bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary hypersensitivity to Alternaria and Aspergillus in baker's asthma
Authors: KLAUSTERMEYER W. B. , BARDANA E. J. , HALE F. C.
Published: April 2006

In two cases of baker's asthma pulmonary hypersensitivity was found to the fungi Alternaria and Aspergillus. Provocative bronchial challenge revealed a dual response; an immediate and an Arthus type hypersensitivity to Aspergillus in the first case. A primary binding assay revealed high titres of anti‐Aspergillus antibody in the serum. In the second case intradermal and bronchial challenge suggested an immediate type I hypersensitivity response to Alternaria. The suspected organisms were present in the room air of the bakeries. It is suggested that an immunological response to these airborne fungi may have contributed to the pathogenesis of baker's asthma.
Bronchial reactivity to inhaled histamine: a method and clinical survey
Authors: COCKCROFT D. W. , KILLIAN D. N. , MELLON J. J. A. , HARGREAVE F. E.
Published: April 2006

An easy and safe dose‐response histamine‐inhalation test is described, to measure the level of non‐specific bronchial reactivity.

The test was performed in 307 subjects. Non‐specific bronchial reactivity was increased in 3% of presumed normal subjects, in 100% of active asthmatics and in 69% of asymptomatic asthmatics with previous symptoms only at times of exposure to clinically relevant allergens. It was also increased in 47% of patients with cough and no other chest symptoms, in 40% of patients with rhinitis and vague chest symptoms not by themselves diagnostic of asthma, and in 22% of patients with rhinitis and no chest symptoms.

The patients with asthma were studied when their asthma was well controlled and when their minimum drug requirements had been established. The mean level of bronchial reactivity increased with increasing minimum drug requirements. The level of bronchial reactivity also showed a strong negative correlation with the forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1). Atopic subjects, with or without asthma, showed a significant positive correlation between the level of bronchial reactivity and atopic status as indicated by the number of positive allergy skin tests.
Extrinsic allergic alveolitis from bird exposure
Authors: WARREN C. P. W. , CHERNIACK R. M. , TSE K. S.
Published: April 2006

Six patients with extrinsic allergic alveolitis had weak immediate and strong late reactions to intracutaneous injection of bird serum. Biopsy of the late reaction revealed vasculitis and immunoglobulin and complement deposition in one. The antibody responsible for the immediate hypersensitivity could be transferred in serum. It was short lasting (4 hr) and resistant to heat and 2‐mercaptoethanol. No evidence of an immediate reaction in the lungs could be detected following inhalation challenge as judged by examination of spirometry, flow volume loops and single breath nitrogen washout curves.
IgE, IgG and IgA antibodies in serum and nasal secretion during parenteral hyposensitization
Authors: DEUSCHL H. , JOHANSSON S. G. O. , FAGERBERG F.
Published: April 2006

Eighteen adult patients with allergic rhinitis due to Timothy pollen were observed for 36 weeks before, during and after the grass pollen season. Eight patients were treated by parenteral hyposensitization with grass pollen extract, and ten patients who were given no immunotherapy served as controls. Timothy‐specific IgE, IgG and IgA antibodies in samples of serum and nasal secretion were quantified by radioimmunological technique.

In comparison with the control group, the serum concentration of Timothy‐specific IgE antibodies increased significantly (P <0.05) during the preseasonal hyposensitization treatment and then decreased significantly (P <0.05) during and after the pollen season while this therapy was being continued. In the hyposensitized patients the serum concentration of both IgG and IgA antibodies increased highly significantly (P <0.01 and P <0.001, respectively) during immunotherapy.

