bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum and salivary immunoglobulin A and free secretory component in ulcerative colitis
Authors: MORRIS T. J. , MATTHEWS N. , RHODES J.
Published: April 2006

Patients with ulcerative colitis have been investigated for evidence of defects in secretory immunity. Total serum IgA concentration, serum IgA antibody titres to Candida albicans, salivary IgA and free secretory component concentrations have been measured in thirty‐six patients with ulcerative colitis and thirty‐six normal controls. None of the parameters was significantly different between patients with proctitis and patients with extensive colitis or between the colitis patients and normal controls.
Bronchial asthma due to inhaled wood dust: Tanganyika aningré
Authors: PAGGIARO P. L. , CANTALUPI R. , FILILRI M. , LOI A. M. , PARLANTI A. , TOMA G. , BASCHIERI L.
Published: April 2006

Three cases of bronchial asthma due to wood dust from Tanganyika anigré are reported. All patients were woodworkers and had symptoms of dyspnoea, cough and wheezing, and sometimes itchiness and rhinorrhoea, after exposure to Tanganyika aningré. The intradermal skin tests were positive for untigenic extract of Tanganyika aningré. In two patients the bronchial provocation test with the wood dust and with the soluble extract inhaled by aerosol was positive showing an immediate reaction; in the same patients bronchial hyperreactivity was also found. Atopy was present in one subject. No precipitins or specific IgE were found in patient sera by the immunodiffusion technique or by RAST.
Increased plasma histamine levels in migraine patients
Authors: HEATLEY R. V. , DENBURG J. A. , BAYER N. , BIENENSTOCK J.
Published: April 2006

Whole blood and plasma histamine levels, peripheral basophil and eosinophil counts and serum immunoglobulins have been measured in a group of eighteen patients with migraine in remission and in twelve of these patients during a headache attack. Plasma histamine levels were significantly elevated (P < 0.0005) in patients with migraine both during headache attacks and symptom‐free periods.
Antibody against a pigeon bloom‐extract: a further antigen in pigeon fanciers' lung
Authors: BANHAM S. W. , McKENZIE H. , McSHARRY C. , LYNCH P. P. , BOYD G.
Published: April 2006

Pigeon bloom, a waxy powder which coats the feathers of racing pigeons, has been investigated as a potential antigen in pigeon fanciers' lung. Precipitins to a soluble bloom‐extract were demonstrated in fifty‐nine of ninety‐seven people studied at two Scottish pigeon shows, whilst precipitins to pigeon serum were found in thirty‐seven. A radioimmunoassay was developed to allow an estimation of the intensity of antibody response to this antigen in nineteen pigeon fanciers being investigated for pigeon fanciers' lung. The mean antibody level to bloom extract was significantly higher (P>0.05) in those with acute symptoms compared to those with less severe symptoms. Pigeon bloom is a highly antigenic material and provides an alternative to pigeon droppings as a source for the inhalant antigens regularly encountered by those keeping pigeons.
Comparison of sodium cromoglycate pressurized aerosol and powder in the treatment of asthma
Authors: LAL S. , MALHOTRA S. M. , GRIBBEN M. D.
Published: April 2006

The effect of a pressurized aerosol formulation of sodium cromoglycate divided in doses of 8 mg a day was compared with that of a standard sodium cromoglycate powder (80 mg a day) in a double blind crossover trial lasting 16 weeks. No significant differences between the two formulations were detected in terms of patients' asthma severity and lung function, recorded monthly at the clinic and daily by the patients. The pressurized aerosol in a much smaller dose appears to be as effective a method as standard cromoglycate, and an alternative method of inhaling sodium cromoglycate for patients who prefer an aerosol to a dry powder formulation.
Allergen‐specific IgE and IgG4 antibody levels in sera and the capacity of these sera to sensitize basophil leucocytes in vitro
Authors: van TOORENENBERGEN A. W. , AALBERSE R. C.
Published: April 2006

Leucocytes from normal non‐allergic donors were passively sensitized with sixty‐five atopic sera that contained IgE directed against house dust mite (HDM) or guinea‐pig dander (GPD). In no serum was there any IgE with an abnormal basophil anaphylactic‐sensitizing activity.

In sera from patients hypersensitive to GPD, both GPD‐specific IgE and IgG4 were measured. A significant correlation was found between the GPD‐IgE RAST and the basophil‐sensitizing capacity of GPD‐positive sera, but no correlation was found between this sensitizing capacity and the GPD‐lgG4 RAST.

Leucocytes were passively sensitized with serum mixtures that contained the same amounts of total and HDM‐specific IgE; these mixtures differed as to sensitizing activity. It is unclear whether this variation is due to differences in IgE or to influences of other factors in serum.
Clinical associations with serum allergen‐specific IgG4 antibodies
Authors: GWYNN C. M. , ALMOSAWI T. , STANWORTH D. R.
Published: April 2006

Serum total and allergen‐specific IgE and IgG4 antibodies, were measured in eighty‐seven atopic and nineteen non‐atopic asthmatics. The allergens studied were: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, grass pollens, cat dander, dog dander, milk and egg. Sixty‐eight atopic asthmatics and fourteen non‐atopic asthmatics were found to have allergen‐specific IgG4 antibodies, to at least one of the allergens tested. IgG4 antibodies to milk and egg were common in both groups of asthmatics, and to animal danders in the non‐atopic asthmatics.

