bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of the Pollen Season on Immediate Skin Test Reactivity to Common Allergens
Authors: Haahtela Tari , Jokela Hannu
Published: May 2007

We studied the reproducibility of skin prick test reactions and tested 65 young men, picked from a population survey, in spring and fall. We used 16 extracts from two manufacturers with 12 common allergens. The extracts employed on both occasions were from the same allergen batches and the testing procedure was the same. Four subjects who reacted negatively in spring turned positive when retested in fall; the opposite happened to one subject. The result remained positive or negative on both occasions in 92%. The best reproducibility (96%) was obtained by pollens. The reactivity against tree and grass pollens was higher in fall than in spring; this is obviously a result of the immunologic stimuli induced by exposure to pollens during the season. The reactions caused by animal danders and house dust were, however, smaller in fall than in spring. This is believed to be due to young people being less exposed to indoor dusts in summer.

The immediate skin test reactivity is influenced by several factors; we would like to add one: the time of year when the test is applied. The reproducibility of skin prick test results is quite satisfactory when the problem is approached as presented here.
Antigen‐Induced Bronchial Anaphylaxis in Actively Sensitized Guinea‐Pigs Pattern of Response in Relation to Immunization Regimen
Authors: Andersson Per
Published: May 2007

This work studies the temporal development of the acute anaphylactic bronchoconstriction in guinea‐pigs sensitized to ovalbtiin by different regimens, including IgE‐antibody promoting ones. The results show that guinea‐pigs sensitized with low amounts (1‐10μg) of ovalbumin together with alum produce the most pronounced bronchospasm when challenged with an intravenous injection of a low dose of antigen. Examination of the antibody classes by PCA technique shows that guinea‐pigs sensitized with small amounts of antigen together with alum produce IgE and IgG1 antibodies. However, in sera from animals immunized with large amounts of antigen, only IgG1 antibodies could be detected.
Leukocyte Migration Inhibition with Epstein‐Barr Virus Negative and Positive Cell Extracts
Authors: Szigeti R. , Timár L. , Révész T.
Published: May 2007

Leukocyte migration inhibition of seronegative and seropositive healthy children and that of patients with infectious mononucleosis was studied in the presence of EBV‐negative and ‐positive cell extracts. Seronegative children showed no alteration of the leukocyte migration in the presence of the extracts. EBV‐positive cell extracts caused significant migration inhibition in the group of seropositive healthy children and of IM patients. The effect was specific, since the EBV‐negative cell extract had no inhibitory effect. In the acute phase of infectious mononucleosis a depressed response was observed, while after recovery the same migration inhibition could be detected. The possible cause of the depressed cell‐mediated immune response in the acute phase of the disease is discussed.
New β‐Agonist, KWD 2131, Compared with Terbutaline in Asthmatics
Authors: Hegardt B. , Löwhagen O. , Svedmyr N.
Published: May 2007

The equipotent bronchodilating doses of terbutaline and a new β‐agonist KWD 2131 with a relatively stronger anti‐allergic (inhibition of mediator release) than bronchodilating effect given in nebulized from was estimated in eight patients with intrinsic asthma. The subthreshold bronchodilating dose of KWD 2131 was also evaluated. The study was a 2‐day, single‐blind cross‐over comparison between cumulative doses of KWD 2131 (0.5 mg to 12 mg) and terbutaline (0.05 mg to 1.2 mg) Both drugs gave a dose‐dependent bronchodilating effect as measured spirometrically. It was already statistically significant at the 0.03 mg dose of terbutaline, but not until the median value of the bronchodilating potency of terbutaline relative to KWD 2131 was 30. The influence of the two substances on tremor and the cardiovascular system was minimum and clinically umimportant.

The search for the subthreshold bronchodilating dose of KWD 2131 was of interest, as this dose was to be used in a subsequent antigen provocation study in order to selectively evaluate KWD 2131's anti‐allergic property. The mean subthreshold bronchodilating dose of KWD 2131 was 1 mg. However, four of the eight patients showed bronchodilatation at the 1 mg dose, and two of the four also at 0.5 mg.
Histamine‐Induced Bronchospasm
Authors: Hegardt B. , Löwhagen O. , Svedmyr N.
Published: May 2007

The reproducibility of the histamine challenge in seven asymptomatic patients with extrinsic asthma, provoked four times each with 1–2 weeks interval, was investigated. The method was thereafter used in order to find the sub‐threshold bronchodilating dose of a new β‐agonist KWD 2131 with a preferably anti‐allergic property. Selection of patients and methodology of the histamine challenge procedure were carefully standardized. Histamine was administered during quiet breathing at 3‐min intervals in a step‐wise cumulative manner up to a point where >20% decrease in FEV1.0 was reached. The pooled intra‐individual standard deviation was 4.6% in FEV1.0, 5.0% in PEFR, and 4.7% in FVC.