In nasal secretion quantitative changes of the three types of antibodies were usually less pronounced or not detectable at all. The concentration of IgG antibodies, however, showed some increase in the nasal secretion during hyposensitization. These minor increases in allergen‐specific IgG and IgA antibodies in nasal secretion might explain why parenteral hyposensitization in allergic rhinitis often does not give complete relief from symptoms.
Correlation between skin tests, inhalation tests and specific IgE in a study of 120 subjects allergic to house dust and Dermatophagoïdes pteronyssinus
Authors: PAULI G. , BESSOT J. C. , THIERRY R. , LAMENSANS A.
Published: April 2006

The radioallergosorbent test was compared with currently accepted allergy diagnostic techniques in seventy‐four controls and 120 patients with a clinical history of allergy to house dust and Dermatophagoïdes pteronyssinus.

The results obtained with D. pteronyssinus allergen extract show a close correlation between the size of the cutaneous reactions and the serum level of allergen‐specific IgE. On the other hand, highly positive skin tests to house dust were not always correlated with a positive RAST response for house dust. Similar results were found with inhalation tests. When a purified D. pteronyssinus extract was used, a stronger relationship was observed between RAST, cutaneous and inhalation tests. It can be assumed that RAST for house dust is not of value in patients with house dust and mite allergy. Our findings indicate that the correlations between RAST results and other in vivo test results depend on the purity of the allergen extracts and the selection of patients.
Selective isolation of allergens
Authors: BALDO B. A. , UHLENBRUCK G.
Published: April 2006

Tridacnin, a lectin from the clam Tridacna maxima, was found to precipitate with crude extracts from the house dust mites Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Using tridacnin in direct precipitation and affinity chromatography studies, a carbohydrate‐rich preparation of high molecular weight was isolated from D. farinae extracts. The isolated preparation gave one precipitin line when used with tridacnin in gel diffusion and immunoelectrophoresis experiments but two bands were seen on polyacrylamide disc gels after electrophoresis at pH 8.9. Radioallergosorbent test (RAST) studies demonstrated that the isolated material reacted strongly with sera from human subjects allergic to house dust mites and accounted for a significant proportion of the IgE binding capacity of the crude D. farinae extracts. Only one out of fifteen mite‐allergic subjects gave a positive response when prick tested with the isolated preparation at a concentration of 0.2 mg/ml. A possible explanation for the discrepancy observed between RAST and skin test results is discussed. Concanavalin A also precipitated with D. farinae extracts but the material isolated with this lectin did not react with tridacnin and reacted weakly in the RAST with sera from mite‐allergic subjects. We suggest that the high molecular weight component(s) which react with tridacnin may be useful for immunotherapy of house dust mite allergy.
Controlled trials with four per cent cromolyn spray in seasonal allergic rhinitis*
Authors: POSEY W. C. , NELSON H. S.
Published: April 2006

Thirty‐two patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis due to weed pollen were treated beginning prior to the weed pollen season of 1974 with either 4% cromolyn sodium or placebo nasal spray. The patients were followed on treatment with symptom diary cards and bi‐weekly physician examinations for a period of 10 weeks. Radioallergosorbent (RAST) titres for the major weeds in the Denver area (ragweed, Russian thistle, and sage) were determined before the weed pollen season, and one and three months after the weed pollen season.

There was no significant difference in symptom scores between the 4% cromolyn sodium‐ and placebo‐treated groups, nor objective evidence on bi‐weekly examinations by a physician to suggest differences in the two groups. Significant differences in favor of the 4% cromolyn‐treated group were noted in the amount of antihistamines taken for symptomatic relief during the weed pollenating season, suggesting some protective effect of the drug. The clinical significance of this finding is not clear. Selecting patients with high baseline RAST titres for one or more of the major weeds did not alter the results of the study.