Skin prick tests were always negative when allergen‐specific IgG4 antibodies occurred alone, but in such cases, intradermal skin tests were positive.

Seventy‐five per cent ofa group of patients with normal levels of serum total IgG4, were found to have at least one positive IgG4 RAST.
The effect of disodium cromoglycate on rectal mucosal histamine release, eosinophil exudation and disease activity in active ulcerative colitis
Authors: RAMPTON D. S. , BROWN M. J. , CAUSON R. , SAHIB M.
Published: April 2006

Disodium cromoglycate has been reported to benefit some patients with active ulcerative colitis. We have investigated the effect of cromoglycate in high dose on rectal mucosal mast cell degranulation (assessed indirectly by measurement of mucosal histamine release, using in vivo rectal dialysis, and the eosinophil content of the rectal inflammatory exudate) and on disease activity in eight patients in relapse. Although cromoglycate (1600 mg by mouth daily for 2 weeks) did not affect histamine release, it reduced (P < 0.05) the eosinophil content of the exudate towards normal. Stool frequency also fell (P < 0.05) but other aspects of bowel habit, sigmoidoscopic appearance, rectal mucosal potential difference and electrolyte transport were unaltered. Pre‐treatment values of histamine release and eosinophil exudation could not be used to predict the response to cromoglycate. The reduction in eosinophil exudation produced by the drug could be due to inhibition of mast cell release of chemotactic factors other than histamine; the therapeutic effect of cromoglycate was unimpressive.
Tartrazine and benzoate challenge and dietary avoidance in chronic asthma
Authors: TARLO SUSAN M. , BRODER I.
Published: April 2006

This study undertook to determine the usefulness of tartrazine and benzoate challenge and dietary avoidance in the management of patients with chronic asthma. Double‐blind ingestion‐challenge tests were performed on separate days with lactose, tartrazine, benzoate and acetylsalicyclic acid (ASA). Of the twenty‐eight subjects challenged, one responded to tartrazine and one to benzoate. Two additional subjects responded to ASA and a further eight were not tested with this material because of a definite history of sensitivity. Twenty‐four subjects completed 1 month periods of observation while first on a normal diet and then while on a tartrazine‐benzoate avoidance diet. No improvement occurred during the modified diet in anyone with positive challenge‐tests or in all, but one, of those with a history of ASA idiosyncrasy; paradoxically, several of these subjects worsened during this period. We conclude that tartrazine‐benzoate dietary avoidance was not of value in the management of the chronic asthmatic in this study, even among patients who respond to challenge with these substances or have ASA idiosyncracy.
The hazard of mould hyposensitization in children with asthma
Authors: KAAD P. H. , ØSTERGAARD P. A.
Published: April 2006

Of thirty‐eight children, who were immunized with mould extracts, seven (19%) were withdrawn from hyposensitization due to serious side‐effects clinically consistent with a type III reaction. These seven children exhibited a two‐ to four‐fold increase in circulating precipitating‐antibodies to the injected extracts, and had shown a slight increase in precipitating antibodies to the mould extracts used before hyposensitization. A further fourteen patients, also hyposensitized with mould extracts but without side effects did not develop precipitating antibodies. It is suggested that hyposensitization with mould extracts may be hazardous in children who may have a primary ‘immune imbalance’ with a risk of provoking type III reactions.
A comparison of ketotifen with clemastine, ipratropium bromide and sodium cromoglycate in exercise‐induced asthma
Authors: DORWARD A. J. , PATEL K. R.
Published: April 2006

Exercise‐induced asthma (EIA) was provoked by a standardized treadmill running for 8 min in seven atopic adult asthmatics. The tests were performed using a double‐dummy technique after placebo, oral ketotifen, inhaled clemastine. ipratropium bromide and sodium cromoglycate (SCG), in a random single blind‐fashion on different days. The mean post‐exercise percentage fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) was 47 (s.e. 6.95), 39 (s.e. 8.35), 27 (s.e. 7.17), 23 (s.e. 7.69) and 7.0 (s.e. 4.62)% respectively. There was significantly less mean bronchoconstriction with SCG (P < 0.01), ipratropium bromide and clemastine (P < 0.05) but not with ketotifen. Six out of seven individual patients had significant protection of EIA with sodium cromoglycate, four with ipratropium bromide, three with clemastine but only one with ketotifen. Ipratropium bromide and clemastine were bronchodilators at rest, whereas SCG and ketotifen were not. Despite its claims to work as a mast cell stabilizing drug, ketotifen in a single dose does not have an effect similar to sodium cromoglycate in EIA, nor does it compare with inhaled clemastine or ipratropium bromide.
Double‐blind comparison between beclomethasone dipropionate as aerosol and as powder in patients with nasal polyposis
Authors: TOFT A. , WIHL J.‐Å. , TOXMAN J. , MYGIND N.
Published: April 2006

