bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asthma due to inhaled chemical agents—complex salts of platinum
Authors: PEPYS J. , PICKERING C. A. C. , HUGHES E. G.
Published: April 2006

Sixteen workers, from a platinum refinery, with respiratory disease were tested with solutions of complex salts of platinum and ten gave immediate prick test reactions to concentrations of 10−4−10−6and immediate nasal reactions in seven out of eleven tested to concentrations of 103−10−8. Occupational‐type exposure inhalation tests to the dust from mixtures of 40 mg of the platinum salt with 1 kg of lactose gave immediate asthmatic reactions in eight and in one of these a late reaction, all also giving immediate prick test reactions. The asthmatic reactions were inhibited by disodium cromoglycate. In two with negative prick tests, late asthmatic reactions were elicited. The occupational‐type exposure test provides a safe, acceptable procedure for etiological diagnosis.
Mites and house dust allergy III. In vitro lymphocyte transformation and precipitating antibody to house dust and mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) extract in atopic and non‐atopic individuals
Authors: ROMAGNANI S. , BILIOTTI G. , PASSALEVA A. , RICCI M.
Published: April 2006

In vitro lymphocyte transformation and the precipitating antibody to house dust and mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) extract were studied in mite‐ and house‐dust sensitive patients and in non‐atopic individuals. House‐dust extract was able to induce a significant [2‐14C]thymidine incorporation into lymphocytes from house‐dust‐sensitive as well as non‐allergic individuals. An in vitro response to mite extract, even if less marked, was also seen in most of mite‐sensitive patients.

By the micro‐Ouchterlony and counterimmunoelectrophoresis techniques anti‐dust antibodies were found in the serum of all house‐dust‐sensitive and non‐atopic individuals tested. Anti‐mite precipitins were detected in a smaller number of subjects.
Pulmonary aspergilloma—clinical immunology
Authors: McCARTHY D. S. , PEPYS J.
Published: April 2006

Twenty‐eight selected patients with pulmonary aspergilloma and many with respiratory symptoms were investigated. Their atopic status was evaluated and immunological reactivity to extracts of A. fumigatus studied by means of skin, serological and inhalation challenge tests. The findings suggested that immunological mechanisms may have played a role in producing symptoms in 75% of these patients. Based on these findings, corticosteroids may have a place in treatment of some patients with pulmonary aspergilloma. Care in the use of corticosteroids is recommended because of the prevalence of bacterial infection. Suggestions are offered for selecting patients likely to respond to corticosteroid drugs.
Effect of disodium cromoglycate on asthmatic reactions to alcoholic beverages
Authors: BRESLIN A. B. X. , HENDRICK D. J. , PEPYS J.
Published: April 2006

Eleven asthmatic patients with a history of asthma with or without rhinitis following the ingestion of alcoholic drinks were challenged by oral ingestion of the suspected drink, and some with equivalent amounts of ethyl alcohol. Asthma was provoked in six cases, four having falls in the FEV1 of more than 15%. Three of the latter studied in detail gave immediate asthmatic reactions to the alcoholic beverage, but not to the ethyl alcohol tested by oral ingestion, and in one case by administration through a naso‐gastric tube. Pre‐treatment by inhalation of disodium cromoglycate inhibited the asthmatic reactions to the alcoholic beverages.
A fine structure study of some cellular components in allergic reactions 1. Degranulation of human mast cells in allergic asthma and perennial rhinitis
Authors: TROTTER C. M. , ORR T. S. C.
Published: April 2006

Tissues from patients with allergic asthma or perennial rhinitis have been examined and normal mast cell ultrastructure described. Degranulating mast cells are shown in nasal and bronchiolar tissue, with attention focused on granules, microfilaments and labyrinth and pore formations.

Five stages of degranulation are described: (1) disappearance of granule lamellae; (2) swelling of area within perigranular membrane; (3) fusion of perigranular membranes or fusion of perigranular and plasma membranes; (4) perforation of fused perigranular and plasma membranes; (5) extrusion of granules.
The effects of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (Becotide) and sodium cromoglycate on asthmatic reactions to provocation tests
Authors: PEPYS J. , DAVIES R. J. , BRESLIN A. B. X. , HENDRICK D. J. , HUTCHCROFT B. J.
Published: April 2006

A comparison was made between the effects of prior inhalation of sodium cromogly‐cate or beclomethasone dipropionate on immediate, late and dual asthmatic reactions to provocation challenge tests with a range of allergens. Whereas sodium cromoglycate inhibited immediate and dual asthmatic reactions, beclomethasone dipropionate had no effect on immediate asthmatic reactions, but consistently inhibited late asthmatic reactions.
Distribution of pyroglyphid mites in Birmingham with particular reference to Euroglyphus maynei
Authors: BLYTHE M. E. , WILLIAMS J. D. , SMITH J. MORRISON
Published: April 2006

The Dermatophagoides mites are well recognized as allergens in bronchial asthma. A survey of mattress dust in Birmingham showed large numbers of Euroglyphus maynei to be present in addition. A variation was found in mite populations in dust collected by vacuum cleaner when compared to brushed samples, which may explain previous findings of only small numbers of E. maynei. A mean density of 296 pyroglyphid mites; 100 μg dust was found in mattress dust. Glycyphagus species formed only 1%, of all mites seen.
Munchausen's stridor: non‐organic laryngeal obstruction
Authors: PATTERSON ROY , SCHATZ MICHAEL , HORTON MARK
Published: April 2006

