bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dysregulation of arachidonic acid release and metabolism by atopic mononuclear cells
Authors: LANS D.M. , ROCKLIN R.E.
Published: April 2006

We studied the ability of monocytes to metabolize [3H]arachidonic acid (AA) provided exogenously by activated T cells, and the extent to which dexamethasone suppressed eicosanoid production by normal and atopic cells.[3H]AA metabolites were identified using a reverse‐phase high pressure liquid chromatography system (HPLC). Unstimulated and PHA‐stimulated T cells from normal and atopic subjects exhibited a similar uptake and time‐dependent release of radiolabel, 90% of which was identified as free AA. The addition of autologous normal and atopic monocytes to these cultures enhanced the release of radiolabel, even in the absence of stimulation with mitogen. Atopic T cell/monocyte cultures released significantly (P= 0.046) more radiolabel than normal cells when stimulated with PHA. Furthermore, the monocytes from both normal and atopic subjects metabolized T cell derived [3H]AA into cyclo‐oxygenase (CO) and lipoxygenase (LO) products. Under unstimulated conditions, atopic cells produced significantly (P= 0.04) less CO products than normal cells. In contrast, under PHA and calcium ionophore‐stimulated conditions, the atopic cells produced significantly (P= 0.048) more prostaglandins than normal donor cells. Furthermore, although the total release of radioactivity was comparable in both groups, significantly less (P= 0.02) free AA remained in ionophore‐stimulated culture supernatants from atopic cells. In order to study the regulation of AA release by normal and atopic T cells, dexamethasone (1 μm) was added to T cell cultures. Dexamethasone inhibited the release of [3H]AA from normal T cells to a significantly (P= 0.003) greater extent than it did to atopic cells. Our studies suggest that mononuclear cells from atopic subjects have abnormalities both in AA metabolism and the regulation of its release, supporting the hypothesis that allergic individuals exhibit disordered cellular immunoregulation and enhanced inflammatory responses.
Asthma and allergic rhinitis in Swedish conscripts
Authors: ÅBERG N.
Published: April 2006

The computer records of Swedish conscript examinations in 1971 and 1981 were analysed regarding the prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis. The material comprised ∼ 55 000 18‐year‐old males in each cohort. During the 10‐year period the prevalence of asthma increased from 1.9 to 2.8% and of allergic rhinitis from 4.4 to 8.4%. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis was already higher in the northern than in the southern part of the country in 1971. The increase in both diseases was higher in the northern parts of Sweden, giving double prevalence figures in the northern part of the country compared to the southern part in 1981. The distribution of the prevalence was similar to the temperature pattern in the country, the higher prevalence being associated with a colder outdoor climate. Both diseases were more prevalent in urban than in rural areas.
Blood flow in dermal allergen‐induced immediate and late‐phase reactions
Authors: HAMMARLUND ANN , OLSSON P. , PIPKORN U.
Published: April 2006

Changes in local skin blood flow after prick‐tests with histamine and allergen challenge were evaluated using laser doppler flowmetry. Two series of measurements were performed; each included 11 subjects with seasonal allergic rhinitis. In the first series vascular reactions were registered intermittently for a period of 6 hr. This was then repeated with additional registrations after 14 and 24 hr. Registrations were made in the skin close to where the test substances were applied which was in the area of the initial weal reaction. Pre‐loaded skin‐prick test needles were used for the histamine and allergen tests. Controls using ‘blank’ needles were also set on the same occasion. The control induced a transient increase in blood flow which had disappeared after 1 hr. After histamine challenge, the initial rapid increase in blood flow was followed by a slow return to baseline within 1 hr, and no further changes were noticed during the registration period. A different blood flow response was seen after the application of allergen. After an initial increase, the blood flow remained at this higher level for more than 6 hr. Thereafter a slow decrease towards baseline was seen within 24 hr. The pronounced difference between the histamine‐ and allergen‐induced responses in the later part of the registrations after similar initial peak responses indicates that actions other than an initial burst of released histamine are responsible for the changes in dermal blood flow observed after allergen. Furthermore, our results suggest that an allergen challenge induces a continuous change in blood flow for up to 24 hr, rather than a biphasic response, in only some subjects which might be suspected from the visual reappearance of redness and induration of the skin which characterizes a dermal late‐phase reaction.
A double‐blind assessment of additive intolerance in children using a 12 day challenge period at home
Authors: WILSON NICOLA , SCOTT ALEXA
Published: April 2006

Alleged food‐additive intolerance (respiratory, dermatological, behavioural or abdominal) was assessed in 19 children using daily challenge drinks of either, base product alone, base product plus sunset yellow/tartrazine, or base product plus sodium metabisulphite/sodium benzoate. The same type of drink was given for 12 days, double‐blind and in random order. During the trial the children were maintained on an additive‐free diet under supervision. Diary cards were used to record symptoms and medication usage. If there was an apparent association between symptoms and drink ingredient the trial was repeated, again double‐blind. Additive intolerance was confirmed by a consistent deterioration of symptoms in only three children. In one, urticaria was induced by the colourings, in another extremely abnormal behaviour was induced by the preservatives and a third child was only free of asthma and abdominal pain on placebo. This form of individual trial, using 12 daily drinks, overcomes some of the objections to a single challenge study. Despite this, intolerance to the additives was only confirmed in 3/19 children in whom it had been believed to occur.
Allergic reactions to the Australian paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus: diagnostic evaluation by skin test and radioimmunoassay
Authors: GAUCI M. , LOH R. K. S. , STONE B. F. , THONG Y. H.
Published: April 2006