Beclomethasone dipropionate as a pressurized aerosol is effective in nasal polyposis, but the efficacy is only moderate. In these partly‐blocked noses, it seems possible that the insufflated drug in powder form is better distributed over the mucous membrane than the pressurized aerosol. To test this hypothesis, we treated forty‐two patients with nasal polyposis with intranasal beclomethasone dipropionate as a powder and as a pressurized aerosol in a double‐dummy, cross‐over design. There was no difference between the treatments in sixteen patients, while in twelve cases there was a preference for beclomethasone dipropionate as aerosol, and in fourteen, for the powder form. Fourteen found the aerosol most irritating and nineteen, the powder. Thus, in a group of polyp patients there were no significant differences between the two application forms, but possibly there is a need for both aerosol and powder, as there appeared to be differences in the individual responsiveness to the two types of intranasal medication;. Blind microscopy of wiped nasal‐smears before and after beclomethasone dipropionate treatment showed a reduction of basophilic cells, and counting of sneezes after medication demonstrated a reduction in the number of sneezes. These results suggest that a reduction of epithelial mediator‐cells and of irritant receptor‐sensitivity are of importance for the efficacy of topical steroids in rhinitis.
Bronchial obstructive reactions after inhalation with endotoxin and precipitinogens of Haemophilus influenzae in patients with chronic non‐specific lung disease
Authors: van der ZWAN J. C. , ORIE N. G. M. , KAUFFMAN H. F. , WIERS P. W. J. , de VRIES K.
Published: April 2006

Bronchial obstructive reactions occur after inhalation of Haemophilus influenzae in the absence of proteolytic activity in patients with CNLSD and a lowered histamine threshold in whom specific precipitins are demonstrated. It may be presumed, that the direct bronchial reaction is caused by its content of endotoxin, whereas the late bronchial reaction is the result of a toxic action and a type III allergic reaction. When proteolytic activity is present it lowers the histamine threshold and may influence the endotoxin effect in this way.
Histamine content of sputum from patients with asthma and chronic bronchitis
Authors: BRYANT D. H. , PUI A.
Published: April 2006

Studies using the guinea pig ileum bioassay technique have previously shown that patients with either asthma or chronic bronchitis have increased amounts of histamine in their sputum. Because of the limitations of this assay technique, a spectrofluorometric method for measuring the histamine content of sputum was developed. Using this technique it was found that the mean histamine concentration of sputum from patients with bronchogenic carcinoma or pneumonia was not significantly different from the mean value for sputum collected during a remission phase from patients with either chronic bronchitis or asthma. However, the mean values in patients with asthma or chronic bronchitis during an exacerbation were significantly higher and returned to basal values as the airways obstruction improved. There was no significant difference in sputum histamine concentration between those patients with extrinsic atopic asthma and those with late onset cryptogenic asthma during an exacerbation although the value in patients with an exacerbation of chronic bronchitis was significantly less.

These results indicate that mediators of immediate hypersensitivity may be implicated in the pathogenesis of airways obstruction in disorders other than extrinsic atopic asthma and suggest that histamine release may occur in non‐atopic subjects in response to non‐antigenic stimuli.
Immunological studies on Alternaria sensitivity use of crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis, precipitins and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay
Authors: BUSH R. K. , VOSS M. J. , JONES J. , FLAHERTY D. K.
Published: April 2006

Characterization of the immunological response to Alternaria in sensitive subjects is not complete. We used crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis (CRIE) to identify antigens in Alternaria extracts reacting with IgE antibody in five patients with Alternaria‐sensitive asthma, four with Alternaria‐induced rhinitis, three non‐allergic asthmatics, and three normal controls. All five Alternaria‐asthma patients and three of four Alternaria‐rhinitis patients showed IgE binding to a single antigen peak in the CRIE. One patient exhibited specific radio‐staining to a second peak, and two other patients had IgE binding to a third antigen. These results suggest an analogy of Alternaria antigens with that found in ragweed pollen extracts, i.e. that IgE antibody is directed against more than one antigen. Using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we found a significant difference (P < 0·05, unpaired Student's t‐test) in igG binding between Alternaria‐sensitive asthmatics and normal controls. There was no apparent difference in IgG binding between untreated Alternaria‐sensitive asthmatics and those receiving high‐dose immunotherapy.
Improvement of the radioallergosorbent test (RAST) sensitivity by using an antibody specific for the determinant Dɛ2
Authors: PÉCOUD A. , OCHSNER M. , ARRENDAL H. , FREI P. C.
Published: April 2006

A technical modification was introduced by the manufacturer (Pharmacia) of a commercially available RAST, with the use of an anti‐IgE antibody specific for the domain ε2 of the IgE molecule. Results of the previous and of the new RAST were compared in 100 patients suffering from bronchial asthma or chronic rhinitis. When the same serum was assayed by both techniques, the new RAST technique disclosed a higher positivity in 26% of the comparisons. The new RAST improved the overall correlation between RAST and skin‐tests by 6%: individually by 12% for house dust, 8% for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and 15% for animal danders. However, the level of correlation was decreased by 8% for the moulds. In patients with a total IgE concentration larger than 100 PRIST units, the new RAST allowed the demonstration of specific IgE in a number of cases twice as large as the previous technique. Thus, the modification of the RAST provides a more sensitive test, the results of which better correlate with those of other diagnostic methods.
Specific cellular and humoral immunity in children with grass pollen asthma
Authors: HILL D. J. , SMART I. J. , HOSKING C. S.
Published: April 2006