A patient had at least 15 hospital admissions for symptoms of acute dyspnoea accompanied by loud stridorous sounds. These episodes had been diagnosed as acute airway obstruction and she was treated on all occasions on an emergency basis. In the absence of a definitive etiology and with other clues, it was then recognized that the patient was imitating the clinical appearance of laryngeal obstruction. Following the establishment of this, psychiatric care was initiated with the goal of rehabilitation of the patient, and there have been no further episodes to the present time.
Methods of destroying house dust pyroglyphid mites
Authors: PENAUD A. , NOURRIT J. , AUTRAN P. , TIMON‐DAVID P. , JACQUET‐FRANCILLON M. , CHARPIN J.
Published: April 2006

Attempts to reduce the growth of house dust pyroglyphid mites by vacuum cleaning, and modifications of temperature and humidity are useful but not sufficient. Their absence in dust from hospital beds which are disinfected led the authors to test PARAGERM AK, a non toxic bactericidal and fungicidal spray. This proved highly effective as an acaricide, killing off cultures of Dermatophagoides spp. and other mites with acceptable arid easily produced concentrations, thus providing a new way of combating the house dust allergy mite.
Cryptogenic pulmonary eosinophilia
Authors: TURNER‐WARWICK M. , ASSEM E. S. K. , LOCKWOOD M.
Published: April 2006

The clinical and immunological features of fifteen cases of cryptogenic pulmonary eosinophilia are reported. There were ten women (mean age 35·4 years) and five men (mean age 42 years). Eight gave a previous history of asthma and seven had none. Thirteen of the fifteen patients had negative skin test to common allergens. Many features of a systemic illness were present in the asthmatic and non‐asthmatic groups including anaemia, weight loss, fever and a grossly raised ESR. An absolute polymorphonuclear leucocytosis was frequent as well as the obligatory increase in blood eosinophils used as one of our criteria for inclusion. Hepatomegaly (three cases), splenomegaly (four cases) and hilar node enlargement (one case) were seen in the group without asthma. Evidence of renal involvement or necrotizing vasculitis was notably absent and the response to small doses of corticosteroids was dramatic.

Immunologically the striking feature was a disproportionate increase in blood eosinophils compared with only minor elevations in the total serum IgE levels. This stands in contrast to patients with bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and helminth infestation.

Studies of cytophilic antibodies using histamine liberation after challenge with antibodies to immunoglobulin sub‐classes in six patients showed a marked increase in IgG2 and lesser increases of IgE and IgG3. No evidence of antibodies specific to A. fumigatus was found. The amount of cytophilic antibody was also in contrast to that found in bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.
Pulmonary responses to particulate materials capable of activating the alternative pathway of complement
Authors: EDWARDS J. H. , WAGNER J. C. , SEAL R. M. E.
Published: April 2006

The cellular sequence of events evoked by the intratracheal injection of both respirable mouldy hay dust and zymosan in unsensitized rats and rabbits was markedly similar and contained many features seen in lung biopsies from farmer's lung cases.

It is considered that a combination of ability to activate the alternative pathway of complement and the particulate nature of mouldy hay dust and zymosan produced the pulmonary response seen and as such, considerable insight has been gained into mechanisms by which unsensitized individuals respond to dust inhalation. It is suggested that alternative pathway activation may produce an attack of farmer's lung in the absence of precipitins or other forms of hypersensitivity to the dust or its components and that cases designated as ‘pulmonary mycotoxicosis’ are more rationally explained by this mechanism.
Serological investigations in hymenoptera sting allergy: IgE and haemagglutinating antibodies against bee venom in patients with bee sting allergy, bee keepers and non‐allergic blood donors
Authors: MÜLLER U. , SPIESS J. , ROTH A.
Published: April 2006

Specific IgE‐antibodies and haemagglutinins to bee venom were determined in fifty‐five bee sting allergic patients, fifty‐seven bee keepers and fifty‐two blood donors without evident allergy to hymenoptera stings. IgE‐antibodies were detected by RAST in 70% of allergic patients, 40% of bee keepers and 12% of blood donors.

Most bee keepers with detectable IgE‐antibodies to bee venom recorded severe local or even general reactions to bee stings. Most blood donors with detectable specific IgE had been stung by hymenoptera in the past.

High titres of haemagglutinating antibodies against phospholipase A were found in most bee keepers, occasionally in bee sting allergic patients but only rarely in blood donors.

The determination of specific IgE‐antibodies to insect venoms by RAST seems to be a valuable method for the diagnosis of hymenoptera sting allergy.
Eosinophilic leucocytes in nasal allergy—movement of enzymes
Authors: WATANABE KENSUKE , HASEGAWA MAKOTO , SAITO YOZO , TAKAYAMA SATORU
Published: April 2006

The changes in peroxidase of the granules of eosinophils were examined in cells in the nasal mucous membranes of persons allergic to house dust.

There was a slight leakage of peroxidase from eosinophil granules immediately after placing an antigen‐treated disc (house dust, Torii, 2560 μg/disc) on the nasal mucous membrane.

Leakage of peroxidase from the eosinophil granules into the cytoplasm, and extracellular release from some eosinophils, was greater 20 min after provocation, than at 30 sec.