Pretreatment with KWD 2131, before histamine challenge, showed that the sub‐threshold dose for bronchodilatation was 0.5 mg in nine patients and 0.25 mg in three patients compared with 1 mg in patients with intrinsic asthma. It was important to perform individualized dose‐titration of the sub‐threshold bronchodilating dose of KWD 2131 before initiation of a subsequent allergen provocation study.
Oral Sodium Cromoglycate in Chronic Urticaria
Authors: Thormann J. , Laurberg G. , Zachariae H.
Published: May 2007

Fifteen patients were included in a double‐blind cross‐over trial to investigate the efficacy of oral sodium cromoglycate in the treatment of chronic urticaria. Only patients with positive oral provocation tests were entered into the study. The challenging agents were food additives or antirheumatic agents. Treatments were taken for 4 weeks and the dose of sodium cromoglycate was 200 mg four times daily. No significant differences were found between active and placebo treatment periods for diary card symptom scores. Six patients preferred the active treatment, two preferred placebo and seven had no preference. The clinician showed no preference for either treatment.
Effect in Man of Oral Terbutaline on Cutaneous Reactions Induced by Allergen and Gold Stimulation
Authors: Grönneberg Reidar , Hägermark ÖSten , Strandberg K. Jell
Published: May 2007

In eight atopic subjects wheal and flare responses to intradermally injected horse dander and histamine were determined alter pretreatment with 5 mg oral terbutaline or placebo in a double‐blind cross‐over study. In each individual a dose of allergen was used that produced a flare reaction approximately the size of the ED50 for histamine. Pretreatment with terbutaline was found to attenuate both the wheal and the flare reactions to allergen throughout the observation period of 150 min but only the effect on the wheal response reached Statistical significance (P < 0.01). The responses to histamine were not influenced. In five subjects with cold urticaria, treatment with 2.5 mg terbutaline t.i.d. for a week had no effect on the time period of cold provocation needed to evoke an urticarial lesion.

It is concluded that oral treatment with terbutaline may produce an inhibitory action on allergen induced reactions but that this effect is not strong enough to interfere with clinical skin testing and hence the drug need not to be withdrawn prior to such testing.
Sodium Salicylate and Aspirin Disease
Authors: Dahl Ronald
Published: May 2007

Patients with “aspirin disease” are often offered a diet devoid not only of food colorants and food preservatives but also of salicylic acid. In patient reacting with bronchial asthma after aspirin ingestion administration of large amounts of sodium salicylate did not elicit any reaction. It is therefore concluded that a less strict diet without exclusion of salicylate‐containing food can be recommended.
Allergy to Birch Pollen and Apple, and Gross‐Reactivity of the Allergens Studied with the RAST
Authors: Lahti Arto , Björksten Fred , Hannuksela Matti
Published: May 2007

Apple‐pulp allergens arc unstable, but fresh material can be used for skin testing. In this study stable allergens, probably of a protein nature, were extracted from apple seed and used in radioallergosorbent tests (RAST). Apple‐seed allergens were shown by RAST inhibition to cross‐react with birch pollen allergen(s). Cross‐reactivity may explain the frequent co‐occurrence of birch pollen and apple allergy. Approximately 50% of patients in a group with immediate hypersensitivity to birch pollen were also sensitive to apple as judged by a history of symptoms, skin tests with apple‐pulp and apple‐seed preparations, and apple‐seed RAST.
Oxatomide in Seasonal Rhinoconjunctivitis
Authors: Möller Christian , Björksén Bengt
Published: May 2007

The new antiallergic drug oxatomide was evaluated in 40 schoolchildren suffering from severe allergic seasonal rhinoconjunctivitis. Antihistamine drugs had earlier given insufficient symptomatic relief. Double–blind technique was used. There was no significant difference in effect between oxatomide, the antibistamine cinnarizine in combination with phenylpropanolamine and placebo. The results do not support the hypothesis that oxatomide is superiot to antibistamine drugs in the treatment of severe seasonal rhinoconjunctivitis.
Standardized Allergen Provocation Test
Authors: Loẅhagen O. , Lindholm N. B.
Published: May 2007

Standardized bronchial allergen provocation with the same individual allergen dose was performed 3–9 times in 20 symptomless adult asthmatic patients at intervals of 1 week or more during 1/222 months in order to study variations in bronchial response. The immediate type reaction was recorded by monitoring FEV1, FVC, PEFR and MEF50% for 30–40 min after provocation. FEV1 was highly significantly correlated to the other variables.

The coefficient of variation corresponding to maximum decrease in FEV, was 23%. All provocations were followed by a bronchial reaction within clinically acceptable limits. There was no indication of hypo‐ or hypersensitization.

It is concluded that although many different factors influence the bronchial response, careful standardization of the provocation procedure leads to a moderate variation in bronchia! response, making the allergen provocation test suitable for pathophysiological studies and clinical evaluation of anti–asthmatic drugs.
Passive Paw Anaphylaxis in the Rat Optimum
Authors: Baldo B. A. , Thomas P. G. , Nelson Catherine L. , Taylor K. M.
Published: May 2007

The difficulties involved in quantitating passive cutaneous anaphylaxis led us to examine the rat paw as a site for passive anaphylaxis and to define optimum conditions for passive paw anaphylaxis. Generation of homocytotropic antibodies in a number of different rat strains revealed that female Brown Norway rats were excellent producers of high titre antisera after only a single injection of antigen and Bordetella pertussis. Injection of ratpaws with diluted antisera followed by short (1–2 h) or long (72 h or more) sensitization periods showed that maximum paw swelling occurred 15 min after antigen challenge. Retention of tissue sensitizing capacity in the paw for greater than 35 days but loss of this capacity following heating of antiserum at 56°C, indicated that the rat homocytotropic antibodies involved in passive paw anaphylaxis belong to the IgE class. Experiments using mepyramine, methysergide and diethylcarbamazine showed that 5‐hydroxytryptamine is the most important mediator of passive paw anaphylaxis after both a short (2 h) and a long (72 h) sensitization procedure. Passive paw anaphylaxis in the rat is at least as easy to perform as passive cutaneous anaphylaxis, results can be obtained more rapidly and accurate measurement of paw thickness is not difficult. The procedure is a viable alternative to passive cutaneous anaphylaxis and may offer advantages over the latter method especially in the search for, and rapid assessment of, anti‐allergic compounds.
Skin Prick Test Reactivity to Common Allergens in Finnish Adolescents
Authors: Haahtela Tari , Bjorkstéan Fred , Heiskala Maija , Suoniemi Ilpo
Published: May 2007