Lymphocyte stimulation, as determined by incorporation of thymidine, to rye grass extract in twenty‐three children with bronchial reactivity to rye grass and to house dust mite, did not differ significantly from four children with reactivity to house dust mite alone, or from nine children with asthma but without a bronchial response to these allergens. Sixteen children underwent hyposensitization with rye grass extract or treatment with placebo. There was no consistent effect of hyposensitization on the lymphocyte stimulation indices to rye grass. A decrease in lymphocyte responsiveness occurred to rye grass and to house dust mite after the grass pollen season but was not statistically significant. Analysis of changes in lymphocyte responsiveness to both house dust mite and rye grass of the children most highly sensitized to rye allergen, showed that the lymphocyte responsiveness to rye grass fell during the pollen season (P<0.05) but this effect was not seen with house dust mite. The study suggests that a decrease in lymphocyte responsiveness to rye grass allergen in children with large amounts of anti‐rye IgE antibodies is antigen specific and may be seen following seasonal exposure.
Effect of house dust mite on serum complement activation and total haemolytic activity in vitro in normal subjects and in patients with bronchial asthma
Authors: SRIVASTAVA NALINI , GUPTA S. P. , SRIVASTAVA L. M.
Published: April 2006

House dust mite (Dermatophagoides farinae) has been shown to activate the complement system in vitro by both the classical and alternative pathways in normal serum and in two groups of (skin test positive and skin test negative) patients with bronchial asthma. The activation was dose dependent in the lower range of allergen concentrations. Skin test positive asthmatic subjects showed the maximum activation. Skin test negative patients had activation between skin test positive patients and normal subjects. However, at the higher allergen concentration normal serum and bronchial asthma patients showed similar results.
Characteristics of the cellular composition, especially the lymphocyte sub‐populations of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from patients with summer‐type hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Authors: NAKAYAMA T. , YASUOKA S. , MITSUI M. , KAWANO T. , OZAKI T. , TSUBURA E.
Published: April 2006

The pathogenesis of summer‐type hypersensitivity pneumonitis, which often occurs in Japan, was examined by analysing the cell profile, especially the lymphocyte sub‐populations, of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from these patients: twenty‐two normal volunteers and fourteen patients with localized lung cancer as controls. Lymphocyte sub‐populations were determined by the micro‐testplate method. In the bronchial fluid of the summer hypersensitivity group, the total cell number was much higher (five to ten times) than in the control groups, and the percentage of lymphocytes reached 84‐2 + 5.1 (mean + s.e. mean); the percentage of T lymphocytes was significantly increased (95.6 + 1.0), but that of B lymphocytes (3.2 + 0.6) was similar to that of the control groups, though the absolute numbers of B and T lymphocytes were higher than in the control groups. In the peripheral blood of the summer hypersensitivity group, the percentage of B lymphocytes was significantly higher than that found in the normal volunteers, but that of T lymphocytes was not increased. Cellular changes in bronchial fluid were more evident than changes seen by X‐ray examination and are considered to be a good parameter of the severity of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. It is considered that cell‐mediated immunity as well as the Arthus reaction may be intimately related to the pathogenesis of summer‐type hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Some aspects of occupational asthma
Authors: ÁVILA R.
Published: April 2006

The behaviour of forty‐four patients, taken from a group of 133 cases of extrinsic pulmonary granulomatoses (EPG), who before developing the disease had no history of atopy and after being affected presented asthma‐like symptoms, is analysed. Some of these patients had simultaneously clinical signs of rhinitis which proved to be due to lesions identical to those found in the bronchial mucosa. From the presented results, the author concludes that the clinical manifestations of these patients are not of the classical allergic type but bronchial and nasal reactions of the EPG in which, at least, a type III hypersensitivity reaction is involved. This is supported by the results of bronchial provocation tests performed on twenty‐three patients with suberosis.
Serum dopamine β‐hydroxylase and free fatty acids in exercise‐induced asthma
Authors: NAGAKURA T. , IIKURA Y. , MIYAKAWA T.
Published: April 2006

Serum dopamineβ‐hydroxylase activity, which is thought to reflect noradrenaline secretion, and free fatty acid level were measured in twenty atopic asthmatic children, of whom ten had exercise‐induced asthma (EIA), after exercise on the treadmill.

There was a significant decrease in the level of serum dopamine β‐hydroxylase activity in the asthmatics who developed EIA and this closely accompanied the onset of airflow obstruction. There was no change in the free fatty acid levels. In contrast, the asthmatics, who did not have EIA showed a significant rise in the levels of dopamine β‐hydroxylase activity and free fatty acids after the same exercise task.

Our results suggest that the atopic children studied, who developed EIA, may have had an impaired noradrenaline response to exercise. It is further suggested that this impaired noradrenaline secretion may facilitate mediator release and contribute to the airflow obstruction in EIA.
Seasonal variation of antibody levels among pigeon fanciers
Authors: McSHARRY C. , LYNCH P. P. , BANHAM S. W. , BOYD G.
Published: April 2006

IgG antibody against avian antigens was measured by quantitative radioimmunoassay in serum samples obtained regularly from twenty pigeon fanciers over a 1‐year period. A seasonal variation was seen in nine antibody‐positive subjects; eight of whom had symptoms of pigeon breeder's disease (PBD), and a clear peak of antibody production occurred during late summer, corresponding with the period of maximum avian contact in the sporting season. All subjects with insignificant specific IgG levels were asymptomatic and displayed minimal changes throughout the year despite a similar exposure pattern to antigen for all individuals. Raised total IgG was a feature of six symptomatic subjects, two of whom had raised total IgA. Three of these six subjects had maximum hypergamma‐globulinaemia coinciding with peak specific‐antibody levels, but in general the total imrnunoglobulin levels tended to remain high throughout the year with only marginal fluctuations. The total immunoglobulin levels in the other individuals were within normal limits and displayed no remarkable changes during the year. The subjects with pigeon breeder's disease had a more active immune responsiveness to avian contact, and the association of the highest levels with periods of maximal contact with antigen may have an important bearing on the dynamic nature of this condition.
Study of immunological parameters in Farmer's lung
Authors: MARCER G. , SIMIONI L. , SAIA B. , SALADINO G. , GEMIGNANI C. , MASTRANGELO G.
Published: April 2006