There were two forms of peroxidase release from the plasma membrane. In one, the granule membrane fused with the plasma membrane and the peroxidase was released from the cell through destruction of the two fused membranes. This was considered to be active secretion. In the other form, the plasma membrane was damaged by peroxidase released from the granules into the cytoplasm. This was considered to be passive release following degeneration of the cell.
Grass pollen content of the air in the Bristol Channel region in 1976
Authors: MULLINS J. , WARNOCK D. W. , POWELL J. , JONES I. , HARVEY R.
Published: April 2006

The grass pollen content of the air at four sites bordering the Bristol Channel (at Bristol, Cardiff, Penarth and Penmaen) was studied. The trap at Penmaen was situated at an official climatological station which provided the meteorological data used in the surveys. Although at certain times large differences could be seen between the concentrations of grass pollen at the different sites, overall the findings for the four sites were similar. Changes in the atmospheric pollen concentration related to variations in meteorological conditions. At the peak of the season high concentrations of grass pollen persisted throughout the night.
Immunoglobulin E specific to wheat and rye flour proteins
Authors: BJÖRKSTÉN F. , BACKMAN A. , JÄRVINEN K. A. J. , LEHTI H. , SAVILAHTI E. , SYVÄNEN P. , KÄRKKÄINEN T.
Published: April 2006

We have used the radioallergosorbent test (RAST) to determine IgE antibodies specific to wheat flour proteins in the sera of seven groups of patients. In some cases rye‐specific IgE was also determined. Wheat and rye RAST scores showed a good correlation, presumably due to cross‐reactions. Among bakers with asthma, positive scores, 0.5–3, occurred with a prevalence of 43%, and among children with eczema, scores in the range 0.5–4 were found with a prevalence of 54%. A score of 0.5 was a marginal value which was also occasionally encountered with sera from patient groups with no history of immediate hypersensitivity to wheat or rye. These groups included adults and children with allergic rhinitis and asthma, children from the general population and children with coeliac disease. The RAST appeared useful in the diagnosis of allergy to inhaled flour dust among bakers. Among children with eczema, positive wheat and rye RAST results were a common finding, which only occasionally could be linked to strong and unequivocal reactions to the foods in question. Both in bakers and children with eczema, wheat and rye RAST results showed good agreement with intracutaneous skin test results.
Comparison of salbutamol Rotahaler with conventional pressurized aerosol
Authors: HETZEL M. R. , CLARK T. J. H.
Published: April 2006

Salbutamol in a powder aerosol from the Rotahaler insufflator was compared, with equal doses of the conventional pressurized aerosol by dose‐response curves and in a 1 month open trial, in the treatment of asthma patients with good inhalation technique. Results were not significantly different in either study. A further group of asthma patients, who were known to be incapable of using pressurized aerosols effectively, were shown to benefit from treatment with the Rotahaler. This device should increase the value of the sympathomimetic drugs to the minority of asthma patients who cannot use conventional aerosols correctly.
IgE antibodies to wheat flour components Studies with sera from subjects with bakers' asthma or coeliac condition
Authors: BALDO B. A. , WRIGLEY C. W.
Published: April 2006

Sera from two subjects with bakers' asthma and six patients with coeliac condition were examined for the presence of IgE antibodies with specificities for wheat flour components. Sera were studied using the radioallergosorbent test (RAST) together with whole flour and thirteen purified and partially purified flour fractions.

IgE antibodies to a number of flour components were demonstrated in the allergic bakers' sera, but the strongest reactivities were observed with wheat albumins and globulins. A more detailed examination of the flour water‐soluble proteins using RAST inhibition methods demonstrated that albumins were more reactive with the allergic sera than the globulins. Apart from the results with the water‐soluble proteins, the two sera showed a different pattern of reactivity with the other flour preparations.

No IgE antibodies to whole flour or any of the flour components, including A gliadin, were found in the coeliac sera. Failure to detect wheat gluten‐ or gliadin‐specific IgE antibodies indicates that IgE‐mediated reactions are not important in the pathogenesis of coefiac condition. Levels of total IgE in the sera from the coeliac subjects were elevated and, with two of the sera, some success was achieved in identifying the allergens responsible for the elevation. We propose that elevation of serum IgE may frequently occur in coeliac condition and may arise due to an increased uptake of antigens via the damaged intestinal mucosa.
Fungal spores in lung and sputum
Authors: MULLINS J. , SEATON A.
Published: April 2006

A survey of fungal aerospora over a 2‐year period was combined with an investigation of the fungi cultured from 295 samples of peripheral human lung and 2466 samples of sputum over the same period. 83% of lung and 88% of sputum samples contained culturable fungi, although in 16% of lung and 31% of sputum samples Candida albicans was the only one. Those fungi of small spore size tended to be found in lung tissue while those with larger spores were more likely to be found in the sputum. While their presence in the respiratory tract was related to their occurrence in the air, differences in their frequencies in the air and lung suggested that the lung had a selective inhibitory effect on the development of different spores. In particular, Aspergillus fumigatus was cultured more frequently than would have been anticipated from its profusion in the air.
Bronchial asthma and dermatitis due to spiramycin in a chick breeder
Authors: PAGGIARO P. L. , LOI A. M. , TOMA G.
Published: April 2006

A case of bronchial asthma and dermatitis due to spiramycin is described in a non‐atopic woman who worked as a chick breeder and handling poultry feed containing antibiotic or chemoterapic drugs including spiramycin, chlortetracycline and sulfadimethoxine. Patch tests showed a vigorous delayed reaction to spiramycin.