Allergic reactions to Ixodes holocyclus are well recognized but poorly defined. Tick‐bite reactions in 42 individuals in this study fell into six classes. Skin‐prick tests and radioimmunoassay (RIA) indicated that all systemic hypersensitivity (class 3) and atypical reactions (class 4) were IgE‐mediated. Some 73% of the large local reactions (class 2) and only 12.5% of the small local reactions (class 1) were associated with IgE specific for tick allergens. Subjects who reported heavy exposure to tick‐bite were more likely to have positive RIA values (P<0.05). There was an association between the individual's atopic status and tick allergy (P>0.05).
Nasal provocation with histamine in allergic rhinitis patients: clinical significance and reproducibility
Authors: VAN WIJK R. GERTH , MULDER P. G. H. , DIEGES P. H.
Published: April 2006

In a selected group of rhinitis patients (n= 12) with an IgE‐mediated allergy to house dust mites, the nasal response to insufflation of histamine chloride appeared to be related to symptom scores obtained from the patients. In contrast to the sum of the nasal airway resistances (NAR) induced by all doses of histamine, the total amount of secretion and total number of sneezes could be predicted from clinical scores. The reproducibility of the nasal provocation test was tested by comparison of the test results in two sessions with a 1‐week interval. The correlation between both sessions was highest with respect to nasal secretion (r=0.87; P<0.001) and the number of sneezes (r=0.76; P=0.004). The correlation coefficient was 0.71 (P=0.01) when the nasal airway resistance was used in the assessment of nasal response. A good reproducibility of the nasal provocation test was also obtained using an end‐point titration method and determining the concentration required to produce 0.5 ml secretion and/or five sneezes as the end‐point (r=0.76; P=0.004). The concentration required to double nasal airway resistance yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.56 (P=0.052). We conclude that the clinical significance of nasal provocation with histamine increases when, besides nasal airway resistance, the amount of secretion and the number of sneezes is used in the assessment of the nasal response. Moreover, the reproducibility is better with respect to these symptoms than to nasal airway resistance. With respect to a better reproducibility, the use of a summed nasal airway resistance is preferable above the end‐point concentration required for a 100% NAR increase.
Suppression of the late asthmatic reaction by hyposensitization in asthmatic children allergic to house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus)
Authors: VAN BEVER H. P. , STEVENS W. J.
Published: April 2006

In this study, we wanted to test the hypothesis that hyposensitization (HS) abrogates the late asthmatic reaction (LAR). We therefore selected 15 asthmatic children (subjects) sensitized to house dust mite (HDM), as proven by positive prick tests and/or specific IgE via the RAST. All children demonstrated a positive bronchial provocation test (BPT) to HDM; 14 showed a dual asthmatic reaction and one child showed an isolated LAR. All children were treated with anti‐asthmatic drugs and received HS. They were rechallenged after 1 yr of HS while their anti‐asthmatic medication was not changed, except for β‐agonists which were used only for relief of symptoms. Two BPTs, with a mean interval of 6.4 months, were also performed in eight asthmatic children (controls), who did not receive HS. In the controls, the same reaction pattern was observed during both BPTs. In the subjects, the LAR completely resolved in 5/15 after 1 yr of HS (P= 0.04). Furthermore, as a group, the subjects showed a less severe LAR after 1 yr of HS (expressed as mean fall of FEV1) (P < 0.0001). The PD20 of the immediate asthmatic reaction (IAR) was the same as before HS was started, but the IAR was also less severe after 1 yr of HS (expressed as mean fall of FEV1) (P= 0.028). From these observations it is concluded that, in asthmatic children, HS may resolve and/or reduce the severity of the LAR. Although the PD20 of the IAR is not changed, the severity of the IAR is also reduced after 1 yr of HS.
The relationship between exposure to rats and antibody production in man: IgG antibody levels to rat urinary protein
Authors: BOTHAM JANE W. , McCALL JANIE C. , TEASDALE E. L. , BOTHAM P. A.
Published: April 2006

An ELISA procedure has been developed to measure specific IgG antibodies against rat urine. Using this method antibody levels in individuals with differing exposure levels to rats have been measured. Mean antibody titres in groups of workers regularly exposed to rats were higher than those in groups currently or totally non‐exposed. However, only in the group of workers exposed and sensitized to rats were IgG levels significantly elevated. Despite this significant difference in mean antibody titres there was considerable overlap between individuals in each group, and there was no direct relationship between exposure to rats and levels of IgG anti‐rat urine antibody. Our results suggest a stronger correlation between sensitization to rats and the levels of antigen‐specific IgG antibodies.
Evaluation of the conjunctival provocation test in allergy diagnosis
Authors: GARCÍA‐ORTEGA P. , COSTA B. , RICHART C.
Published: April 2006