A cross‐sectional epidemiological study was carried out on 2932 farmers (response rate 92%) living in Northern Italy. A questionnaire on respiratory symptoms was supplied, chest X‐ray taken and simple spirometry tests made. Thirty‐nine subjects reported attacks of breathlessness associated with fever after exposure to mouldy hay; thirty‐six had a clinical history of Farmer's lung and X‐ray and/or respiratory function changes indicative of chronic Farmer's lung; 113 were classified as having bronchial asthma. These 118 subjects and a random sample of 131 non‐symptomatic subjects were examined by intracutaneous skin tests and double diffusion precipitation tests with antigens associated with Farmer's lung. All sera positive by precipitation were examined by immunoelectrophoresis, counterimmunoelectrophoresis, and C1q binding test, and Bovine conglutinin test in solid phase for the detection of circulating immunocomplexes. 27.8% cases of chronic Farmer's lung, 4.4% of cases of bronchial asthma and 2.3% of non‐symptomatic subjects showed precipitating antibodies against Farmer's lung antigens. Of the precipitin‐positive subjects, the majority had precipitating antibodies against Micropolyspora faeni. No differences in immunoelectrophoregrams in number and pattern of precipitation arcs for M. faeni were found between chronic Farmer's lung and bronchial asthma subjects. Circulating immune complexes were present in 50% of chronic Farmer's lung patients, 40% of those with bronchial asthma and 33.3% of non‐symptomatic subjects. Three Farmer's lung subjects (9.3%) showed immediate skin‐test reactions to rural environmental allergens.
Recurrent idiopathic angioedema in the presence of increased capillary fragility: an unusual case presentation
Authors: MILLER M. M.
Published: April 2006

A case of petechiae formation associated with recurrent idiopathic angioedema is presented. The mechanism for the petechial formation appears to be related to the underlying presence of increased capillary fragility in association with elevated venous pressure caused by angioedema. The persistence of the increased capillary fragility during the long, symptom‐free intervals between acute episodes of angioedema suggests that the capillary fragility is unrelated to the pathologic process responsible for the angioedema.
Total serum IgE levels in Venezuelan schoolchildren
Authors: PONCE DORIS P. , ANDERSON O. , ILJA R. , MONZÓN A. , BIANCO N. E.
Published: April 2006

Seventy‐eight disease‐free children were evaluated by PRIST for total serum IgE in order to establish the normal range for this immunoglobulin and assess its utility, in tropical climates, such as Venezuela, as a diagnostic tool for clinical allergy. Seventy‐eight normals were selected from a group of 1053 children, aged 7‐12 years from fourteen schools in Caracas. Exclusion from the normal pool was based on nationality, and on historical, clinical, and/or laboratory evidence of atopic and/or infectious diseases, particularly with parasites. In addition to a routine CBC and differential, the following studies were performed: a search for stool ova and parasites; in vitro (RAST) and in vivo (skin prick) testing for specific IgE to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Aspergillusfumigatus, and ragweed. Measurement of antibodies against influenza A and B, adenovirus A2: and B, cytomegalovirus, parainflucnza 1 and 3, herpes simplex, respiratory syncytial virus, Coxsackie B1 to B6, Mycoptasma pneumoniae and Rolavirus was also carried out.

Normal serum IgE levels for disease‐free children in the age group studied ranged from 1.7‐255 u/ml. The highest average level (± 74 u/ml) occurred at the age of 9 years. These values differed significantly from age‐matched control groups of known atopic and helminth‐infected children. Thus, once common causes for elevated IgE levels are eliminated, determination of total serum IgE can be utilized as a valuable tool in diagnosis of clinical allergy in countries with tropical climates.
Plasma histamine concentrations in atopic eczema
Authors: RING J.
Published: April 2006

Plasma histamine concentrations were determined using a radio‐enzymatic assay in fifty‐four patients suffering from atopic eczema and in thirty‐nine controls (contact dermatitis, psoriasis and normal non‐alopic healthy volunteers). While in none of the controls histamine levels in plasma exceeded 1 ng/ ml, seventeen out of fifty‐four patients with atopic eczema showed increased plasma histamine concentrations ranging between 1‐2 and 5′2 ng/ml. Elevated plasma histamine levels were found mostly in patients with severe eczema and high serum IgE. levels. Longitudinal studies in seven patients revealed normal plasma histamine values during clinical remission.
Airborne endotoxins and humidifier disease
Authors: RYLANDER R. , HAGLIND P.
Published: April 2006

The presence of humidifier disease in a printing factory was investigated with particular emphasis on airborne endotoxins. The water in the humidifier was contaminated with Pseudomonas. The amount of airborne endotoxin when the humidifier was operating was 0.13‐0.39 μg/m3. Twenty of the fifty workers investigated reported typical symptoms of fever, chills, and chest tightness when the humidifiers were operating. Symptoms were more frequent among non‐smokers.