Inhalation challenge test with the chick feed containing spiramycin reproduced symptoms of late asthmatic response (FEV1 fell by 14% and FEF25–75 by 25% within the 4th and 6th hour) with leucocytosis. No significant modification of FEV1 and FEF25–75 was observed within 24 hours after challenge with chick feeds containing other antibiotic or chemotherapeutic agents but not spiramycin.

On leaving her job, the patient had no further skin reactions or bronchial asthma episodes.

This case suggests that allergic reactions to a chemical product may involve both type III and IV hypersensitivity.
New concepts concerning the clinical control of IgE synthesis
Authors: KATZ DAVID H.
Published: April 2006

Prospects for new therapeutic approaches to IgE‐mediated allergic diseases have arisen from (1) recent experimental observations that have suggested new concepts concerning the pathogenesis of the allergic phenotype, and (2) adaptation of previously‐described methods for induction of specific immunological tolerance to problems in allergy. The bases for these new approaches to allergic diseases are summarized herein.
The prevalence of allergic conditions and immediate skin test reactions among Finnish adolescents
Authors: HAAHTELA T. M. K.
Published: April 2006

The purpose of the study was to determine the skin reactivity of 14–16‐year‐old adolescents to common allergens and its connections with the occurrence of bronchial wheezing, asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic eczema. The series consisted of 218 persons living in south‐eastern Finland. All the persons who took part in the study filled out a questionnaire concerning symptoms of any allergy. They were prick skin‐tested with eight common allergens and examined clinically by the author. Positive skin test reactions were observed in sixty‐six cases (31%), forty‐one of which (62%) had past or present allergic symptoms. Symptoms indicating past or current allergy were observed in seventy persons (32%). 59% of the young people who had or had had allergic disorders were found to have a positive skin test; the figure for the asymptomatic group was 17%. Allergic rhinitis was most clearly connected with the positive skin test. 83% of those with rhinitis had a positive skin test, whereas the figure for bronchial wheezing and asthma was 70% and for eczema 44%. The prevalence of allergic symptoms and skin test positivity was about the same between the sexes, but the boys had experienced bronchial wheezing twice as often as the girls. This study shows that the prevalence of allergic symptoms, when the mild manifestations are also taken into account, is higher in Finland than is assumed. The occurrence of skin test positivity in the age groups examined is about the same as that observed in previous studies on this subject.
Papain‐induced asthma: diagnosis by skin test, RAST and bronchial provocation test
Authors: BAUR X. , FRUHMANN G.
Published: April 2006

Seven out of eleven workers occupationally exposed to airborne papain developed immediate hypersensitive reactions, predominantly asthma and rhinitis. Skin tests and RAST with papain were positive in all symptomatic workers, but not in the four asymptomatic workers. Furthermore, out of forty non‐exposed asthmatics, thirty‐eight had negative RAST results and all had negative skin test results. Bronchial provocation tests with 0.15–0.5 mg papain performed in five patients with a positive case history showed in each case an immediate asthmatic reaction; in addition to that, one patient developed signs of a dual asthmatic reaction.

Our results suggest that airborne papain is a highly immunogenic agent in humans, which induces type I allergic reactions in a large percentage of the exposed subjects.
Anaphylactoid reactions to infusions of plasma protein and human serum albumin Role of aggregated proteins and of stabilizers added during production
Authors: RING J. , STEPHAN W. , BRENDEL W.
Published: April 2006

Six patients suffering from anaphylactoid reactions after infusion of pasteurized plasma (PP) or human serum albumin (HSA) were investigated. Clinical symptoms ranged from urticaria and hypotension to cardiac arrest. Immunoglobulin levels, especially of IgA, were normal, as were concentrations of complement factors C3, C4 and factor B. In skin and lymphocyte transformation tests patients, with the exception of one severely allergic to protein, did not react to the monomeric pure HSA. Five out of six patients reacted against HSA aggregates and three patients to the HSA modified by caprylate added as stabilizer during commercial HSA production. It is concluded that the anaphylactoid reactions developing after PP or HSA infusion result from a non‐specific reaction to protein aggregates and in some cases possibly from a specific immune response to the caprylate‐modified HSA.
Passive transfer in man and the monkey of Type I allergy due to heat labile and heat stable antibody to complex salts of platinum
Authors: PEPYS J. , PARISH W. E. , CROMWELL O. , HUGHES E. G.
Published: April 2006

Passive transfer (P–K) tests have been performed in man and monkeys with sera from a group of six refinery workers sensitive to ammonium hexachloroplatinate and tetrachloroplatinite. Positive (P–K) prick test reactions were elicited in three human recipients and in the monkey to three of the test sera. The other three sera gave inconsistent results in man and negative results in monkeys and these differences appeared to correspond with the duration of exposure of the workers. The passive transfer tests did not correlate with the intensity of the prick test reactions in the donors or with the RAST; there was partial correlation with total levels of IgE. Antigen mediated histamine release from whole blood and washed leucocytes from two of the six subjects correlated with the RAST and P–K levels. These findings confirm the presence of specific IgE antibody to the platinum salts, and also of heat stable, short‐term sensitising antibodies, presumably STS‐IgG.
Specific IgE antibodies to platinum salts in sensitized workers
Authors: CROMWELL O. , PEPYS J. , PARISH W. E. , HUGHES E. G.
Published: April 2006