We studied 708 adolescents aged 15–17 years in the 9th grade of school in Imatra. Of the eligible population born in 1962 77% were included. All were skin prick tested with 16 extracts from two manufacturers with 12 common allergens, which included pollens, epithelia, mite, house dust and fish. At least one positive, immediate reaction (weal diameter 3 mm or larger) occurred in 49% and at least two positive reactions in 43% of those studied. The boys were observed to be significantly more reactive than the girls. The allergen preparations to which positive reactions were most prevalent were house dust, cat and horse epithelium, and mite extract. Large differences in the prevalence of positive reactions were observed with different preparations of the same allergen. Pollen allergens tended to cause the largest positive weal reactions, and the weal size distribution with some pollens was distinctly bimodal. A scheme for calculating allergen potency in histamine‐equivalent‐prick (HEP) units is presented. It is noted that the result is greatly dependent on the population group chosen for testing.
Allergic Disorders and Immediate Skin Test Reactivity in Finnish Adolescents
Authors: Haahtela Tari , Heiskala Maija , Suoniemi Ilpo
Published: May 2007

We studied the prevalence of allergic disorders in an unselected group of 708 adolescents aged 15–17 years. All subjects were physically examined and interviewed by the authors. The prevalence of past or present asthma was 5.7% in boys and 3.1% in girls. The figures for hay fever were H% and 8%, and for atopic dermatitis (including allergic urticaria) 25% and 30%, respectively. In 24% of all symptomatic subjects, the condition had not been active during the year preceding the study. The sex difference in the prevalence of hay fever was significant. It is associated with higher immediate skin test reactivity in boys. A progressive increase in the frequency of allergic disorders was observed with increasing number of positive skin reactions in both boys and girls. Respiratory allergy was closely related to a positive skin test: 87% of the asthmatics and 83% of all those with allergic rhinitis exhibited at least one positive skin reaction. For atopic dermatitis the association was less pronounced. Nineteen per cent of the population studied had a positive symptom history and a positive skin test to pollens, animal epithelia or dusts indicating a clinically significant relationship. However, 39% of the 346 subjects with a positive skin test, including some with a large number of positive reactions, were completely asymptomatic.
Immediate Type Hypersensitivity to Common Moulds Comparison of Different Diagnostic Materials
Authors: Aas K. , Leegaard J. , Aukrust L. , Grimmer Ø.
Published: May 2007

Extracts of five common atmospheric moulds (Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Mucor and Penicillium) obtained from different manufactures were compared by means of skin prick testing and, partly, with the radioallergosorbent test. Considerable differences were found between the extracts with respect to positive tests found in mould‐allergic individuals and controls. A purified allergen preparation of Cladosporium herbarum was superior to the crude allergen extracts. The results suggest that the allergen contents of the extract differed both with respect to total allergenic potency and to allergenic composition.
Studies on Histamine Metabolism in Allergen‐Induced Asthma
Authors: Löwhagen O. , Granerus G. , Wetterqvist H.
Published: May 2007

The excretion of histamine (Hi) and its metabolite methythistamine (MeHi)was determined in separated fractions of urine up to 12h alter standardized allergen provocations in 18 adult patients wild defined extrinsic bronchial asthma. The main histamine metabolite, methylimidazoleacetic acid (MelmAA), was measured in six of the patients.

After positive provocations (decrease in FEV1> 20%) the excretion of Hi was significantly increased during 3h and that of MeHi during 4h after challenge. Negative provocations (decrease in FEV1<20%) were not followed by any changes in the excretion of Hi and MeHi. MelmAA excretion increased in five out of six patients after positive provocation. It was calculated that the increased excretion of Hi and its metabolites after a positive provocation corresponded to a release of about 1 mg histamine in the body or about 1 μg/g lung tissue if all histamine was liberated in the lung.

Pretreatment with two anti‐allergic drugs, disodium cromoglycate and ICI 74.917, giving significant allergen protection, resulted in a smaller increase of the excretion of both Hi and MeHi, indicating an inhibition of histamine releasein vivo.
Morphology of the Jejunum in Children with Eczema due to Food Allergy
Authors: Mccalla R. , Savilahtl E. , Perkkiö M. , Kuitunen P. , Backman A.
Published: May 2007

We report the results of a morphometric study of jejunal biopsy specimens from 18 children wth eczema due to food allergy. The measurements were compared with those for 13 age‐matched children without gastrointestinal or immunological diseases. The patients' ages ranged from 2 months to 4 years. In 14 the food responsible for the symptoms was cow's milk. During the challenge tests with suspected foods 10 children had skin symptoms only (group I) and eight had gastrointestinal symptoms in addition (group II). Both groups showed a significant decrease in the villus/crypt ratio, mostly due to an increase in crypt depth. The counts of lymphocytes and plasma cells in the lamina propria and of intraepithelial lymphocytes did not differ from those seen in the controls. Four patients had increased counts of jejunal eosinophils, but the mean count for the whole group was not significantly increased. Considering nine measurements only five of the patients had moderate changes in jejunal morphology.
Immunohistochemical Study of Intestinal Biopsies from Children with Atopic Eczema due to Food Allergy
Authors: Perkkiö M.
Published: May 2007

