenge models. We performed a nasal allergen challenge followed by a rechallenge with allergen 24 h later in order to monitor changes in specific reactivity due to the initial allergen challenge. Symptoms were monitored, as was the generation of TAME‐esterase activity in nasal lavage fluids. Prior to each challenge a nasal brush specimen was taken. In a double blind, cross‐over, double‐dummy manner the patients were pretreated with placebo, a single dose of 200 μg of budesonide (topical corticosteroid) given 2 h prior to rechallenge with allergen or 600 mg ibuprofen (cyclooxygenase inhibitor) given per os t.i.d. to steady state starting 24 h prior to the initial allergen challenge. Treatment with ibuprofen induced a slightly lower composite symptom score (P < 0.05) at the initial allergen challenge when compared with placebo. No differences were noted in the relevant TAMF‐esterase activities. The allergen challenge resulted in significantly increased proportions of eosinophils in the brush specimens 24 h after the initial allergen challenge (P < 0.001) with no differences between the different treatment alternatives. At rechallenge there was a reduction in the symptoms of secretion and nasal blockage in both groups receiving active treatment compared with placebo (P < 0.05), whereas the number of sneezes was not affected and no differences were noted m TAME‐esterase activity. We conclude that allergen‐induced changes in reactivity appear to involve cyclooxygenase metabolites to some extent and that a reduction in eosinophil numbers is not a prerequisite when it comes to demonstrating an inhibition of the change in reactivity.
Endotoxin from Haemophilus influenzae enhances IgE‐mediated and non‐immunological histamine release
Authors: Clementsen P. , Milman N. , Kilian M. , Fomsgaard A. , Baek L. , Norn S.
Published: May 2007

Haemophilus influenza and its extracellular produets (EP) ditl not release histamine from basophil leukocytes in cell suspensions from normal individuals, patients with chronic bronchitis or patients allergic to either house dust mite, grass pollen, eat dander or to their own bacteria. However, the EP was found to enhance their basophil histamine release. IgE‐mediated histamine release was examined by stimulation of the cells with anti‐IgE or the specific allergens, and non‐immunological histamine release by stimulating the cells with the calcium ionophore A23187 or Staphylococcus aureus. In all the experiments EP caused a significant increase in the histamine release. When H. influenzae endotoxins were removed from the EP, the potentiating effect of EP was completely abolished, whereas heating (80°C. 30 min) or treatment of EP with proteinase did not influence the potentiating effect. These results indicate that H. influenzae endotoxin potentiates histamine release caused by IgE‐mediated reactions or by non‐immunological mechanisms.
Evaluation of a capsulated hydrophilic carrier polymer (the ImmunoCAP) for measurement of specific IgE antibodies
Authors: Ewan P. W. , Coote D.
Published: May 2007

The Pharmacia CAP System is a new assay for serum specific IgE, utilising a solid phase capable of binding more antigen than conventional systems. The CAP System has been evaluated in 69 consecutive patients referred to one allergy clinic in relation to skin prick test (SPT), radioallergosorbent test (Phadebas RAST®) and specific allergy diagnosis for five inhalant allergens, D.ptewnyssinus, timothy grass pollen, eat epithelium/dander, Cladosporium and Alternaria. Good correlation was obtained between RAST and CAP for all allergens, e.g. r=0.974 for D.pteronyssinus and r=0.964 for grass pollen. When sensitivity and specificity were examined for both CAP and RAST versus SPT, CAP was usually found to be of greater sensitivity than RAST, and of similar or slightly lower specificity. SPT gave more positive reactions than either in vitro test, but CAP gave more positives than RAST. Twenty‐two of 336 (6.6%) tests were CAP positive/RAST negative, whereas a negative CAP with a positive RAST occurred in only 2/336 (0.6%) tests. Of patients with any test (SPT or RAST or CAP) for specific IgE positive, up to 20–30% did not have clinical allergy, confirming the importance of the history in interpreting these tests. Our results suggest that, for the allergens tested, the Pharmacia CAP System is more sensitive than the RAST, identifying more positive tests and approximating more closely to the SPT. It offers the additional advantages of speed and efficiency.
Comparative analysis of bovine extracts by immunoblotting and ELISA inhibition
Authors: Ylönen J. , Nuutinen J. , Ruoppi P. , Mäntyjärvi R. , Virtanen T.
Published: May 2007