The estimated inhaled dose of endotoxin was found to be sufficient to cause the observed symptoms. The determination of airborne endotoxins in future episodes of humidifier disease is recommended.
Allergy in the Mediterranean area I. Pollen counts and pollinosis of Montpellier
Authors: BOUSQUET J. , COUR P. , GUERIN B. , MICHEL F. B.
Published: April 2006

The climatic conditions of the Mediterranean area results in vegetation and pollen very different from that of the other parts of Europe. The pollen content of the atmosphere of Montpellier, southern France, was examined using a filter sampler which was shown to be more efficient than most of the current devices for air sampling. Pollen counts were subsequently compared with pollinosis of patients born and living in and around Montpellier. The mean annual pollen counts showed that grass pollens and Cupressaceae pollens (cypress and juniper) are the highest. Some Mediterranean pollens (Oleaceae, London plane, Parietaria) are also important. Plantain and oak pollens are also present in relatively large amounts.

Grass pollen allergy was found to be present in 86.5% of pollen‐allergic patients. It was followed by plantain, Parietaria, Oleaceae, London plane and Cupressaceae pollens which were allergenic in 13‐36% of pollen‐allergic patients. Oak and pine pollens were present in large quantities in the counts but few persons were sensitive to oak and none to pine. By contrast, some patients had positive skin tests to alfalfa, red clover, acacia and lime tree pollens though these pollens were almost absent from the counts. In a few cases local sources of these pollens could account for the positive skin tests but cross‐sensitivities could also occur. In summary, pollinosis of the Northern Mediterranean area is intermediate between the southern part of the area and the other parts of Europe.
Rush venom immunotherapy: a 3‐day programme for hymenoptera sting allergy
Authors: NATAF P. , GUINNEPAIN M. T. , HERMAN D.
Published: April 2006

In a series of 102 patients consulting for allergic reactions following hymenoptera sting, fifty‐two of them, who had experienced one or more severe systemic adverse reactions were selected for rush immunotherapy.

The method employed made it possible to attain the maintenance dose of 100 μg of venom in 3 days. Patient tolerance was excellent, no serious side‐effect was observed; immunotherapy never had to be stopped. Clinical effectiveness seems to be very satisfactory, since no abnormal reaction was reported in seven patients who later were spontaneously stung, and in fourteen patients who received an induced insect sting. The level of IgG antivenom antibodies rose regularly from the first month onwards to remain at a stable level.

Because of its safety and effectiveness, it appears that this method should be recommended for immunotherapy in patients who are allergic to hymenoptera stings.
Decreased haptoglobin levels in respiratory allergy
Authors: PIESSENS M. F. , MARIEN G. , STEVENS E.
Published: April 2006

As unusually high frequency of decreased haptoglobin levels in patients with asthma and/or rhinitis is described. The condition is significantly associated with haptoglobin 2‐2 phenotype. Decreased haptoglobin levels are more frequently associated with young age, atopic antecedents, positive skin tests for pollens, higher IgE and higher RAST activity for pollens and housedust mite.

Whether the association of decreased haptoglobin levels and IgE‐mediated. respiratory disease has a physiopathological significance or is solely the expression of a common genetic determinate remains to be investigated.
Late response in exercise‐induced asthma
Authors: HORN C. R. , JONES R. M , LEE D. , BRENNAN S. R.
Published: April 2006

Eight subjects induced bronchospasm by free‐range running. Four of these demonstrated a hue response at 5‐6 hr after exercise. When compared lo the other group of four subjects, who also developed an early response but no late response, the difference in FEV1 at 5‐6 hr was highly statistically significant. Although the phenomenon is not universally manifest it should no longer be held that there is no late response in exercise‐induced asthma.
Bee keepers' IgG and IgE antibody responses to bee venom studied by means of crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis
Authors: NORDVALL S. L. , UHLIN T. , EINARSSON R. , JOHANSSON S. G. O. , ÖHMAN S.
Published: April 2006

The immune response to honey bee venom in thirty‐seven bee keepers' sera was studied by several methods. Specific IgE antibody levels studied by RAST were generally low, whereas specific IgG antibody levels studied by a Sepharose protein A technique were high. Crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis was applied for a detailed analysis of the antibody specificities towards the different components of venom in seventeen of the bee keepers' sera. Significant amounts of IgG antibodies were found towards most bee‐venom components. The highest IgG response was directed towards phospholipase A. Hyaluronidase, acid phosphatase and two uncharacterized antigens also showed distinct IgG binding. The IgG binding to melittin was low. The IgE binding to the bee venom components was low and primarily directed to the phospholipase. IgE binding to hyaluronidase and acid phosphatase occurred, but was also in very small amounts. One bee‐keeper serum caused heavy radiostaining to melittin but the others did not show IgE binding to this component.

Thus a low IgE but a high IgG response was demonstrated in bee keepers. The major immunogen was phospholipase A. which is known to be the major allergen in bee venom. Generally, the strongest IgG responses were found to the components capable of inducing the strongest IgE responses.
Cutaneous reactions to captopril
Authors: J.SMIT A. , LAAN S. VANDER , DE MONCHY J. , KALLENBERG C. G. M. , DONKER A. L M.
Published: April 2006

Cutaneous reactions associated with captopril treatment occurred in fifteen out of eighty‐nine patients (17%). Dose reduction invariably led to improvement of the reaction but later recurrences were frequent (six patients). In four out of the fifteen patients captopril withdrawal ultimately was necessary. Skin tests and in vitro lymphocyte transformation tests with captopril were performed in these fifteen patients and also in nine captopril‐treated control patients without adverse reactions.