A RAST has been developed for the measurement of IgE antibodies specific to platinum chloride complexes in sensitized workers. Human serum albumin covalently linked to Sepharose beads by the cyanogen bromide method was reacted with ammonium tetrachloroplatinite (II) (NH4)2PtCl4. This conjugate was more suitable for the RAST, than conjugates of HSA and the platinum salt prepared in solution and then linked to the activated Sepharose, showing better sensitivity and giving lower levels of non‐specific uptake of IgE from sera of non‐exposed subjects with high total levels of IgE, e.g. allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillotics.
The evaluation of selected parameters of immune function in asthmatics after long‐term corticosteroid therapy
Authors: CHIANG J. , PATTERSON R. , McGILLEN J. , HARRIS K. , PHAIR J. , ROBERTS M. , RIESING K.
Published: April 2006

The availability of inhaled beclomethasone diproprionate permitted the discontinuation of continuous, long‐term systemic corticosteroid therapy (SCT) in a group of asthmatics who had previously required SCT to control their asthma. Twelve patients had been on SCT for a period of 2–22 years with an average duration of 7 years. To determine whether this previous long‐term SCT and the current use of inhaled beclomethasone diproprionate had an effect on leucocyte functions, a variety of studies reflecting T lymphocyte, B lymphocyte and granulocyte function was done. The results were compared with those of twelve asthmatic patients of similar age ranges who had never received steroids. Results showed that the two patient populations could not be differentiated on the basis of phytohaemagglutinin stimulation of lymphocytes, sheep erythrocyte rosette formation, IgG, IgA, IgM and IgE concentrations or granulocyte bactericidal activity. Delayed skin reactivity was present in both groups, with more positive reactions in the non‐SCT group. Polymorphonuclear adherence values were slightly lower in the SCT female population using beclomethasone diproprionate. The latter two minor differences may be due to the previous SCT, the use of beclomethasone diproprionate or the limited population of patients studied. We conclude from these studies that the long‐term use of SCT at the low doses required for control of asthma resulted in little permanent effect on the variety of lymphocyte and granulocyte functions tested.
Circulating immune complexes in bronchial asthma
Authors: STENDARDI L. , DELESPESSE G. , DEBISSCHOP M. J.
Published: April 2006

Soluble immune complexes were detected by a solid phase Clq binding assay in forty‐two out of 106 well studied asthmatic patients (39.6%) and in eleven out of 145 age‐matched controls (8%; P < 0.01). Clinical significance of immune complexes has been evaluated by comparing the following parameters in patients with and without such complexes: age, sex, duration of disease, IgE‐mediated allergy (RAST, skin test), precipitins (Aspergillus, Candida albicans, Thermoactinomycetes), corticodependency, lung function tests, associated symptoms (hivernal bronchitis, urticaria, eczema, …), desenstization treatment, serum concentration in immunoglobulin in G, A, M and E. Immune complexes were found more frequently in female than in male patients. The prevalence of immune complexes was higher in patients treated by hyposensitization therapy and in cases with precipitating antibodies against thermophilic actinomycetes and Aspergillus.
IgE and IgG antibodies to bee venom as measured by a modification of the RAST method
Authors: KEMENY D. M. , LESSOF M. H. , TRULL A. K.
Published: April 2006

The radioallergosorbent test (RAST) has been widely used in studying allergy to hymenoptera stings, but with variable results. We report here a modification of the RAST method which in a total of 157 bee keepers and family members, gave a close correlation between a positive RAST, and a history of generalized (100%) or localized (95%) allergic reactions. There was no positive RAST among forty‐nine non‐atopic control subjects but a striking finding was that 58% of non‐allergic bee keepers had significant, but usually low, levels of IgE antibody to bee venom.

IgG antibodies to bee venom have also been measured by a paper disc RAST which is quick and convenient. Levels were highest in non‐allergic bee keepers. In the presence of high levels of IgG antibody, IgE antibody levels may be underestimated.
Serum total IgE in normal subjects and the influence of a family history of allergy
Authors: SEARS M. R. , CHOW C. M. , MORSETH D. J.
Published: April 2006

The purpose of this study was to establish the range of serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) in a healthy population free of personal and family history of allergy, and to determine whether a family history of allergy influenced serum IgE levels. Using commercially available Phadebas reagents, the mean serum IgE in eighty‐four adults aged 17–30 years with no personal or family history of allergy was found to be 38.8 iu/ml. Seventy‐five percent of subjects had a serum IgE below 50 iu/ml and in only one subject was serum IgE in excess of 150 iu/ml, which we suggest be taken as the upper limit of normal. When healthy subjects with no personal history but with a family history of allergy were included with this normal population, the mean serum IgE in 207 subjects was 95.4 iu/ml and the upper limit of the distribution curve over 200 iu/ml, suggesting an influence of genetic factors on IgE production.
A steroid sparing effect of ketotifen in steroid‐dependent asthmatics
Authors: LANE D. J.
Published: April 2006

In a multicentre, double‐blind trial, the steroid sparing effect of a new anti‐anaphylactic agent ketotifen was assessed against placebo in eighty‐six steroid‐dependent asthmatics. Mean reduction in total daily prednisolone dosage in patients on ketotifen was 4.0 ± 3.6 mg compared to 1.7 ± 2.8 mg on placebo, a result significantly in favour of the active drug (P <0.01). This suggests that ketotifen has a place similar to that of disodium cromoglycate or steroid aerosols in the managment of steroid‐dependent asthmatics. It has the advantage of requiring only twice‐daily oral administration.
Serum IgE in infants and influence of type of feeding
Authors: JUTO PER , BJÖRKSTÉN BENGT
Published: April 2006