In 18 patients with skin reactions alter food challenge and in controls the numbers of immunoglobulin‐containing cells in the intestinal mucosa were studied by the direct immunoperoxidase technique; IgE and C3 were studied by FITC‐conjugated sera also. Serum immunoglobulins, complement fractions 3 and 4, and reaginic antibodies to the foods were measured during the provocation. None of the Patients had any deficiency in the numbers of immunogloblin‐containing cells in the intestinal mucosa or in the serum immunoglobulin concentrations. The numbers of IgM‐ and IgA‐containing cells were higher in the patients than in the controls. But patients and controls had equally low numbers of IgE‐containing cells. No deposits of C3 were seen in any of the biopsy specimens. Scrum IgE was increased m 13 cases. The presence of reaginic antibodies to cow's milk and cereals correlated well with the clinical reaction (12/15 and 5/7 of the cases). There was a negative correlation between the logarithm of serum IgE and the number of IgA‐containing cells in the jejunal mucosa (P < 0.01). High prechallenge counts of blood eosinophils were seen in seen cases and these showed a close correlation with the eosinophils in the jejunal mucosa (P < 0.001).
Severe Hypersensitivity or Intolerance Reactions to Measles Vaccine in Six Children Clinical and Immunological studies
Authors: Aukrust L. , Almeland T. L. , Refsum D. , Aas K.
Published: May 2007

Six reported cases of anaphylactic reactions due to measles vaccinations of children were investigated. The reactions appeared to be immediate hypersensitivity reactions most probably due to allergy. Trace amounts of calf serum proteins were demonstrated in the measles vaccine by means of crossed immunoelectrophoresis whereas egg antigens could not be detected by this method. The reason for the untoward reactions was not identified. Atopic traits were not repotted in any of the patients but were found in first degree family members of three of them. Skin prick testing with measles vaccine was positive in one of the patients only, whereas skin prick testing with egg yolk, egg white, cow's milk and calf serum were negative in all cases. RAST was performed with allergosorbents containing different material used during the vaccine production, but was negative in all cases.

The results with control individuals were in accord with previous reports that patients with allergy to hen's egg tolerate the injection of measles vaccine. Immediate hypersensitivity reactions to measles vaccine may occur independent of allergy to egg and even in children without any known allergy or atopic heredity.
Salbutamol by Powder or Spray Inhalation in Childhood Asthma
Authors: Crunner S. , Hedenskog S. , Kjeliman N.‐I. , Odelram H.
Published: May 2007

Forty‐three children from 3‐16 years of age suffering from moderate bronchial asthma completed a double‐blind cross‐over study on the clinical effect of inhaled salbutamol (Ventoline®) powder (0.2 mg/dosis) compared with spray (0.1 mg/dosis) over two 4‐week periods. Both administrations gave significant improvement in air flow meter (AFM) results. There was no significant difference between the periods on active powder or spray regarding daily symptom scores, adjuvant medication or AFM values. The powder caused cough in four children but in 12 of 28 children it was considered as easy or easier to accept as the spray; nine of these 12 children were younger than 10 years of age. It is concluded that salbutamol inhaled as a powder is a useful alternative when using a spray is difficult or unwanted.
Daily Hay Fever Forecast in The Netherlands
Authors: Spieksma Frits Th. M.
Published: May 2007

The literature on local pollen counts and their significance for hay fever is reviewed and a system for forecasting hay fever is described. Such forecasts have been broadcast by radio in The Netherlands since 1977. The hay fever forecast takes the form of a prognosis (in terms of three grades) of the influence of the expected weather situation on tomorrow's course of the subjective complaints of hay fever sufferers. It is not a forecast of the pollen count.

When the subjective complaints of about 150 hay fever patients were used as reference for evaluation, the forecasts proved to have been correct in 72, 85, and 88% of the cases in 1977, 1978, and 1979, respectively.

The practical usefulness and the limitations of the system are briefly discussed, with emphasis on the principle that not the local pollen count but the weather should be taken as the main determinative factor for the expected subjective experiences in a group of hay fever sufferers in a certain region.
Inhalation of Racemic Epinephrine in Children with Asthma
Authors: Kjellmas B. , Tollig H. , Wettrell G.
Published: May 2007

In this study the effects of nebulized racemic epinephrine (Micronephrine) were investigated in children with asthma. The drug was inhaled by a compressor nebulizator with a plastic mask. In the first part of the study it is shown that nebulized Micronephrine has a dose‐dependent bronchodilatory effect. In the second part the effect is compared with that of nebulized salbutamol 10 children (7‐16 years of age) with bronchial asthma. The highest dose used in the dose‐response trials (=0.9 mg Micronephrine/kg body‐weight) was compared with 0.15 mg salbutamol/kg body‐weight, which is the dose commonly used in Sweden

There was no significant difference between the drugs as regards increase of forced expiratory volume in 1 sec or duration of the increase.