Conjunctival provocation tests (CPT) were performed in 65 respiratory allergic patients, 24 of them with a clinical history of allergic conjunctivitis and 41 who had never complained of allergic conjunctivitis, to assess the role of the conjunctiva as a target organ. The usefulness of CPT and RAST to identify symptom‐related and symptom‐unrelated allergen in 51 patients sensitized to two allergens but only symptomatic to one of them was also studied. Conjunctiva was found to react in a similar way to skin in patients with and without clinical conjunctivitis. CPT was positive for both symptom‐related and symptom‐unrelated allergens in 33 of the 51 pluri‐sensitized patients. Nevertheless, in the 18 patients showing positive CPT to only one allergen, agreement with clinical data was generally found. Thus CPT appears to be a useful test in the evaluation of atopic sensitization in patients reactive to a single allergen, but not in the identification of clinically relevant allergens in individuals who are skin or RAST positive to multiple agents.
The results of skin testing with food additives and the effect of an elimination diet in chronic and recurrent urticaria and recurrent angioedema
Authors: MALANIN G. , KALIMO KIRSTI
Published: April 2006

Ninety‐one subjects suffering from chronic or recurrent urticaria or recurrent angioedema of 2 months to 17 yr duration were skin‐prick and scratch tested with 18 various food additives. Twenty‐four of the subjects (26%) had at least one histamine equivalent skin test (ST) reaction. In contrast, only 24 (10%) of 247 non‐urticaria control subjects showed comparable results. An oral provocation test with food additives was carried out on 10 of the 24 ST‐positive subjects with urticaria or angioedema, but only one positive reaction, caused by benzoic acid, was recorded. All 91 subjects were advised to follow an additive‐free diet. The effect of the diet was investigated with a retrospective postal survey. Twenty‐three ST‐positive subjects returned the questionnaire, 18 had followed the diet, and 16 (89%) of these 18 had experienced marked relief of their symptoms. Correspondingly, 42 of the 47 ST‐negative subjects had followed the diet, and 17 (40%) had improved. The difference was significant (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that skin tests with food additives can be used to measure skin hyperreactivity and that they may have a predictive value in identifying patients who will respond to an additive‐free diet.
The effects of terfenadine with and without alcohol on an aspect of car driving performance
Authors: BHATTI J. Z. , HINDMARCH I.
Published: April 2006

Twelve healthy female volunteers received acute doses of terfenadine, 60 mg, 120 mg, 240 mg or placebo, followed by a ‘social’ dose of alcohol equivalent to 0.5 g absolute alcohol/kg body weight. Performance was assessed on laboratory analogues of car driving both before and after alcohol administration. Terfenadine (240 mg) was found to significantly impair performance alone and following alcohol. The results demonstrate the importance of establishing the behavioural effects of drugs over a range of doses.
Obstructive airways disease in non‐smoking subjects with pigeon fanciers' lung
Authors: BOURKE S. J. , CARTER R. , ANDERSON K. , BOYD J. , KING S. , DOUGLAS B. , BOYD G.
Published: April 2006

The aim of the study was to assess the degree of airways involvement in non‐smoking subjects with extrinsic allergic alveolitis resulting from pigeon‐derived antigens. Two hundred and eight pigeon fanciers completed a questionnaire of symptoms, performed spirometry on a Vitalograph Compact spirometer and had IgG antibody to pigeon γ‐globulin measured. Eighty fanciers had the acute form of pigeon fanciers' lung (PFL) and these subjects were less likely to be current smokers (P <0.001). Subjects with PFL had a higher prevalence of chronic bronchitis (P <0.001), large airways (P= 0.014) and peripheral airways obstruction (P <0.001). The prevalence of chronic bronchitis and peripheral airways obstruction increased significantly as the level of antibody to pigeon γ‐globulin rose. Peripheral airways obstruction, as manifest by a reduced FEF25–75%, was the most common abnormality found. Airways disease is an important feature of the acute form of PFL and consists of a hypersecretory disorder in the form of chronic bronchitis and of obstructive airways disease particularly affecting the peripheral airways.
Diagnosis of occupational asthma
Authors: Burge P. S.
Published: April 2006

Accurate diagnosis of occupational asthma takes time, enthusiasm and a particular knowledge of the work situation, as well as expertise in the use of diagnostic procedures. The prognosis of patients with occupational asthma is probably improved by removing them from the responsible agent as soon as possible after sensitization occurs. However, it is much easier to make the diagnosis while the worker is still exposed to the cause of the problem. Early referral for expert investigation is therefore important.
New H1‐receptor antagonists: clinical pharmacology
Authors: SIMONS F. ESTELLE R.
Published: April 2006

The non‐sedating, second‐generation H1‐receptor antagonists such as terfenadine, astemizole, loratadine and cetirizine differ considerably from each other in their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. They are generally well absorbed when administered orally. They have extremely variable serum elimination half‐life values. The maximum antihistaminic effect of these medications occurs several hours later than peak serum concentrations do. The duration of the antihistaminic effect is much longer than would be predicted from the serum elimination half‐life values. The relative incidence of anticholinergic and central nervous system adverse effects caused by these medications is similar to that produced by placebo. The introduction of the second‐generation H1‐receptor antagonists represents a major advance in symptomatic therapy of allergic disorders such as allergic rhinitis and urticaria.
Does the clinical experience with non‐sedating H1‐antagonists justify a reassessment of antihistamines in allergy treatment?
Authors: DE WECK A. L.
Published: April 2006