Serum IgE in healthy infants was followed longitudinally during the first year of life and was related to heredity for allergy and type of feeding. During the first 6 months of life there were no significant differences of serum IgE levels in relation to presence or absence of heredity for allergy and type of feeding. IgE levels determined at the age of 12 months in infants who were weaned after the age of 6 months were significantly higher than in infants weaned before that age (P<0.05). When the time periods had passed, following onset of cow's milk‐feeding and complete cessation of breast‐feeding, and were correlated to IgE at the age of 12 months, there were inverse significant correlations; i.e. the earlier the onset of cow's milk‐feeding the lower the IgE and the later the cessation of breast‐feeding the higher the IgE. This was particularly obvious as regards infants with heredity for allergy and a long duration of breast‐feeding (r=−0.43; P<0.01). Infants with heredity for allergy subjected to a hypoallergenic diet adhered to for 6 months had significantly higher IgE at the age of 12 months than infants with similar heredity but a normal diet (P<0.05). The results indicate that serum IgE during late infancy is influenced by both genetic factors and the time of introduction of cow's milk formula in the diet and the time of cessation of breast‐feeding.
Effects of oxatomide compared with chlorpheniramine in allergic rhinoconjunctivitis
Authors: JUNIPER E. F. , CARTIER A. , TREBILCOCK A. L. , FRITH P. A. , DOLOVICH J. , HARGREAVE F. E.
Published: April 2006

Oxatomide is an H1, receptor antagonist, which also inhibits antigen‐induced mediator release from sensitized mast cells and basophils. The effects of ingested oxatomide (30 mg/capsule) were compared with those of chlorpheniramine (5 mg/capsule) in a double‐blind non‐crossover study in two groups of twenty‐five subjects with ragweed pollen‐induced hay fever during the pollen season. Oxatomide or chlorpheniramine was started when symptoms became troublesome and was used in a dose of two to four capsules daily according to severity. Other medications were added, in a standardized way, if hay fever symptoms were not controlled by the test capsules. Forty‐one subjects completed the study; nineteen received oxatomide and twenty‐two chlorpheniramine. Mean symptom scores, number of test capsules and number of doses of additional medication were not significantly different between the two groups. Drowsiness was reported by subjects in both groups but was worse in the chlorpheniramine group (P<0.05). We conclude that, in the studied doses, oxatomide is as effective for the treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis as chlorpheniramine and produces less drowsiness.
Soluble and participate activators of complement and granulomatous pulmonary reactions
Authors: PEARSON D. J. , GREEN F. H. Y. , MENTNECH SHARON M.
Published: April 2006

In order to test the hypothesis that the histological changes of extrinsic allergic alveolitis result from non‐specific activation of the complement cascade we studied pulmonary reactions to equivalent doses of soluble and particulate activators of complement in rats. A single intratracheal instillation of zymosan, a particulate activator of the complement system, produced a florid granulomatous pneumonitis which was maximal at 5 days. This granulomatous reaction did not appear to be associated with the development of hypersensitivity to zymosan. Complement depletion by cobra venom factor did not suppress the granulomatous reaction. Equivalent doses of soluble activators of complement failed to produce any inflammatory changes in the lung. Large doses of immune complex produced an acute, complement dependent, haemorrhagic alveolitis which was maximal at 8 hr and which resolved completely by 48 hr. We conclude that the late granulomatous pulmonary reaction to intra‐tracheally administered zymosan is not due to an immune response, or a consequence of direct activation of the alternative pathway of complement, but is of ‘foreign body’ type. We urge caution in drawing conclusions regarding the pathogenesis of the allergic alveolitides on histological appearances alone.
Diagnosis of penicillin allergy by means of Phadebas RAST® penicilloyl G and V and skin tests
Authors: JARISCH R. , ROTH A. , BOLTZ ANGELIKA , SANDOR I.
Published: April 2006

Fifty patients with suspected allergy to penicillin were tested. Skin tests were done with Na‐penicillin G and penicilloyl‐polylysin.

Specific IgE antibody assays were done with penicilloyl G and V conjugates by means of RAST. The overall agreement between skin test and RAST results was 87%, borderline cases not included.

In one case, skin tests were positive to penicillamine only, while RAST for penicilloyl G and V both proved to be positive. One case of penicillin allergy could be diagnosed in vitro post mortem only. Two cases of Hoigné syndrome showed no evidence of allergy.

Patterns of skin manifestations varied but urticaria was the most commonly seen feature.

Twenty patients without adverse reactions to penicillin treatment and seven patients who had not received penicillin over the last 10 years served as controls. None of them were positive in either skin tests or RAST.