The was a small but significant increase in systolic blood pressure, measured 5 min after the inhalation of Micronephrine but no significant change in diastolic pressure of heart rate. Four children complained of temporary sore throat after the inhalation.
Pretreatment of Exercise‐Induced Asthma in Adults with Aerosols and Pulverized Tablets
Authors: Bundgaard Allan , Rasmussen Finn V. , Madsen Lone
Published: May 2007

Eighteen adult asthmatics took part in a double‐blind crossover study comparing the effect on exercise‐induced asthma (EIA) of pretreatment with aerosolized 1) disodium cromoglycate (DSCG), 2) ipratropium bromide (IPTB), 3) fenoterol, 4) DSCG + IPTB and 5) saline.

EIA was completely blocked by pretreatment with the β2‐agonist, fenoterol. The protective effect of nebulized DSCG and IPTB given alone could not be distinguished from that of isotonic saline. The combination of DSCG and IPTB reduced the post‐exercise bronchoconstriction more than any of the two drugs given separately.

Thirteen of the 18 patients went on to a double‐blind cross‐over study of the effect on EIA of pretreatment with the usually recommended dosages of salbutamol, theophylline and their combination administered as pulverized tablets.

Seven patients were withdrawn from this part of the study because of side‐effects, and in the remaining six none of the oral pretreatments could be distinguished from placebo, despite serum theophylline concentrations within or above the commonly recommended therapeutical range.
Impaired Monocyte Cyclic AMP Responses and Monocyte Cytotoxicity in Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Herlin Troels , Kragballe Knud
Published: May 2007

Purified monocytes from 21 patients with mild and severe atopic dermatitis (AD) were compared with 22 healthy controls with respect to antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and cyclic adenosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate (cAMP) responses to stimulatory agents. ADCC was depressed in both severe and mild atopic dermatitis. The patients showed decreased cAMP responses to isoproterenol and histamine, the decrement being more distinct in severe atopic dermatitis. Formation of cAMP was diminished with PGE, only in patients with severe AD. ADCC is inhibited by the agents that increase cAMP. In the severe dermatitis group reduced inhibition induced by isoproterenol, histamine, but not PGE1, was obtained. It is suggested that a general suppression of membrane activation may explain the reduced cAMP responses to various stimulatory agents and the impaired monocyte cytotoxicity.
Antigenicity of Semisynthetic Penicillin Preparations to Evoke Systemic Anaphylactic Reactions in Animal Models
Authors: Koizumi K. , Suzuki S. , Fukuba S. , Tadokoro K. , Hirai K. , Muranaka M.
Published: May 2007

Four commercially available penicillin preparations (benzylpenicillin, aminobenzylpenicillin, carbenicillin and sulbenicillin) and two kinds of the new semisynthetic penicillin preparations (mezlocillin and piperacillin) evoked systemic anaphylactic reactions in guinea pigs immunized with one of the following penicillin‐Ascaris extract (As) conjugates in aluminum hydroxide gel (alum), i.e., benzylpenicilloyl (BPO)‐As, aminobenzylpenicilloyl (ABPO)‐As, carbenicilloyl (CBPO)‐As, sulbenicilloyl (SBPO)‐As, mezlocillin‐As conjugate (MEZ‐As) and piperacillin‐As conjugate (PIP‐As). The tracheal chains prepared from the tracheas of the guinea pigs immunized with BPO‐As, MEZ‐As, or PIP‐As revealed anaphylactic contractions in vitro on addition of benzylpenicillin, mezlocillin, or piperacillin preparations. These results indicated that the semisynthetic penicillin preparations as well as benzylpenicillin preparation have enough antigenicity to evoke systemic anaphylactic reactions in guinea pigs immunized with penicillin‐As conjugate. Such guinea pigs seem to be suitable animals for investigation of penicillin allergy.
Automated Measurement of Human Basophil Degranulation
Authors: Leynadier F. , Luce H. , Abrego A. , Dry J.
Published: May 2007

Basophils disappear after challenge with specific antigen. A human basophil degranulation test has been carried out on a slide using an enriched cell suspension. On each slide, the same volume of cell suspension was deposited in wells with antigen diluted in buffer or with buffer only (control). The basophil count was made on an equal number of randomly distributed microscopic fields either by eye (optical) or by image analyser (automatic).

In 35 subjects, the correlation coefficient between the numbers of non‐degranulated basophils counted by eye and by image‐analyser on control wells was found to be r = 0.91, P < 10−8.

In 12 patients (6 with hydatidosis and 6 widi schistosomiasis), the percentage of degranulation with three antigen dilutions was measured. The correlation between the results obtained by eye and by image‐analyser reached 0.76 (P < 10−7).

The authors now use the automated measurement of human basphil degranulation routinely.
Treatment of Grass Pollen‐Induced Hay Fever with Intranasal Budesonide
Authors: Steensen H. , Lindqvist N.
Published: May 2007

The clinical effects of intranasal budesonide (16α, 17α (22 R,S) propylmethylenedioxypre‐gana‐1‐4‐diene‐11β 21 diol‐3, 20 dione)) ‐ a new non‐halogenated glucocorticoid ‐ were evaluated in a double‐blind comparison with placebo, in patients with pronounced hay fever.

Aerosolized budesonide, using a daily dosage of either 400 μg or 200 μg, showed a highly significant reduction in the nasal symptoms as compared with placebo. No significant difference could be demonstrated between the effects of 400 μg and 200 μg per day, suggesting that the lower dosage is adequate.