Although antihistamines were usually considered as ineffective in asthma, the appearance of new more potent anti‐H1‐antagonists with no or less side‐effects leads to a reassessment of their use. Although mediators and mechanisms other than histamine are involved in natural or provoked reactions to allergens in the skin, the nose or the lungs, the new anti‐H1‐antagonists have been shown to be effective. For some of these drugs, the effect may go beyond a mere H1‐receptor blockade and involve impairment of mediator release from mast cells and/or an inhibiting effect on other cell types (e.g. eosinophils) implicated in the late‐phase reactions. Quantitative kinetics evaluation of late‐phase reactions in the skin and of their inhibition by anti‐allergic drugs will be helped considerably by the development of telethermography, a new skin evaluation technique.
Bronchial asthma is not associated with auto‐antibodies to lipocortin‐1
Authors: WILKINSON J. R. W. , PODGORSKI M. R. , GODOLPHIN J. L. , GOULDING N. J. , LEE T. H.
Published: April 2006

Corticosteroids may mediate some of their anti‐inflammatory action by the induction of lipocortin‐1, which inhibits phospholipase A2 activity. Raised levels of antibodies to lipocortin have been found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and it has been postulated that these may contribute to steroid resistance. A proportion of asthmatic patients fail to respond to treatment with corticosteroids and one possible mechanism is that these patients have raised levels of anti‐lipocortin antibodies. We have therefore measured IgG and IgM antibodies to lipocortin by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in eight corticosteroid‐sensitive (CS) and 7 corticosteroid‐resistant (CR) asthmatic subjects, and in eight normal controls. Comparison of asthmatic subjects with normal controls revealed no significant differences in either IgG or IgM antibodies to lipocortin. Comparison of CS asthmatic subjects with CR asthmatic subjects similarly revealed no significant differences in the concentration of either IgG or IgM antibodies to lipocortin. Levels of anti‐lipocortin antibodies did not correlate with clinical response to treatment with 40 mg/day of prednisolone. Anti‐lipocortin antibodies are unlikely to be involved in the inflammation seen in asthma, or in the relative insensitivity to corticosteroids seen in CR asthmatic subjects.
Does reversed‐type anaphylaxis in healthy subjects mimic a real allergic reaction?
Authors: HENOCQ E. , RIHOUX J.‐P.
Published: April 2006

Immediate and late cutaneous reactions were induced in healthy and atopic subjects by anti‐IgE challenge and a skin‐window technique was used in order to verify if the pattern of cells observed at 24 hr was similar in both groups. The study was first performed under basal conditions, and in a second double‐blind cross‐over step, it was performed again during treatment with cetirizine 10 mg b.i.d. and terfenadine 60 mg b.i.d. Anti‐IgE challenge was followed by a significant eosinophil accumulation in atopic subjects only. Cetirizine significantly inhibited this phenomenon while terfenadine showed a mild nonsignificant inhibitory effect.
Short‐term decrease of skin‐test sensitivity after rush desensitization in Hymenoptera venom hypersensitivity
Authors: TSICOPOULOS ANNE , TONNEL A. B. , WALLAERT B. , RAMON Ph. , JOSEPH M. , CAPRON A.
Published: April 2006

Thirty‐seven patients with a history of systemic anaphylactic stings were desensitized by the rush method. Patients were evaluated by skin testing twice, before and 6 weeks after desensitization. An additional control group of 10 patients, not yet desensitized, were tested for skin test technique reproducibility at 6‐week intervals. Results were compared with IgE and IgG antibody levels, and with platelet reactivity towards specific Hymenoptera venom. Before desensitization, the maximum skin‐test sensitivity was observed at 10−5μg venom/ml in 56% of patients and decreased to 10−1μg venom/ml after desensitization (48·6% of patients). Decrease of cutaneous tests was observed in 28/37 patients (75%) (P < 0·001) and was not associated with significant variations of specific IgE or IgG antibody levels, but was correlated with the decrease of platelet reactivity (P < 0·05). Conversely, variations of skin‐test sensitivity in the control group was not significant.
House dust mite sensitivity: a comparison of immune response with exposure to four species of Pyroglyphidae
Authors: YOUNG R. P. , HART B. J. , FAUX J. A. , HOPKIN J. M.
Published: April 2006

Twenty‐five atopic children under 11 years of age were studied, using skin and RAST tests, for their specific IgE response to four species of pyroglyphid house dust mites, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, D. farinae, D. microceras and Euroglyphus maynei. All of the children were sensitive to D. pteronyssinus, 20 (80%) of these children were also sensitive to D. farinae and D. microceras, and 16 of the latter (64%) were also sensitive to E. maynei. Dust samples from various sites in the homes of the children revealed D. pteronyssinus in all homes studied but no D. farinae or D. microceras. E. maynei, although identified, was not present in significant numbers in any site. A control group of 20 atopic children of similar age who were not sensitive to house dust mite allergens had a similar exposure to the four mite species. These results suggest that factors in addition to mite exposure are important in the development of specific IgE responses to house dust mites.
Complexes of grass pollen allergens and specific antibodies reduce allergic symptoms and inhibit the seasonal increase of IgE antibody
Authors: MACHIELS J. J. , BUCHE M. , SOMVILLE M. A. , JACQUEMIN M. G. , SAINT‐REMY J. M. R.
Published: April 2006

Complexes made from antigen and specific antibodies have been used to suppress specific antibody production. This property is of potential therapeutic interest in immediate hypersensitivily states which are characterized by hyperproduction of IgE antibodies. We report here on the use of antigen‐antibody complexes in patients with hypersensitivity to grass pollen. Specific anti‐allergen antibodies were prepared by immunoadsorption from the serum of hypersensitive individuals and mixed with grass pollen allergens to form complexes in antibody excess. These complexes were used in a strictly autologous manner for inoculating patients prior to and during a pollen season. The study comprised two randomly defined groups of 15 patients who were inoculated intradermally either with a preparation of allergen‐antibody complexes or with the carrier buffer, according to a double‐blind protocol. Diary cards were used to follow nasal and ocular symptoms, bronchial asthma and medication intake. Specific IgE antibodies were assayed during the trial and 1 year afterwards.