In a second double‐blind study twenty‐two patients reporting to the allergy clinic with symptomatic seasonal allergic rhinitis due to weeds were randomly assigned to receive 4% cromolyn sodium or placebo nasal spray and followed through the weed pollen season. There was no difference between the two groups in either symptom scores or use of antihistamines for asymptomatic relief.
Allergen‐induced increase in non‐allergic bronchial reactivity
Authors: COCKCROFT D. W. , RUFFIN R. E. , DOLOVICH J. , HARGREAVE F. E.
Published: April 2006

Non‐allergic bronchial hyper‐reactivity is a feature of most patients with asthma. We have measured non‐allergic bronchial reactivity to inhaled histamine and methacholine in thirteen asthmatic subjects before and after allergen inhalation in the laboratory. The allergen inhalation produced mild early asthmatic responses (19–40% FEV1 fall) in all thirteen, additional definite late asthmatic responses (17–29% FEV1 fall) in four, and equivocal late asthmatic responses (5–11% FEV1 fall) in five. Following allergen inhalation, non‐allergic bronchial reactivity increased in seven for up to 7 days. The seven included all four with definite late asthmatic responses and three of the five with equivocal late asthmatic responses. We conclude that allergens make asthma worse, partly through non‐allergic mechanisms, and that avoidance of allergens is important in reducing non‐allergic bronchial hyper‐reactivity.
Precipitating antibody to antigens of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in chronic obstructive lung disease
Authors: CLARKE C. W.
Published: April 2006

Two antigens designated Pseudomonas aeruginosa cytoplasmic antigen (P(1–5)) and P. aeruginosa cell wall antigen (PCW) were prepared by ultrasonic disintegration and hot phenol extraction of a smooth polyagglutinable strain of P. aeruginosa isolated from the respiratory tract.

It was shown that P(1–5) and PCW are immunologically distinct, that P(1–5) is heat‐labile while PCW contains a heat‐stable component which stains positively for polysaccharide, is positive for endotoxin and cross‐reacts with a cell wall antigen of Haemophilus influenzae prepared by hot phenol extraction. Both antigens were able to activate the alternate pathway for complement.

A statistically significant number of patients with cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis have precipitating antibody to that fraction of cytoplasmic antigen specific for P. aeruginosa (P(1–2)) and PCW compared to controls, whereas patients with asthma and chronic bronchitis do not. The use of both antigens increases the number of patients with antibody to P. aeruginosa.

Radioactive immunodiffusion studies indicate that 80.8% of controls have precipitating antibody to PCW antigen and that antibody to it is IgG, IgA and IgM.

These studies indicate that consideration should be given to PCW as well as P(1–5) in any consideration of the pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa in these conditions.
Asthma caused by bromelin inhalation
Authors: GALLEGUILLOS F. , RODRIGUEZ J. C.
Published: April 2006

Two cases are reported of bronchial asthma caused by inhalation of bromelin, a proteolytic enzyme utilized in some anti‐inflammatory medicines.

Prick test results with bromelin extract were positive. Inhalation tests gave immediate reactions which were blocked by sodium cromoglycate, but not corticosteroids.
The danger of ‘yellow dyes’ (tartrazine) to allergic subjects
Authors: NEUMAN I. , ELIAN R. , NAHUM H. , SHAKED P. , CRETER D.
Published: April 2006

Oral administration of 50 mg tartrazine to 122 patients with a variety of allergic disorders caused the following reactions: general weakness, heatwaves, palpitations, blurred vision, rhinorrhoea, feeling of suffocation, pruritus and urticaria.

There was activation of the fibrinolytic pathway as shown by reduction of plas‐minogen with high pre‐kallikrein and low kallikrein values. Reduction in complement activity (CH50) was seen in three out of sixteen reactions.
Serum IgE levels in giardiasis
Authors: GELLER MARIO , GELLER MAURO , FLAHERTY D. K. , BLACK PAULA , MADRUGA M.
Published: April 2006

Raised levels of serum immunoglobulin E are found in many parasitic diseases. In order to determine the influence of Giardia lamblia on IgE levels of clinically symptomatic patients, a controlled study was performed. There was no difference between the serum IgE values from Brazilian patients with giardiasis and those from normal Brazilian controls, although in both groups there were many individuals with values higher than the normal range reported from the northern hemisphere.
Dual skin test reactions and serum antibodies to subtilisin and Aspergillus fumigatus extracts
Authors: ZETTERSTRÖM O.
Published: April 2006

Thirteen patients with an allergy to subtilisin were prick‐tested with a solution of crystalline subtilisin A at 0·1 and 1 mg/ml, and the cutaneous reactions were noted.