No significant effect on the eye symptoms and no fall in plasma cortisol values were observed with either dosage. Only mild side effects were reported.
A Double‐Blind Controlled Trial of Elemental Diet in Severe, Perennial Asthma
Authors: Høj Lene , ØSterballe O. , Bundgaard A. , Weeke B. , Weiss M.
Published: May 2007

In a double‐blind controlled trial 41 hospitalized adults with severe, perennial asthma of unknown aetiology were allocated to either an antigen‐free elemental diet (Vivasorb®) or control diet, i.e. blended ordinary hospital food, for 2 weeks. At the time of entry into the trial all patients were in an active but stable phase of the disease. Medical treatment was given throughout the study as clinically indicated. Peak expiratory flow was measured hourly during the daytime and patients noted their symptoms daily on an assessment form. Validation of variables according to a scoring system indicated that the elemental diet resulted in an improvement of the patients' asthma (P < 0.05). It is concluded that elemental diet may serve as a diagnostic tool for disclosing alimentary intolerance in patients with perennial asthma.
Dependence of Immediate Hypersensitivity in the Adolescent Period on Factors Encountered in Infancy
Authors: Suoniemi Ilpo , Björkstén Fred , Haahtela Tari
Published: May 2007

708 unselected adolescents 15–17 years old were studied. They were physically examined, interviewed and skin prick tested with 12 common allergens. Questionnaires were distributed to the adolescents and their parents to investigate past and present symptoms and environmental influences. Emphasis was on the first year of life. Exposition to allergens (pollens and cat epithelium) during the first 6 months of life, eczema during the First year of life, and atopic heredity were found to be major risk factors in die development of positive skin tests and respiratory allergy apparent in the teenage period. Infections and wheezing during the first year of life were also risk factors, but less important.
Selective Suppression of Antibody Production with the Aid of Radiolabelled Birch Pollen Allergen
Authors: Filipp G. , Biró G. , Hartung W. D. , Lehmann G.
Published: May 2007

In accordance with the clonal selection theory we intended to prevent the development of artificially induced birch pollen allergy in rabbits with the aid of the radiolabelled' pollen allergen (75–1000 μCi125 I‐pollen/animal) intravenously administered prior to pollen sensitization. The birch pollen allergen, in accordance with Burnet's working hypothesis, reacts only with a genetically determining B cell subpopulation. The fixation of the radiolabelled birch pollen allergen to the receptors of the competent B cell clone causes the lesion of the latter. Compared with the control group, this group of rabbits showed an extensive suppression of anaphylactic reagin‐like PCA‐antibodies, and haemagglutinating antibodies in the blood as well as in nasal secretion. In addition, we tried to influence the already ongoing synthesis of the antibodies with the aid of a subsequent intravenously administered radiolabelled birch pollen allergen (750–1000 μCi125 I‐pollen/animal). An intensive suppression of the synthesis of antibodies could also be proved in this case. The simultaneous immunization of the control rabbits with birch pollen and egg albumin resulted in the production of antibodies against both antigens, as expected. The hot‐labelled birch pollen antigen intravenously injected before or after immunization with egg albumin and birch pollen led selectively to suppression of anti‐birch‐pollen PCA antibodies. The synthesis of anti‐egg albumin PCA antibodies was unaffected.
Adrenoceptors: Molecular Nature and Role in Atopic Diseases
Authors: Djurup René
Published: May 2007

Since Szentivanyi proposed the idea that asthma and other atopic diseases are due to a p adrenergic defect there has been much interest in the role of the adrenergic receptors in allergy. The radioactive ligand binding techniques developed within the last few years have greatly increased our knowledge concerning the molecular nature of the adrenoceptors and the events following receptor stimulation. The adrenoceptors have shown to be very dynamic structures. Their number and affinity may be altered due to various physiological and pharmacological stimuli. Their role in the pathogenesis of atopic diseases has not been definitely settled, but there seem to be a true beta adrenergic hyporesponsiveness and alpha hyperresponsiveness in asthma. This article briefly describes the radioligand binding technique and summarizes our present knowledge of the nature of the alpha and beta adrenoceptors and their possible role in atopic diseases.
Evaluation of Laboratory Tests in Childhood Allergy
Authors: Kajosaari Merja , Saarinen Ulla M.
Published: May 2007

The diagnosis of atopic disease is often difficult in small children because of differences in symptoms and lack of specific and reliable laboratory tests. We evaluated the significance of four commonly used laboratory tests ‐ blood eosinophil count, total serum IgE, and eosinophil and mast cells in the nasal smear ‐ as indicators of atopy in 178 children aged 3 years. The children were followed from birth and examined at the age of 3 years. Symptoms of immediate hypersensitivity including atopic dermatitis, food allergy and pollen or animal allergy were recorded. Severe or obvious atopy correlated widi die highest levels of serum IgE. A total serum IgE level higher than 150 U/ml was found to be strongly suggestive of atopic disease. A blood eosinophil count higher than 600 × 109/1 as well as an increased number of eosinophil and mast cells in die nasal smear were associated with atopy. On the other hand, normal levels of these laboratory tests did not exclude atopic disease. In other words, all of the tests were high in specificity, but low in sensitivity. Consequently, when small children's atopic disease is being diagnosed, emphasis can be laid on the elevated levels of serum total IgE, blood eosinophil count and eosinophil and mast cells in the nasal smear, all of which separately, but especially together, give valuable information on atopy.
A Three‐Year‐Survey of Microfungi in the Air of Copenhagen 1977–79
Authors: Larsen Lisbeth Suldrup
Published: May 2007

The presence and prevalence of common saprophytic airborne microfungi has been studied. Since August 1977 culturable microfungi in the outdoor air of Copenhagen have been monitored. The method used is a volumetric analysis by means of a Biap Slit‐Sampler. The microfungal flora was dominated by very few genera, thusCladosporium, Alternaria, PenicilliumandAspergillusmake up 86.8% of the organisms collected.