Inoculation of allergen‐autologous antibody complexes was well tolerated. It significantly reduced ocular symptoms (Mann‐Whitney U‐test, P < 0·05), bronchial asthma during the first part of the season (Mann‐Whitney U‐test, P < 0·001) and drug intake (Mann‐Whitney U‐test, P < 0·001). This treatment prevented the seasonal increase in specific IgE antibodies, whose production continued to decrease after the pollen season. These effects were obtained within a few weeks of treatment, using a cumulative amount of allergen 100‐fold lower than the amount which would have been used for a conventional hyposensitization.

Inoculation of allergen‐antibody complexes might prove to be a valuable alternative for the treatment of immediate hypersensitivity.
Serial immunological investigations in a patient who had a life‐threatening reaction to intravenous protamine
Authors: WEISS M. E. , CHATHAM F. , KAGEY‐SOBOTKA ANNE , ADKINSON N. F.
Published: April 2006

Reactions to intravenous protamine include rash, urticaria, bronchospasm, hypotension. and/or pulmonary artery pressure elevation. We have previously shown that in diabetic patients receiving daily protamine insulin injeetions, the presence of anti‐protamine IgE or IgG antibodies are significant risk factors for acute, life‐threatening reactions when protamine is given intravenously. To study protamine reactions further, we measured serum anti‐protamine IgE and IgG antibody levels, in‐vitro basophil histamine release and intracutaneous skin testing to protamine serially in an NPH‐insulin dependent diabetic who had a severe, protracted anaphlactic reaction to protamine. At the time of his protamine reaction, his serum contained 8·5 ng/ml of anti‐protamine IgE and 1·3 μg/ml of anti‐protamine IgG antibody. One month following the reaction both anti‐protamine IgE and IgG increased to 16 ng/ml (twofold rise) and 90·5 μg/ml (70‐fold rise), respectively. With time, both anti‐protamine IgE and IgG antibody declined. Serial intradermal skin tests using protamine sulphate did not discriminate between the protamine reactor and nine normal control subjects who had no prior exposure nor any demonstrable serum IgE antibody to protamine. In‐vitro basophil histamine release to protamine sulphate was inconclusive in discriminating between the protamine reactor and normal control subjects. We postulate that protamine may be an incomplete or univalent antigen that must first combine with a tissue macromolecule or possibly heparin to become a complete multivalent antigen capable of eliciting IgE antibody‐dependent mediator release.
Recurrent urticaria and reduced diamine oxidase activity
Authors: LESSOF M. H. , GANT V. , HINUMA K. , MURPHY G. M. , DOWLING R. H.
Published: April 2006

An abnormal metabolism of histamine has been suspected in urticaria and the role of diamine oxidase (DAO; histaminase) is therefore of interest. We have studied DAO activity in plasma and jejunal biopsy material and have measured the post‐heparin DAO release in 11 control subjects and nine with recurrent urticaria, three of whom had had concurrent episodes of abdominal pain. Two of the nine urticaria subjects had only a minimal rise in plasma DAO activity after heparin, three had a response which was at the lower end of the normal range, and four were normal. In four out of five cases in which jejunal biopsy activity was obtained, there was concordance between mucosal DAO activity and the post‐heparin plasma DAO response. Those with abdominal symptoms had abnormally low mucosal DAO activity and the subject who was most severely affected had proven episodes of small bowel oedema.
Platelet activating factor does not release histamine from human dispersed cutaneous mast cells
Authors: THOMAS G. , CHURCH M. K.
Published: April 2006

Histamine H1‐antagonists inhibit the weal‐and‐flare responses to the intradermal injection of platelet activating factor (PAF) in humans, and PAF response is reduced in histamine‐depleted skin sites. This indicates that mast cell histamine release is likely to be the mechanism of this response. We have therefore studied the interaction of PAF with cutaneous mast cells by observing whether it releases histamine directly from human dispersed foreskin mast cells, potentiates the activity of known mast cell stimulants or liberates histamine releasing factors (HRFs) from human platelets and leucocytes to release mast cell histamine by an indirect mechanism. At a concentration of 100 μM both PAF C18 and PAF C16 caused near maximal release (83·5±4·3% and 88·2 ± 4·5% respectively) of the total histamine content of the cell. This release was not inhibited in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, by the lack of metabolic energy or in the presence of the PAF antagonists WEB 2086 (100 nM‐3μM) or BN 52021 (100 nM–10 μM). These results indicate a cytotoxic mechanism of histamine release by PAF 100 μM. PAF (10nM–1 μM) failed to potentiate the mast cell‐stimulating activity of anti‐IgE, calcium ionophore A23187 or substance P and it did not induce the release of HRFs for skin mast cells when incubated with platelets and leucocytes in concentrations up to 1 μM.
Prevalence of specific IgE to storage mites (A. siro, L. destructor and T. longior) in an urban population and crossreactivity with the house dust mite (D. pteronyssinus)
Authors: LUCZYNSKA CHRISTINA M. , GRIFFIN P. , DAVIES R. J. , TOPPING M. D.
Published: April 2006