Two of our twenty control patients developed penicillin allergy during the study. Both showed positive RAST results.
A study of immunoglobulin G subclasses in patients with farmer's lung
Authors: STOKES T. C. , TURTON C. W. G. , TURNER‐WARWICK M.
Published: April 2006

A quantitative estimate of the IgG subclasses in patients with farmer's lung has revealed significantly higher IgG3 levels in patients with this condition compared to an age‐matched group of control farmers similarly exposed to Micropolyspora faeni (P<0.01) and a group of normal blood bank donors (P < 0.001). The IgG1 and total IgG levels were significantly higher in both groups of farmers compared to blood bank controls (P<0.001). The possible significance of these observations is discussed in relation to susceptibility to the disease and its pathogenesis.
Prevalence of precipitating antibodies to different extracts of Aspergillus fumigatus in a North American asthmatic population
Authors: MALO J.‐L. , PAQUIN R. , LONGBOTTOM JOAN L.
Published: April 2006

This study was carried out to find the prevalence of precipitin reactions in the sera of 200 North American asthmatic subjects. Precipitins were detected by the double diffusion technique using different extracts of Aspergillus fumigatus, including a reference ‘home produced’ extract and five commercial extracts from three different suppliers. In addition, antigenicity of these extracts was assessed by crossed immunoelectrophoresis (XIE). Of the sera, 13.5% reacted to the reference extract and from 2.5 to 12% to the different commercial extracts; 22.5% of the sera reacted to at least one extract. No one serum reacted to all the extracts. Two of fifty‐one (4%) non‐atopic patients with a negative immediate prick test to A. fumigatus, six of eighty‐seven (6.9%) atopic patients with a negative immediate reaction to A. fumigatus, and thirty‐seven of sixty two (59%) atopic patients with a positive immediate reaction to A. fumigatus had precipitins to at least one of the extracts used, the skin tests being performed using the A. fumigatus reference extract. The prevalence of precipitin reactions bore a strong correlation with the antigenicity of the extracts by XIE. The same reference extract was also used for specific IgE measurements (Brompton extract, Malo & Paquin, 1979). It was found that patients with precipitins had significantly (P < 0.001) higher specific and total IgE values than patients without precipitins. In the group of patients with positive skin test, those with precipitins had significantly (P<0.05) higher specific IgE values than those without. The authors conclude that different extracts of A, fumigatus should be used to assess the presence of precipitins. The antigenicity of these extracts should also be assayed.
Bronchoalveolar macrophages in sarcoidosis and cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis
Authors: DU BOIS R. M. , TOWNSEND P. J. , COLE P. J. , HASLAM P. L. , TURNER‐WARWICK M.
Published: April 2006

Previous reports suggest that blood monocytes and tissue epithelioid cells in patients with sarcoidosis are‘activated’, but few studies have been undertaken on human alveolar macrophages. In the present study, bronchoulveolar lavage samples have been obtained from eighteen patients with sarcoidosis and these have been compared with twenty controls and twenty‐nine patients with non‐granulomatous chronic inflammatory interstitial lung disease (cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis). Assessment of the functional state of the macrophages was made by measurements of C3b receptor sites on the cell membrane, intra and extracellular lysosomal enzyme (β‐D‐glucosaminidase) and the degree of spreading of macrophages on glass.

C3b receptor sites and intracellular levels of lysosomal enzyme were significantly reduced in sarcoidosis compared to controls; levels of extracellular enzyme in the lavage supernatant fluid and macrophage spreading were similar to controls. These features suggest that alveolar macrophages from patients with sarcoidosis are not “activated”. By contrast, in cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis. macrophages show a greater extracellular intracellular ratio of lysosomal enzyme and more spreading, suggestive of ‘activation’.
Oxatomide and exercise‐induced asthma in children: the value of serial exercise tests
Authors: SILVERMAN M. , TOOLEY MARION
Published: April 2006

Two groups of eight asthmatic children carried out serial treadmill exercise tests at 2‐hourly intervals, after double‐blind premedication with oxatomide (2 mg/kg by mouth), sodium cromoglycate powder (20 mg by inhalation) or matched placebo preparations. The drugs were studied in one group up to 6 hr and in the other group (omitting sodium cromoglycate) from 4 to 10hr after administration. Peak expiratory flow rate was measured before and after exercise to give an index of exercise‐induced asthma.

Oxatomide had a slight but significant bronchodilator effect. After a lag period of up to 4 hours, oxatomide exerted a significant protective effect against exercise‐induced asthma which lasted until at least 8 hr. At 10 hr after ingestion, the effect had gone. A mean maximum diminution of exercise‐induced asthma of 49% was found, in comparison with placebo.

Oral oxatomide after a lag period, exerts a significant protective effect against exercise‐induced asthma. The relevance of these observations for the clinical management of asthma remains to be determined.
House dust mite counts in different types of mattresses, sheepskins and carpets, and a comparison of brushing and vacuuming collection methods
Authors: ABBOTT JANET , CAMERON JANE , TAYLOR B.
Published: April 2006

Mite counts were compared in dust from three types of mattreses. Foam rubber mattresses appear preferable for mite sensitive atopic subjects; the surface of kapok mattresses averaged twice, and innerspring mattresses three times, the number of mites per square metre found on foam rubber mattresses (P < 0.01).

Sheepskins used for infant bedding were also found to be heavily infested, harbouring as many mites per square metre as bedroom carpet.

Mite collections are best made with vacuum sampling methods in preference to a brush and results are best expressed in mites/m2.
The possible role of aero‐allergens in the epidemic of asthma deaths
Authors: JENKINS P. F. , MULLINS J. , DAVIES B. H. , WILLIAMS D. A.
Published: April 2006

The ‘epidemic’ of asthma deaths observed m the mid 1960s remains unexplained; various aetiological factors having been suggested. We suggest that aero‐allergenic factors may have been important based on an analysis of aero‐allergens in Cardiff over a 17‐year period: a striking temporal association exists between the concentration of hyaline ascospores and increased asthma deaths. These spores, which are particularly prevalent in the summer months, have been inadequately studied as a cause of severe asthma.
Skin reactivity, basophil degranulation and IgE levels in ageing
Authors: SCHWARZENBACH H. R. , NAKAGAWA T. , CONROY M. C. , de WECK A. L.
Published: April 2006

Skin tests with histamine, the histamine‐liberator, codeine, and various allergens as well as blood basophil degranulation by anti‐IgE or anti‐IgG4 and total serum IgE levels have been studied in two female populations of different ages (average 23‐1 and 73‐9 years). All thirty‐one patients selected for this study were clinically non‐allergic.