Sera were examined by radioimmunoassay for IgE antibodies, double‐binding antibodies—which seemed to be mainly IgG—and precipitins to subtilisin.

Sera from two subtilisin‐tested patients showing immediate and late skin reactions and sera from two patients with allergic aspergillosis were chromatographed on Sephadex G‐200, and IgE and IgG antibody peaks were collected and concentrated.

Passive sensitization of skin sites of healthy volunteers was performed with these sera and with IgE and IgG antibody fractions. The skin sites were challenged after 4 hr, 24 hr and 4–6 days.

All thirteen sublilisin‐tested patients gave immediate skin responses, which in six patients developed into an oedematous late reaction. Patients with late skin reactions had higher serum levels of IgE antibodies to subtilisin. No correlation was found between the occurrence of late skin reactions and double‐binding antibodies. No precipitins were found.

Both immediate and late skin test reactions were seen in skin sites passively sensitized with serum and IgE fractions. Histological examination of the skin with late reactions showed oedema and perivascular infiltration of mononuclear cells, and some eosinophils. Oral administration of prednisolone, 30 mg/day, inhibited the late skin test reaction to passive sensitization with three sera.

The observed late skin reactions seemed to be [gE‐mediated and appeared to be dependent on a high level of specific IgE antibodies in the patient's sera or in the solutions used for passive sensitization.
Recurrent nocturnal asthma due to tolylene di‐isocyanate: a case report
Authors: SIRACUSA A. , CURRADI F. , ABBRITTI G.
Published: April 2006

In a carpenter with a history of nocturnal dyspnoea, a bronchial provocation test with a tolylene diisocyanate (TDI) activator elicited a non‐immediate asthmatic reaction, followed by recurrent nocturnal asthma for five subsequent nights. Subsequently, the study of the circadian rhythm of airflow, registered during work, confirmed the presence of recurrent nocturnal asthma of occupational origin.
Effect of Sch1000 in allergen‐induced asthma
Authors: COCKCROFT D. W. , RUFFIN R. E. , HARGREAVE F. E.
Published: April 2006

Carefully controlled allergen inhalation tests were carried out in twelve subjects to provoke early asthmatic responses with a mean maximum FEV1 fall of 30·7 ± 5·2% (mean ± s.d.). Four subjects had additional late asthmatic responses with a maximum mean FEV1 fall of 21·0 ± 5·9%. The tests were repeated at intervals of 7 days in an identical way, following inhalation of Sch1000 (80 μg) and placebo, each given 45 min before the onset of the early asthmatic response. This dose of Sch1000 produced a marked and uniform inhibition of methacholine‐induced bronchoconstriction in the same subjects. The allergen‐induced responses were reproducible in eleven out of the twelve subjects; the coefficient of variation for the decrease in FEV1 in the early responses being ±7% and in the late response ±43%. Sch1000 produced a slight and variable inhibition of early asthmatic responses (P<0·02) and no inhibition of late asthmatic responses. We examined the relationship between the degree of inhibition of the early asthmatic response by Sch1000 and: (a) the degree of inhibition produced by Sch1000 on histamine‐ and methacholine‐induced bronchoconstriction; (b) the level of non‐specific bronchial reactivity measured by inhaled histamine and methacholine; and (c) the degree of bronchodilatation produced by Sch1000. No relationship was found.
In vivo tests with pollen extracts previously investigated by means of direct RAST titration allergen assay
Authors: STENIUS‐AARNIALA B. S. M. , MALMBERG C. H. O. , HOLOPAINEN E. E. A. , BJÖRKSTEN F.
Published: April 2006