The role of pyroglyphid mites in house dust allergy is well established and the major allergens from the common house dust mites (Dermatophogoides species) have been characterized. There is, however, relatively little progress in the understanding of the human IgE response to non‐pyroglyphid storage mites, allergenic crossreactivity with other mite species and extent of environmental exposure. We studied 196 individuals from an urban environment who were not occupationally exposed to storage mites and found a 24% prevalence of specific IgE antibody to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and a 14% prevalence of RAST positivity to at least one of three storage mites, Acarus siro, Lepidoglyphus destructor and Tyrophagus longior. All individuals with a positive RAST to storage mites had specific IgE to D.pteronyssinus. RAST inhibition studies with the eight sera with greater than 2% RAST binding to both families of mites showed considerable crossreactivity between D. pteronyssinus and the storage mites A.siro and T. longior and limited crossreactivity between D. pteronyssinus and L. destructor. This suggests that at least some of the response to storage mites observed by direct RAST is a consequence of crossreactivity with the more abundant D. pteronyssinus.
Comparison of the in‐vivo and in‐vitro response to ragweed immunotherapy in children and adults with ragweed‐induced rhinitis
Authors: HEDLIN GUNILLA , SILBER G. , NACLERIO R. , PROUD D. , LAMAS ANA M. , EGGLESTON P. , ADKINSON N. F.
Published: April 2006

In order to compare results of allergen immunotherapy in paediatric and adult populations, 22 children with a history of ragweed hay fever were matched with an equal number of adults for skin sensitivity to ragweed and all were given a 1‐year course of immunotherapy with a partially purified ragweed extract. Biological responses were measured by nasal challenges with ragweed before therapy was started, after 12 weekly injections and when the maintenance dose had been reached and also by methacholine bronchoprovocation tests before and after 12 months of therapy. Skin‐test sensitivity to ragweed and control allergens, and ragweed‐specific IgE and IgG antibody responses were measured at the same intervals as the challenges and at the end of the study. The effect of the therapy on clinical symptoms was not evaluated. Before therapy the groups of adults and children were comparable by all indices, except for TAME esterase activity in nasal washes during ragweed nasal challenge which was significantly lower in children. During treatment, mediators released during sequential nasal challenges declined to undetectable levels in most patients and changes in nasal ragweed sensitivity were comparable in both groups. Ragweed IgE increases after 12 weeks of therapy and IgG levels at maintenance therapy tended to be higher in the children, but neither difference was statistically significant. At the end of the study IgE and IgG antibody levels were comparable in both groups. Results of methacholine inhalation tests did not change significantly in either group. The decrease in skin sensitivity to ragweed was similar in both groups. We conclude that ragweed immunotherapy leads to immunological and biological consequences that are comparable in children and adults.
Crossreactivity of IgE antibodies from sera of subjects allergic to both ryegrass pollen and wheat endosperm proteins: evidence for common allergenic determinants
Authors: DONOVAN G. R. , BALDO B. A.
Published: April 2006

Positive RAST (> 5% radioactive uptakes) to wheat endosperm proteins were found in approximately one‐quarter of subjects who had both a positive skin prick and RAST (> 10% radioactive uptake) to ryegrass pollen proteins. Immunoblotting of proteins electrophoretically transferred to nitrocellulose membrane after SDS‐PAGE of ryegrass pollen and wheat endosperm proteins confirmed the crossreactive properties of the sera identified by RAST testing. Immunoadsorption of serum IgE onto nitrocellulose membrane, to which ryegrass pollen or wheat endosperm proteins had been adsorbed, removed IgE from crossreactive sera reactive to both ryegrass pollen and wheat endosperm proteins. Elution of the adsorbed IgE from the nitrocellulose membrane after immunoadsorption and probing blotted strips of both ryegrass pollen and wheat endosperm proteins supported the results obtained from the immunoadsorption experiments. This data provides evidence that the crossreactivity of IgE antibodies in sera reacting with both ryegrass pollen and wheat endosperm proteins involves common or related determinants and has implications for the clinical management of these allergic subjects.
Role of insects as inhalant allergens in bronchial asthma with special reference to the clinical characteristics of patients
Authors: GUPTA SAROJ , JAIN S. , CHAUDHRY SUMAN , AGARWAL M. K.
Published: April 2006