Bovine epithelial and urine antigen extratcts were compared using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent (ELISA) inhibition assay and sodium‐dodecyl‐sulfate‐polyaerylanmide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE.) with immunoblotting. Accroding to ELISA inhibition results, the two extracts share about 2% of their antigenic components. Urine‐derived antigens seem to be antigenically closer to serum proteins than epithelial antigens were directed mainly against a protein of 20 kD, while non‐ allergy farmers had only very weak reactions. Generally, the IgG responses of allergic farmers against epithelial antigens were directed mainly against a protein of 20 kD, while non allergic farmers had only very weak reactions. Generally, the IgG response against urinary antigens farmers reacted with a band at 20 kD in IgE immunoblotting against urinary and epithelial antigen while all non‐allergic farmers showed negative results.
Nimodipine versus terfenadine in the treatment of physical stimulus‐indueed urticaria
Authors: Pigatto P. D. , Fumagalli M. , Bigardi A. , Altomare G. , Finzi A. F.
Published: May 2007

Basophil and mastocyte degranulation is calcium‐dependent. Calcium‐antagonists can inhibit synthesis of and release in vitro same mediators in various types of cells. Both immunologically stimulated and non‐immunologically stimulated release of material from basophils isolated from normal and allergic subjects can be antagonized by calcium blockers. The present study was aimed at testing the therapeutic effects and side effects of nimodipine therapy, a new dihydropyridine anti‐calcium derivative for physical stimulus induced urticaria, in camparison with a standard H1 antihistamine therapy. The study was done in 32 outpatients who had physical stimulus‐induced urticaria: 20 patients was done in 32 ouutpatients who had physical stimulus‐induced urticaria: 20 patients received nomodipine three times a day in a daily dose of 180 mg. 12 patients were treated with terfenadine in a dose of 120 mg. In the majority of patients treated with both nimodipine and terfenadine, satisfactory clinical results were obtained after 3 weeks of therapy. There were, however significant (P<0.05) differences in responses. Complete clearance after 3 weeks was noted in 50% patients treated with nomodipine, whereas only 16% of patients on terfenadine were completely clear, and some showed only slight improvement. The treatment was easily manageable, and with few side effects.
Bacteria and endotoxin enhance basophil histamine release and potentiation is abolished by carbohydrates
Authors: Clementsen P. , Norn S. , Kristensen K. S. , Bach‐Mortensen N. , Koch C. , Permin H.
Published: May 2007

Histamine release caused by anti‐IgE, specific antigens and calcium ionophore A23187 was examined in leukocyte suspensions from healthy individuals and patients allergic to house dust mite and birch pollen. Staphylococcus aureus and LPS from Salmonella typhimurium were found to cause a synergistic enhancement of the release. The potentiation of mediator release by the bacteria and the endotoxin depends on a binding to the basophilocyte, followed by a non‐transient event, since the potentiating effect persists after preincubation of the cells with the LPS followed by washout and leaving the cells for 30 min at 37°C before stimulation with anti‐IgE. The potentiation was abolished or reduced by galactose (10−7 and 10−6 M) and N‐acetylglucosamine (10−6 and 10−5 M), acting by a binding to the basophil cell membrane, demonstrated by the persistence of effect after preincubation and washout of unbound sugar.
Comparison of clinical significance and allergenic cross‐reactivity of storage mites Blomia kulagini and Lepidoglyphus destructor in Sweden and Brazil
Authors: Hage‐Hamsten M. van , Machado L. , Barros M. T. , Johansson S. G. O.
Published: May 2007