The allergenic potency of different birch, Timothy and mugwort pollen extracts was determined by means of a direct RAST titration allergen assay. For birch and Timothy allergens, the results of skin and provocation tests did not confirm the results of the in vitro determinations of allergenicity. There was a poor correlation between the results of skin tests and the results of Phadebas RAST for determination of specific IgE to mugwort, whereas the correlation between skin tests and RAST for other allergens was excellent. It is concluded that direct RAST titration allergen assay is not adequate for all kinds of allergen preparations and that the Phadebas RAST for mugwort is less sensitive than the RAST for other allergens. The diagnostic efficacy of the different allergen preparations could not be evaluated.
A clinical and environmental study of the aeroallergens of the islands of Bermuda
Authors: DEWDNEY J. M. , HINKS D. , MANUEL E. , SHAW C. D. , TEES E. C.
Published: April 2006

The major allergen responsible for allergic respiratory disease in the islands of Bermuda has been shown to be derived from Dermetophagoides pteronyssinus. 73% of the atopic group included in the survey gave weal and erythema reactions to extracts of this mite, whereas only 30% reacted to mixed pollen extracts and 10% to mould extracts. D. pteronyssinus was isolated from all house dust samples and it represented 63% of the total mite population. Allergic disease was predominantly of a perennial nature, with only a modest seasonal influence, and pollen counts were low throughout the year.
A clinical comparison of aerosol and powder administration of beclomethasone dipropionate in asthma
Authors: SMITH J. MORRISON , GWYNN C. M.
Published: April 2006

A clinical comparison of conventional aerosol administration of beclomethasone dipropionate and insufflation as a powder using the ‘Rotahaler’ device in four doses of 100 μg each was made in thirty‐seven cases. Each treatment was given for 4 weeks, the order being randomized. Symptom records, twice daily peak flow readings and records of bronchodilator and steroid dosage showed the powder to be as effective as the aerosol. In the physician's opinion the powder was preferable to the aerosol in some cases.
Lymphocyte transformation in extrinsic bronchial asthma
Authors: THOMSON N. C. , MACDONALD CATHERINE , KIRKWOOD EVE
Published: April 2006

Lymphocytes from sixteen patients with extrinsic bronchial asthma and sixteen normal were investigated for their in vitro reactivity to stimulation with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and concanavalin A (Con A). No significant differences in maximum lymphocyte responses to PHA or Con A, either in the presence of foetal calf serum or autologous plasma, were found. The significance of these results in relation to T suppressor cell control of IgE formation is discussed.
Serum IgE in atopic dermatitis
Authors: WÜTHRICH B.
Published: April 2006

Serum IgE concentrations were determined according to the radioimmunosorbent technique (RIST, Phadebas) on 116 adult patients with atopic dermatitis of varying severity and activity. Geometric mean IgE levels of patients with atopic dermatitis were significantly higher compared with the mean level of ninety‐three non‐atopic adult subjects without parasitic infestation. Severity of the atopic dermatitis was highly correlated to the levels of serum IgE. Severe chronic cases with ever‐recurrent exacerbations show the most extreme values. In the moderate forms of atopic dermatitis, coexistent bronchial asthma causes a greater increase in the IgE values. Among the mild or abortive forms, higher IgE levels were found in cases with allergic rhinitis than in the cases with‘pure’atopic dermatitis. Other findings in connection with IgE in atopic dermatitis are summarized. The pathogenetic significance of IgE in the cutaneous changes is briefly discussed.
Relationship of atopy and anaphylactic sensitization: a bee sting allergy model
Authors: SETTIPANE G. A. , KLEIN D. E. , BOYD G. K.
Published: April 2006