The mere number of microfungal spores might be misleading as a guide to the relative importance of atmospheric allergens. An alternative or a supplementary parameter could be the spore substance expressed as cubic spore substance/m3of air, as suggested by Hyde (20).

Most fungi show a seasonal dependence as well as fluctuations from year to year. The high season for living microfungi is found to be from June until October. The microfungi thus constitute a prolongation of the pollen season, a fact of importance in relation to patients suffering from inhalation‐allergy.
Antibody‐Dependent Monocyte‐Mediated Cytotoxicity in Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Kragballe K. , Herlin T.
Published: May 2007

Antibody‐dependent monocyte‐mediated cytotoxicity was investigated in adult patients with atopic dermatitis. In patients with active dermatitis monocyte cytotoxicity was reduced. Serial studies of individual patients demonstrated that a reduced cytotoxicity in clinical exacerbation did not normalize during clinical remission. The reduced monocyte cytotoxicity was not caused by an abnormal influence of lymphocytes. During the cytotoxicity reaction a rapid and transient elevation of monocyte cyclic AMP occurred. In atopic dermatitis this elevation was decreased, but no relation was found between the monocyte cytotoxicity and the cyclic AMP response in these patients.
Flow‐Cytometric Analysis of Human Basophil Degranulation
Authors: Nakagawa Takemasa , Stadler Beda M. , de Weck Alain L.
Published: May 2007

Quantification of human basophils and their degranulation were performed using a flow‐cytometric system. It was shown that the number of basophils among total leukocytes, before and after the effect of degranulating agents, can be obtained rapidly and reproducibly, following alcian blue, staining. Dose‐response curves of degranulation by anti‐IgE and anti‐IgG4 were studied, and it was shown that these antibodies can induce basophil degranulation in a Ca++ dependent manner. It was also shown that degranulation is completed within 10 min.

Values obtained by flow‐cytometry and microscopic evaluation, as well as comparison made between percent basophil degranulation and percent histamine release, agreed well with each other in our system. Flow‐cytometric analysis of human basophil degranulation provides a new reliable method to assess in vitro the morphological basis of immediate hyper‐sensitivity.
Preparation and Immunological Properties of Procaine‐Protein Conjugates
Authors: Liakopoulou Athanasia
Published: May 2007

Procaine was conjugated to BSA and rat and rabbit Gf using the carbodiimide method and 14C‐procaine as a tracer. The composition of the conjugates could be varied depending on the time of incubation and the concentration of procaine in the reaction mixture. Procaine‐BSA conjugates were soluble in water or saline. However, procaine conjugates to rat or rabbit Gf were not readily soluble in saline. These conjugates were good for immunization purposes, but it was cumbersome to work with them when clear solutions were needed, as in the immunochemical procedures used in this study. The immunological properties of the conjugates were studied in rats and rabbits. Rats responded with production of IgGa and precipitating anbibodies to the procaine group, but IgE antibodies to the immunogen could not be detected. Furthermore, precipitating antibodies towards the procaine group were raised in rabbits. When BSA was the protein carrier, antibodies to the carrier molecule were also detected in both rats and rabbits. The conjugates of procaine to rat or rabbit Gf did not elicit antibody response to the carrier molecule when used in the homologous species. Hapten inhibition studies suggested that, in the rabbit, antibodies were also produced with specificity directed towards the molecular configuration of the hapten‐carrier bond.
Secretory Otitis Media and Allergy
Authors: Ruokonen Jorma , Holopainen Eino , Palva Tauno , Backman Alf
Published: May 2007

This study is an investigation on whether allergy, and especially food allergy, is more common in patients with secretory otitis media (SOM) than in others. At the same time, the effectiveness of the cytotoxic leucocyte test (CLT) as an aid in the diagnosis of food allergy was also studied. The material comprised 90 patients: 69 suffering from secretory otitis media and 21 without the disease as controls. Patients were studied using allergy history, ear status, tests for nasal and blood eosinophilic cells, total IgE, skin tests for 20 allergens, RAST for milk and wheat, immunoglobulin A, G and M, precipitating antibodies for milk and gluten, Mantoux test, and the CLT for 23 allergens. Allergy was found in 20% of the SOM patients and 10% of the control patients; the difference was not statistically significant. The best methods for verifying allergy were history, skin tests, and tests for nasal eosinophilic cells. Laborartory tests could not verify objectively that food allergy was more common among SOM patients than controls, although 16% of the SOM patients compared with none of the controls had a history of food allergy. Of the tests used, the CLT correlated best with a history of allergy, but the results of the different tests were not in accordance with each other.
Antigenic, Adjuvant and Permeability Enhancing Properties of Melittin in Mice
Authors: Kind L. S. , Ramaika C. , Allaway E.
Published: May 2007