We observed a trend towards reduced skin reactions to histamine and codeine in the higher age‐group; on the other hand, we could not find any decrease of basophil degranulation as a sign of basophil impairment with age. Likewise no difference in total serum IgE levels have been noticed.

No correlation between skin tests and basophil degranulation was observed; yet patients with isolated, positive skin tests to house dust and/or Candida albicans showed a statistically significant reduced blood basophil degranulation by anti‐IgE or anti‐IgG4.
Observations on high spontaneous release of histamine from leucocytes in vitro
Authors: MAY C. D. , REMIGIO LINDA
Published: April 2006

Clinical and laboratory observations are provided on high, spontaneous, in vitro histamine release (HSHR) from leucocytes (basophils), meaning without addition of antigen or other inducers of histamine release. HSHR has been observed predominantly in persons with a high degree of reaginic sensitivity to food; the leucocytes of forty‐eight of fifty‐eight individuals (83%), who had positive reactions to foods in double‐blind challenges, exhibited HSHR. HSHR resembles antigenic release in a wide variety of characteristics. HSHR does not occur in vivo but only in vitro after compaction of leucocytes by centrifugation at room temperature. An indispensible requirement for HSHR to occur appears to be a high degree of reaginic sensitization.
Cow's milk allergy and eczema: patterns of the antibody response to cow's milk in allergic skin disease
Authors: FIRER M. A. , HOSKING C. S. , HILL D. J.
Published: April 2006

The pattern of the humoral‐immune response to cow's milk was examined in children with eczema and in children who had acute urticarial and/or angioedematous reactions to cow's milk. Each patient group was compared to a group of age‐matched controls.

Whereas the eczematous patients had significantly elevated IgG, IgA and IgE milk‐antibodies, patients, allergic to cow's milk, had elevated IgE milk‐antibodies. These differences in the pattern of antibody response to cow's milk suggests that these two patient groups constitute separate allergic populations, and that different pathogenic mechanisms may be operative in these two skin diseases associated with elevated levels of IgE antibodies to cow's milk.
Double‐blind trials of inhaled beclomethasone diproprionate and fluocortin butyl ester in allergen‐induced immediate and late asthmatic reactions
Authors: BURGE P. S. , EFTHIMIOU J. , TURNER‐WARWICK MARGARET , NELMES P. J.
Published: April 2006

The blocking effects of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) and fluocortin butyl ester (FCB) on the immediate and late asthmatic reactions induced by inhaled allergen were studied in two trials. In the first, a double‐blind cross‐over trial compared BDP (800 μg daily as powder) with FCB 8 mg daily (1:20 by wt.‐Formulation 1). The second trial was identical in design and compared FCB 8 mg daily (1:20) with FCB 8 mg daily as Formulation 2 (1:40). Known BDP, 400 μg daily by pressurized aerosol was studied at the end of the second trial.

Allergen provocation was performed before and after 7 days treatment with each drug, with a 2‐week interval between each drug.

Overall, a blocking index for the immediate reaction of greater than 50% was obtained in ten of twenty patients (50%) using BDP, and five of twenty‐one (25%) using FCB (P < 0‐01). The late reaction was blocked in nine of eleven (82%) instances on BDP, and four of fourteen (33%) on FCB.

Contrary to earlier reports, inhaled corticosteroid agents used for several days prior to bronchial challenge, were found to block both the immediate as well as the late‐reaction in many individuals.
Studies on serum complement and IgE in bronchial asthma
Authors: SRIVASTAVA NALINI , SRIVASTAVA L. M. , GUPTA S. P.
Published: April 2006

Serum levels of the third component of complement (C3) were significantly lower in patients with perennial asthma and also in patients with the longer duration of the disease. No change in C3‐proactivator (C3PA) and CH50 levels was observed in asthma patients. Significantly raised C4 levels were observed in the patients with late onset asthma.

Raised serum IgE levels were found in all the three groups of asthma patients studied (depending on age of onset, duration and periodicity of the disease) above the control group. Within a group no difference was found with the duration or periodicity of the disease. However, low IgE levels were observed in patients with late onset asthma as compared to early onset asthma patients but this difference was not statistically significant.
Effect of calcium antagonists on allergen‐induced asthma
Authors: SO S. Y. , LAM W. K. , YU D. Y. C.
Published: April 2006

The protective effect of inhaled verapamil (estimated dose 2‐4 mg) and sub‐lingual nifedipine (20 mg) against allergen‐induced asthma were each assessed by the administration of calcium antagonists 30 min before bronchial provocation tests using Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus extracts on eight young perennial asthmatics. Neither drug changed the basal forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) or the provocation dose of allergen required to cause a 20% fall in FEV1 (PD20 FEV1). That calcium antagonists are ineffective in preventing allergen‐induced asthma suggest indirectly that mechanism other than mediator release from mast cells may also be involved.