Positive epicutaneous skin tests were observed in five out of the fifteen patients including the four in whom captopril had to be withdrawn, but in none of the controls. Intracutaneous skin tests were positive in ten of the patients with cutaneous reactions and in two control patients. Captopril‐induced in vitro lymphocyte transformation occurred in most patients with cutaneous reactions whereas in control patients captopril suppressed the in vitro lymphocyte proliferative response. Skin biopsies revealed histologic changes consistent with lymphocytic vasculitis.

We conclude that epicutaneous skin tests with captopril are helpful in predicting the necessity of captopril withdrawal.
Canary fancier's lung
Authors: SUTTON P. P. , PEARSON A. , BOIS R. M. DU
Published: April 2006

A 54‐year‐old man presented with features consistent with extrinsic allergic alveolitis occurring after contact with his pet birds. Screening of the serum for avian precipitating antibody was negative but canary precipitins were present. Extrinsic allergic alveolitis to his pet canaries was confirmed by inhalation challenge.
Specific IgE antibodies in twenty‐eight workers with diisocyanate‐induced bronchial asthma
Authors: PEZZINI ANGELA , RIVIERA ANNAPIA , PAGGIARO PIERLUIGI , SPIAZZI ANNALISA , GEROSA FRANCA , FILIERI MARCELLA , TOMA GIOVANNI , TRIDENTE GIUSEPPE
Published: April 2006

A specific IgE‐mediated response was evaluated in twenty‐eight workers exposed to TDI or MDI, with diagnosis of occupational asthma and positive to bronchial provocative challenge. The presence of anti‐diisocyanate IgE was observed in 27% of subjects exposed to TDI and 83% of those exposed to MDI, particularly in individuals who experienced an acute massive exposure. An immediate‐type response to bronchial provocative test was found in 66% of individuals with specific antibodies. Specific IgE are prevalent (91%) in subjects who developed symptoms before 6 years of exposure to isocyanates. The results suggest an association between the presence of specific IgE, early asthmatic symptoms and heavy episodic exposure.
Follow‐up study of patients with respiratory disease due to toluene diisocyanate (TDI)
Authors: PAGGIARO P. L. , LOI A. M. , ROSSI O. , FERRANTE B. , PARDI F. , ROSELLI M. G. , BASCHIERI L
Published: April 2006

The outcome of the respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function tests and bronchial hyperresponsiveness was studied in forty‐seven workers with respiratory disease due to toluene diisocyanate (TDI) (twenty‐seven asthmatic and twenty non‐asthmatic subjects) after about 2 years from the first examination. Eight of twelve asthmatic subjects who left the industry after the first examination complained at the follow‐up of dyspnoea and wheezing, but pulmonary function tests were unchanged; bronchial hyperresponsiveness decreased in three, but most were still positive to challenge test with bethanechol at the follow‐up. Fifteen subjects who continued their exposure to TDI showed at the follow‐up a significant decrease of the spirometric parameters and an increase of the bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and symptoms of chronic bronchitis were more frequent at the second examination. Non‐asthmatic subjects, both exposed and non‐exposed to TDI at the second examination, showed a significant decrease of the pulmonary function tests but no relevant changes in bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Our data suggest that stopping occupational exposure to TDI frequently did not produce an improvement of the TDI bronchial asthma, and persistence of the occupational exposure causes a more rapid decline in the respiratory function.
Clinical significance of circulating immune complexes in ‘lone’ cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis and those with associated connective tissue disorders
Authors: MARTINET YVES , HASLAM PATRICIA L. , TURNER‐WARWICK MARGARET
Published: April 2006

The clinical, radiographic and physiological features, and progression rates of forty unselected patients with cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis (CFA) have been studied in relation to serum immune complexes measured by a C1q binding technique. Twenty (50%) had levels greater than normal. Those with associated connective tissue disorders (twenty‐four) had a higher frequency of raised C1q binding than those with ‘lone’ CFA (sixteen) (63% compared to 31%). As observed previously in this group, those with associated disorders also had higher titres of immune complexes. Twelve of thirteen with polyarthritis had immune complexes and a considerably shorter duration of disease compared with those without joint symptoms (P<0.0l).

Several other observations suggest that immune complexes are especially associated with earlier disease. These include a trend towards a younger age and a lesser radiographic profusion score; a shorter duration of symptoms in relation to titres of immune complexes amongst those with raised values (P<0.05) and a higher transfer factor coefficient (Kco) (P< 0.02). The relationship between Kco and the presence of immune complexes was still observed when those with ‘lone’ CKA were analysed separately.

Other clinical features including sex. severity of dyspnoea and lung volumes did not distinguish those with and without complexes, either for the whole group of patients or when those with and without associated connective tissue disorders were analysed separately.

Analysis of eighteen patients followed to death showed no correlation between length of survival from first symptoms and immune complexes, neither was there any clear association with corticosteroid responsiveness and immune complexes.