Melittin, a mast cell lytic agent which comprises 50% of the protein content of bee venom, may be responsible for some of the severe reactions produced by bee stings in allergic and non‐allergic individuals. We therefore investigated some of the biologic properties of this molecule in mice and found that repeated intradermal injections of melittin without adjuvant induced IgE formation in mice. In addition, melittin as well as another surfactant, saponin, were potent adjuvants for IgE formation in mice when mixed with ovalbumin (Ov). Titres of 1280 and 2560 to ovalbumin were produced in CBA mice after two injections of melittin and Ov or saponin and Ov. Melittin was also shown to have an enhancing effect on the vascular permeability induced by an antigen antibody interaction in mouse skin. Evan's blue dye was injected intravenously into ovalbumin‐sensitized mice which had been injected intradermally with ovalbumin alone, melittin alone or a mixture of melittin and ovalbumin. The amount of local extravasation of dye was significantly greater in the area injected with the melittin and ovalbumin mixture than the amount of dye obtained from the skin site injected with melittin alone plus that extracted from the site injected with ovalbumin alone.
Oral and Inhaled Sodium Cromoglycate in Challenge Test with Food Allergens or Acetylsalicylic Acid
Authors: Dahl Ronald
Published: May 2007

The prophylactic effect of oral and inhaled sodium cromoglycate (SCG) in challenge tests of patients with IgE‐mediated food allergy or sensitivity towards acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was investigated. In food allergic patients SCG administered orally protected against an asthmatic reaction whereas inhaled SCG was without effect. In ASA sensitivity neither oral nor inhaled SCG protected the patients against bronchospasms. SCG seems to act on mucosal surfaces and may inhibit uptake of macromolecular antigens but not affect the absorption of ASA.
Serum IgE before and after Treatment for Scabies
Authors: Falk Edvard S.
Published: May 2007

In 120 patients, treated for scabies infection, the serum IgE concentrations fell from high levels in 54 and normal levels in 66 to lower levels 12 months after treatment. The specific IgE antibodies to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (RAST) were also reduced 12 months after treatment. The decrease in both IgE concentrations and IgE antibodies was most conspicuous in non‐atopic patients. These findings confirm previous observations of specific immunological hypersensitivity to scabies mite, and that scabies infection stimulates the production of IgE antibodies.
Immunotherapy in Hay Fever with Two Major Allergens 19, 25 and Partially Purified Extract of Timothy Grass Pollen
Authors: ØSterballe O. , Løwenstein H. , Prahl P. , Skov P. , Weeke B.
Published: May 2007

Grass pollen hay fever patients were hyposensitized in a prospective 3‐year double blind study with two timothy extracts. Group WPA (20 patients) was treated with partially purified extract = whole pollen allergens (WPA) (Alutard®SQ) and group PPA (20 patients) was treated with a purified pollen allergen (PPA) = two isolated major allergens, Ag19 and Ag25. Both aluminiumhydroxide adsorbed extracts were biologically standardized. Clinical results from the first season have been recently published and WPA showed significantly fewer symptoms (P= 0.001) than PPA. Corresponding preseasonal and seasonal in vitro results are presented here.

Serum total IgE, specific IgE versus total and individual allergens of timothy pollen and allergen‐specific IgG showed a rapid increase in both groups until the season but showed no further increase or decrease during the season. Specific IgE was shown to correlate to specific IgG during hyposensitization.

Group WPA, with fewer symptoms in grass pollen season than group PPA showed a significantly higher increase of specific IgG and IgE than group PPA, but individual symptom scores were not correlated to specific IgG or IgE, or their ratio.

Specific IgE and IgG increases were not correlated to dosage. Surprisingly, almost all females were low‐responders to specific IgG and IgE though they had equal symptom scores, dosage, and side effects as males, while the characteristics of high‐responders to antibody were: youngest individuals and shortest duration of symptoms prior to treatment.

Crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis (CRIE) showed specific reaction to stimuli but no development of allergy against new timothy antigens.

High response of IgE to Ag 19 in CRIE during initial hyposensitization seems suitable as marker for prospective evaluation of clinical effect in grass pollen hyposensitization.

Nasal secretion was collected after methacholine provocation, and total IgE and specific IgE detected. There was no response to treatment, only a slight increase during the season. No decrease in nasal reactivity to methacholine was noted during one preseasonal hyposensitization.
Effect in Man of Anti‐Allergic Drugs on the Immediate and Late Phase Cutaneous Allergic Reactions Induced by Anti‐IgE
Authors: Grönneberg Reidar , Strandberg Kjell , Stålenheim Gunnemar , Zetterström Olle
Published: May 2007

Wheal and flare reactions as well as a late cutaneous allergic reaction (LCAR) were induced by anti‐human IgE in healthy subjects. The effect of the β2‐adrenoceptor stimulant terbutaline, the histamine‐1 (H1) receptor blocking agent mepyramine and the synthetic glucocorticoid betamethasone on these reactions was studied. All administrations were given intradermally (i.d.)

The immediate reaction to anti‐IgE was inhibited by 3 μg terbutaline and 30 μg mepyramine (P< 0.01) whereas 50 μg betamethasone had no effect. Terbutaline had no effect on the flare response induced by i.d. injected histamine but a slight effect on whealing. Terbutaline and mepyramine weakly reduced the LCAR throughout the observation period of 24 h (P< 0.01). In contrast, betamethasone almost completely abolished the LCAR. It is concluded that the two phases of the skin reaction to anti‐IgE are interrelated since an inhibition of the early phase was followed by an attenuation of the LCAR. The mechanism of action of steroids seems to differ fundamentally from that of other anti‐allergic drugs since inhibition of the early step in the reaction is not essential to the action on the late step. It is further suggested that terbutaline inhibits anti‐IgE‐mediated cutaneous reactions by inhibition of the mast cell release reaction.