The whole body extracts (WBEs) of 13 common insects from Delhi, namely Musca domestica (house fly); Sitophilus oryzae (rice weevil); Callosobrochous maculatus (pulse beetle); Anopheles stephensi, Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti (mosquitoes); Blattella germanica and Periplaneta americana (cockroaches: male, female and nymph); Spodoptera litura and Heliothis armigera (moths), were prepared to evaluate their allergenic significance in patients with allergic bronchial asthma, Intradermal (ID) tests were performed with these WBEs on 75 patients with bronchial asthma and 20 healthy non‐allergic volunteers. An ID test was considered positive when the weal diameter was more than twice that of phosphate‐buffered saline control and at least 6 mm in size and an erythema of more than 15 mm. In the patients 27·7% of the ID tests performed were total positive (1+ to 4+) as compared to 7·1% in the controls. Ten point two per cent of ID responses were markedly positive in asthmatics (2+ to 4+) as against none in controls, Of the 13 bronchial provocation tests (BPTs) performed on patients giving positive cutaneous responses, eight (61·5%) were positive. Similarly, RASTs were positive in 87·5% of the limited sera tested from the patients with positive ID responses. The patients with a positive family history of allergic disorders gave higher percentages of positive ID responses as compared to the asthmatics with no family history. Similarly, the ID positivity was significantly higher in patients with associated allergic diseases like allergic rhinitis as compared to the patients with bronchial asthma alone. Interestingly, we observed significantly higher ID response to insects in seasonal asthmatics. Thus, we conclude that insects do play an important role in the aetiology of allergic bronchial asthma, and that allergy to insects has a significant bearing on the clinical characteristics of these patients.
Evaluation of Basidiomycete and Deuteromycete (Fungi Imperfecti) extracts for shared allergenic determinants
Authors: O'NEIL CAROL E. , HORNER W. E. , REED MARGARET A. , LOPEZ M. , LEHRER S. B.
Published: April 2006

Aqueous extracts of select members of the Basidiomycetes and Deuteromycetes (Fungi Imperfecti) were evaluated for the presence of shared allergenic determinants using skin prick and radio‐allergosorbent test (RAST) inhibition. Twenty adults with perennial symptoms of rhinitis, with or without asthma, were skin‐prick tested with six species of Deuteromycetes and seven species of Basidomycetes. Positive weal‐and‐flare reactivity to Pleurotus ostreatus was associated with Alternaria alternata, Fusarium solani and Epicoccum purpurescens. Positive skin reactivity to Calvatia cyathiformis was also associated with A. alternata and F. solani. Coprinus quadrifidus was associated only with F. solani, and Psilocybe cubensis was only associated with Aspergillus fumigatus. No other skin test associations were demonstrated. For every allergen tested by RAST inhibition, significant dose‐dependent homologous inhibition was demonstrated. Although the ability of an individual heterologous extract to inhibit the direct RAST varied, inhibition was generally minimal. In the most extreme example, no heterologous allergen inhibited the A. alternata RAST. However, the Armillaria tabescens RAST was inhibited 52·6%, 38·1% and 25·1% by A. fumigatus, E. purpurescens, and Penicillium notatum, respectively, suggesting significant cross‐reactivity. These results suggest that, although shared allergenic determinants exist between select species of Basidiomycetes and Deuteromycetes, crossreactivity is minimal and its clinical significance is not clear. These data confirm that for reliable diagnosis of fungal allergy, representatives of both major groups must be used.
Immediate hypersensitivity to Parthenium hysterophorus. II. Clinical studies on the prevalence of parthenium rhinitis
Authors: SRIRAMARAO P. , NAGPAL S. , SUBBA RAO B. S. , PRAKASH OM , SUBBA RAO P. V.
Published: April 2006

The airborne pollen of the South American weed, Parthenium hysterophorus (American feverfew), accidentally introduced into India was found to he responsible for severe allergic rhinitis. A random clinical survey conducted on 2035 residents of Bangalore city with the aid of questionnaires and skin tests revealed that 7.1% of the study population was suffering from allergic rhinitis due to exposure to Parthenium pollen. Skin‐prick tests performed on 1294 clinic patients suffering from nasobronchial allergy during the past 4 years have also shown that 42.5% were sensitive to Parthenium pollen. IgE and IgG antibodies specific for Parthenium pollen allergens were demonstrable in the sera of Parthenium‐sensitive rhinitis patients. The specificity of these antibodies in Parthenium allergens was established by ELISA. A 7‐ to 11‐fold higher stimulation was observed when lymphocytes from two Parthenium‐sensitive rhinitis patients were treated in vitro with Parthenium pollen extract. To our knowledge, nowhere in the world has such a high incidence of allergic rhinitis due to a single pollen ever been reported.
Bronchial hyperresponsiveness and cellular infiltration in the lung of guinea‐pigs sensitized and challenged by aerosol
Authors: BOICHOT ELISABETH , LAGENTE V. , CARRE C. , WALTMANN P. , MENCIA‐HUERTA J. M. , BRAQUET P.
Published: April 2006

We have studied the development of airway hyperresponsiveness and the pulmonary cell infiltration in a guinea‐pig model in which both initial sensitization and subsequent exposure to the antigen were performed by aerosol. Enhanced bronchopulmonary response to aerosol administration of acetylcholine (ACh) and 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) was observed 3–4 hr and 18–24 hr after antigen exposure of sensitized animals. In contrast, when ACh and 5‐HT were administered intravenously 3–4 hr after the challenge, no significant alteration of the dose ‐response curves was observed. However, 18–24 hr after antigen challenge, a marked leftward shift of the dose‐response curve was observed on intravenous injection of ACh or 5‐HT. The increased bronchial reactivity to aerosoli?.ed ACh in sensitized and challenged guinea‐pigs reached a maximum by days 2–4, was still significantly increased at day 5 and returned to the basal value by day 8. No further alteration of the dose‐related bronchopulmonary response to aerosol or intravenous administration of ACh was recorded 24 hr after a second antigen challenge, performed 8 days after the initial one. The analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluids showed a significant increase in the number of polymorphonuclear neutrophils 3–4 hr after the exposure of sensitized animals to the antigen, which was also associated with a significant eosinophilia at 18–24 hr. Histological examination of lung specimens obtained from animals 3–4 hr following challenge demonstrated eosinophil infiltration in the peribronchial regions and bronchial walls, as well as within the epithelium. Furthermore, as compared to time 3–4 hr, less eosinophils in the peribronchial area and submucosa were counted 24 hr after antigen challenge. However, a role of eosinophil‐derived products in the development of bronchial hyperresponsivenss in this experimental model remains to be established.
Radioimmunoassay of human eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) by an improved method. Establishment of normal levels in serum and turnover in vivo
Authors: PETERSON C. G. B. , ENANDER I. , NYSTRAND J. , ANDERSON A. S. , NILSSON L. , VENGE P.
Published: April 2006