These studies suggest that measurement of serum C1q binding does not contribute substantially to the management of individual patients with cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis.
Evaluation of the human basophil degranulation test using the commercially available Baso‐kit as a test of immediate‐type hypersensitivity in hay‐fever sufferers
Authors: LAIWAH A. C. YEUNG , PATEL K. R. , SEENAN A. K. , GALLOWAY E. , MCCULLOCH W.
Published: April 2006

The basophil degranulation test (BDT) has failed to gain popular acceptance as a test of immediate‐type hypersensitivity since its introduction in clinical medicine in 1961. Recent modification of this technique, however, seemed to have increased its reliability. We have studied a group of twenty‐five hay‐fever sufferers and a similar age‐and sex‐matched group of healthy controls to compare the sensitivity of a newly available commercial BDT kit (Baso‐kit, Laboratoire des Stallergenes) with specific serum IgE levels and skin‐prick tests to meadow‐grass pollen. A quantitative correlation was found between the positive BDT (> 30% degranulation) and the skin tests, whereas only a qualitative relationship was obtained with specific IgE concentrations. The BDT also identified two subpopulations of responders and non‐responders among a third group of hay‐fever subjects who had previously been hyposensitized to mixed grass pollen. We conclude that the modified BDT provides a worthwhile addition to the in vitro testing of immediate‐type hypersensitivity states.
Effects of ergometrine on airway smooth muscle contractile responses
Authors: LOUIE S. , KRZANOWSKI J. J. , BUKANTZ S. C , LOCKF.Y R. F.
Published: April 2006

A 26‐year‐old asthmatic female developed severe asthma within a few hours of receiving three oral doses of 0.4 mg ergometrine maleate for the control of postpartum haemorrhaging. This experience and two previous reports of bronchospasm in asthmatic subjects following ergometrine suggested that ergometrine altered airway smooth muscle tone.

In the present investigation the effect of ergometrine was studied on canine tracheal smooth muscle strips. Ergometrine (10−9m 10 −8m) induced contraction of canine tracheal smooth muscle. The concentration causing 50% of maximal contraction (EC50) was 4.73 × 10−8M. The acetylcholine EC50 was not altered by ergometrine (10−9M or 10−8M); however, acetylcholine (10 −4m and 10−3m) induced contractions were enhanced by ergometrine (10−8m). The data suggest that ergometrine maleate may cause broncho‐constriction in some patients with asthma.
IgE and IgG4 antibodies to bovine milk fat globule membrane in atopic eczema patients: a study of their occurrence, relevance and antigenic specificity
Authors: SHAKIB F. , BROWN H. MORROW , REDHEAD R. , PHELPS A.
Published: April 2006

IgE and IgG4 antibodies to bovine milk fat globule membrane (FGM) were measured in atopic eczema patients to determine whether their presence would account for allergy to milk in cases where whole or individual milk protein‐specific antibodies are not detectable. The study demonstrates that the measurements of IgE and IgG4 antibodies to FGM do not offer any additional diagnostic value in milk exacerbated cases of atopic eczema. Furthermore, cross‐inhibition studies with four milk proteins showed that these FGM‐reactive IgE and IgG4 antibodies are directed against α‐casein.
Bronchial allergy in cystic fibrosis
Authors: WÖNNE R. , HOFMANN D. , POSSELT H.‐G. , STÖVER B. , BENDER S. W.
Published: April 2006

Thirty‐one patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) were thoroughly evaluated for allergy. This included a clinical history, skin tests with twenty‐three allergens and bronchial provocation with inhaled allergens and histamine. The bronchial response was measured by whole body plethysmography. Of the patients studied, 40% 0 showed a bronchoconstrictor response to inhaled allergens, despite the fact that none had reported asthma in their clinical history. Strong skin test reactions (3+ and 4+) and weak reactions (2+) were associated with 65% and 4% of positive reactions of the airways respectively. Weak skin reactions with Aspergillus fumigatus, however, were associated with 43% of positive bronchial challenges. In addition to Aspergillus, the mould Alternaria tenuis was found to be an important allergen causing a bronchial response in CF patients. There was no correlation between the thresholds of bronchial sensitivity to allergen and histamine. suggesting that the pathogenetic mechanisms of CF and bronchial asthma are different.
Effects of Ketotifen on in vitro bronchoconstriction
Authors: LOFTUS B. G. , PRICE J. F. , HEATON R. , COSTELLO J. F.
Published: April 2006

We have studied the effects of Ketotifen [Ke](10−4M and 10−6M) on two in vitro models of bronchoconstriction: actively sensitized guinea‐pig trachea (GPT), and passively sensitized human bronchial muscle (HBM). Experiments were performed on matched pairs of tissues. Cumulative dose response curves [CDRC] for histamine and acetyl choline were constructed, and repeated after pre‐incubation with Ke or saline control. The effect of Ke on maximal antigen induced contractions was also studied. Contraction of GPT by histamine and acetyl choline was inhibited by Ke 10−4M, though this effect was not apparent at high doses of acetyl choline. Ke 10−6M had a weaker inhibitory effect on histamine and acetyl choline induced responses. Contraction of GPT by antigen was unaffected by Ketotifen. In the HBM model. Ke 10−4M inhibited acetyl choline and antigen induced responses. Ketotifen, 10−6M had an inhibitory effect on acetyl choline induced contractions, though this was small, and not seen at higher agonist doses. Contraction of HBM by antigen was unaffected by Ke 10−6M. We were unable to obtain reproducible CD RC's to histamine with HBM. The weaker or absent effects of Ke 10−6M, a level close to that obtained in clinical practice, may explain some of the poor results of clinical trials, and suggest that efficacy may be improved by the use of higher doses.