Comparison of the clinical significance and allergenic cross‐reactivity of Blomia kulagini(B. kulagini) and Lepidoglyphus destructor (L. destructor) was made on sera from Sweden and Brazil using the radio‐allergo‐sorbent test (RAST) and the RAST inhibition technique. RAST‐positive sera were obtained from 53 allergic Swedish farmers and 31 allergic subjects from Brazil who were positive to B. kulagini and/or L. destructor. B. kulagini was shown to be a common cause of sensitization especially in Brazil. There was a fairly high correlation between positive RAST results to L. destructor and B. kulagini based on sera from both Sweden and Brazil. The highest RAST scores were found against L. destructor in Swedish sera and against B. kulagini in Brazilian sera. The RAST inhibition studies showed that the L. destructor extract was able to inhibit the B. kulagini system (a positive RAST to B. kulagini allergen disc) in Swedish but not in Brazilian sera. In contrast, the B. kulagini extract was only able to inhibit the L. destructor system in sera from Brazil and not in sera from Sweden. This study shows that results obtained with RAST inhibition are not entirely dependent on the overall specificity of the IgE antibodies in the patient's sera, since the more subtle specificity of the primarily sensitizing allergen will dominate. Thus, conclusions drawn regarding allergenic cross‐reactivity are dependent on the populations tested, and conclusions on the existence or absence of cross‐reactivity, e.g. between two species of mites may be contradictory.
Influenza A virus enhances basophil histamine release and the enhancement is abolished by carbohydrates
Authors: Clementsen P. , Norn S. , Kristensen K. S. , Hannoun C.
Published: May 2007

Basophil histamine release was studied in leukocyte suspensions from normal individuals and from patients allergic to house dust mite or birch pollen. Mediator release caused by IgE‐mediated reactions was examined by stimulating the cells with anti‐IgE or specific antigens, and the calcium ionophore A23187 was used for a non‐immunological histamine release. In all experiments influenza A virus caused a synergistic enhancement of the mediator release and the potentiation was abolished by galactose (10 −2 to 10−6 M) and by 10−6 to 10−3 M of N‐acetylglucosamine, alpha‐methyl‐D‐glucoside, alpha‐methyl‐D‐mannoside, N‐acetylneuraminic acid and lactose, but not by glucose. Wash‐out experiments show that the sugars prevent the aggravation of mediator release by a binding of sugar to the basophil cell membrane, thereby causing a blockade of binding sites responsible for the potentiating effect of virus.
Immunological and physical properties of allergen solutions
Authors: Frølund L. , Poulsen L. K. , Heinig J. H. , Svedse U. G. , Madsen F.
Published: May 2007

Lyophilised birch pollen allergen extracts, reconstituted with different diluents (H2O, saline, Albumin diluent® (AD)) were investigated to determine whether the allergen activity and quality of the extracts deteriorated by nebulization with different nebulizers (Pari, Wright, and Samdoz). Allergen activity was measured by IgG4 RAST inhibition technique and allergen quality was analysed by crossed immunoelectrophoresis (CIE). The distribution of particle sizes of aerosols different allergen solutions was determined by a TSI Aerodynamic Particle Sizer. A significant difference (P < 0.05) in allergen activity was found between the AD and H2O diluents before and after using a Sandoz nebulizer and a Wright nebulizer equipped with a small chamber. This suggested greater allergen activity in AD‐diluted solutions, and the pattern was repeated with the other two nebulizers, but was not statistically significant. The samples diluted with saline showed no significant differences in quality after nebulization except for the impacted aerosol in which one of the precipitates was slightly diminished. In the AD‐diluted sample one of the precipitates disappeared from the impacted aerosol and from the nebulization chamber after 2 min nebulization. To CIE with rabbit anti‐human albumin in an intermediate gel. By this procedure one precipitate was transformed to a precipitate in the intermediate gel, indicating that one or more proteins in the extracts may associate with albumin. No significant difference in output was observed between the nebulizers. The particle size distribution curves for each diluent (saline, AD) were identical for the Wright nebulizer with 99% of the dry particles distributed within 0.5–2.0 μm. Although allergen solutions reconstituted with different diluents were not deteriorated in different nebulizers, it may be that the addition of human albumin to an allergen solution may induce one or more proteins in the extracts to associate with it. This could reduce allergen adsorption over periods longer than this study. The use of different diluents did not change the distribution of particle size generated by the nebulizer tested.
In vitro studies of the interaction between heparin and eosinophil cationic protein
Authors: Fredens K. , Dahl R. , Venge P.
Published: May 2007

Eosmophil cationic protein (ECP) is a protein specific to the granules of human eosinophil granulocytes. ECP is highly cationic and may damage tissue if not inactivated. Heparin is a highly anionic substance present in mast cells and basophil granulocytes. The present in vitro study shows that ECP can inactivate the anticoagulant activity of heparin probably by the formation of a complex between the two molecules. This function may be of importance for the microenvironment of allergic diseases where secretion of heparin may promote penetration of mast cell products through tissues. Also this may constitute one mechanism whereby the cytotosic action of ECP is neutralized.