A radio immunoassay was developed allowing measurement of the cytotoxic cationic ECP. The assay, which has a total incubation time of 3.5 hr, is a double antibody assay with radiolabelled ECP. covering the concentration range of 2–200 μ/l. Performance data show a detection limit of < 2 μg/1 and a cross‐reactivity with eosinophil protein X (EPX/EDN) of <0.06%. The coefficient of variation (%) within the measuring range was, within assay 4.8–10.4, and total 6.6–12.0. The assay is useful for measurement in various body fluids including serum, nasal secretions and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and dilution of samples prior to analysts was generally not required. Sera from 100 apparently healthy individuals revealed a geometric mean of 6.0 μg ECP/1 and a range (95%) of 2.3–15.9 μg/1. The elimination rate of ECP, t12. in vivo was estimated to be 65 min when ECP was measured in serum. Comparisons between this assay and a method previously described showed that the new method is superior with regard to precision and assay procedure.
Quantifying serum antibody class and subclass responses by enzyme immunoassay in humidifier‐related disease
Authors: LEWIS C. , McSHARRY C. , ANDERSON K. , SPEEKENBRINK A. , KEMENY D. M. , DURNIN S. , FEYERABEND C. , SINCLAIR D. , WATT A. D. , BOYD G.
Published: April 2006

Antibody activity in the major classes and IgG subclasses against antigens in factory humidifier water was quantified by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) in 88 subjects who were exposed at work to the output from these contaminated humidifiers. Those with work‐related symptoms had significantly higher mean titres than those who were symptom free, although values overlapped. The individuals with the highest IgG antibody titres also had the highest titres of IgM and IgA antibody, and these parameters did not discriminate between those with and without symptoms any better than the IgG titre. This was also true for the IgG subclasses where activity was predominantly measured in IgG 1. Quantifying the IgG antibody allowed us to demonstrate a significant correlation with years of work exposure (P<0.001). There was no significant association between antibody and cigarette smoking, as assessed by smoking history and confirmed objectively by serum cotinine levels. There was a significant correlation with total IgG level (P<0.001) suggesting that a non‐specific immune enhancement may accompany the specific response. The antibody titres were followed up to 3 years after modification of the humidification systems, and during this time symptoms resolved and the antilunK levels progressively fell to undetectable levels. The EIA was adapted to measure antigen at nanogram levels thus providing a rapid test for screening of humidifier water as a technique that may help identify the nature of the antigens involved.
Clinical and immunological characteristics of Brazil nut allergy
Authors: ARSHAD S. H. , MALMBERG E. , KRAPF K. , HIDE D. W.
Published: April 2006

Twelve cases of allergy to Brazil nut have been recorded in the last 8 years. The reaction is usually IgE mediated and most patients have other atopic diseases. There appear to be several proteins with potent antigenic components in Brazil nut.
Nasal challenge studies with bradykinin: influence upon mediator generation
Authors: BRUNNÉE T. , NIGAM S. , KUNKEL G. , BAUMGARTEN C. R.
Published: April 2006

Previous studies have shown that nasal allergen provocation leads to dose‐dependent increases of inflammatory mediators, e.g. histamtne, kinins, LTC4 and PGD2 in nasal lavages. To investigte further the interaction of these mediators, a titration study with intranasal bradykinin (Bk) application (maximal dose 100 nmol/nostril) and consecutive lavage were performed in eight grass‐pollen‐allergic patients out of season, and five controls. The nasal lavages were analysed for albumin, N‐α‐tosyl‐l‐arginine methyl ester (TAME) esterase activity, histamine, 9α,11β‐PGF2, and LTC4. The clinical reactions were mesured with a subjective symptom score. A dose‐dependent elevation of albumin was found which was significantly higher in patients with allergic and non‐allergic rhinitis compared with normal volunteers. TAME‐eslerase activity also increased in relation to the dosage of Bk given without significant difference between the various groups. No influence on histamine, LTC4 and 9α,11β‐PGF2, release (PGD2 metabolite) was seen. Short‐lasting clinical symptoms like irritation, sneezing, and obstruction were noticed after the two highest Bk dosages (10 and 100 nmol). We conclude that intransally applied Bk induces a dose‐dependent plasma leakage into the nasal cavity, which is significantly higher in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis out of season compared to normals. Bk does not seem to affect the mast cell since hisiamine, LTC4 and 9αl lβ‐PGF2 levels do not alter. The ability to induce relevant symptoms of rhinitis provides strong support for the hypothesis that kinins may be important mediators of inflammatory disorders of the upper airways.