This study attempts to determine if atopy predisposes to, or affects the severity of, bee sting allergy. 119 consecutive patients with definite systemic reactions to Hymenoptera stings and 119 matched controls without a history of Hymenoptera allergy were interviewed and evaluated. These patients with a definite systemic reaction to Hymenoptera had a mean age of 27 years with an age range of 2‐73 years; 38% (forty‐five out of 119) were 12 years of age or younger. The frequency of atopy (asthma/allergic rhinitis) was 25% (thirty out of 119), and resembles that found in a general population. In the eighty‐nine patients (75%) without a personal history of atopy, only 8% had positive scratch tests to pollens, danders or molds, 44% had a positive family history of atopy and a majority had normal serum total IgE levels. Results of the RAST for specific IgE to venoms of honey bee, yellow jacket, hornet, wasp and to phospholipase A were obtained. Patients with asthma had a significantly more severe reaction to their Hymenoptera sting than non‐atopic patients, 65%vs 38%, with P <0.05. The severity of sting reaction in those patients with allergic rhinitis without asthma resembled that of the non‐atopic patients. Although atopy does not appear to predispose patients to Hymenoptera allergy, asthmatics’Who also have Hymenoptera allergy do have a significantly more severe reaction to a bee sting.
Hymenoptera sting hypersensitivity: IgE, IgG and haemagglutinating antibodies to bee venom constituents in relation to exposure and clinical reaction to bee stings
Authors: MÜLLER U. , JOHANSSON S. G. O. , STREIT C.
Published: April 2006

High levels of IgE antibodies (Ab) to bee venom constituents were mainly found in patients with bee sting hypersensitivity, whereas the sera of bee keepers usually contained high levels of IgG Ab and haemagglutinins, representing blocking antibody activity.

In bee keepers there was a positive correlation between the degree of severity of an adverse reaction to bee stings and IgE Ab, a negative one between the severity of reaction and IgG Ab and haemagglutinins, a positive one between the number of stings per season and IgG Ab and haemagglutinins, and a negative one between the number of stings and IgE Ab. This suggests a mutual dependence of the production of IgE Ab and blocking Ab in a regularly exposed population. No such correlation was found in bee sting‐allergic patients, indicating that other factors influence the severity of reaction in this only sporadically exposed group.

The values of IgG Ab and haemagglutinins correlated well with each other, with IgG Ab giving a better correlation with the severity of reaction and number of stings than the haemagglutinins.
The role and allergenic importance of storage mites in house dust and other environments
Authors: WRAITH D. G. , CUNNINGTON A. M. , SEYMOUR W. M.
Published: April 2006

Skin tests were performed on 210 patients with house dust allergy and bronchial asthma or perennial rhinitis using extracts of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and of four storage mites most commonly found in house dust in the United Kingdom—Acarus siro, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Lepidoglyphus (formerly Glycyphagus) destructor and Glycyphagus domesticus. The results of the skin tests were related to certain occupations and living conditions of the patients which could have exposed them to storage mites and some patients were included because their environment seemed especially likely to expose them to these species in order to assess the importance of these conditions.

D. pteronyssinus was the most potent of the mite allergens and provoked the largest number of positive tests but a proportion of the storage mite species gave skin reactions which were larger or as large as those of D. pteronyssinus. No significant statistical correlation was found between reactions to D. pteronyssinus and any storage mite but highly significant correlations were found between some storage species. The frequency and strength of reactions to these species were unexpectedly high in view of their irregular occurrence and relative scarcity in house dust.

It is suggested that sensitisation to these species occurs through exposure either to localised sources of infestation overlooked during the random collection of floor or bedding dust or to infested materials encountered at work or other activities or to infested food or bedding of certain domestic pets. It is concluded that allergy to storage mites is more important and widespread than hitherto realised and is a considerable occupational hazard in farming communities and to those in occupations handling infested materials. Storage mites may also be important allergens for those living in very damp houses where the growth of moulds may encourage the development of Glycyphagus domesticus or other mites.
In vitro differences between the lymphocytes of normal subjects and atopics
Authors: STRANNEGÅRD Ö. , STRANNEGÅRD I.‐L.
Published: April 2006

Recently evidence has accumulated that atopic disease is associated with a deficiency of thymus‐derived (T) cells. This deficiency appears to be primary, rather than secondary to treatment or manifestations of the disease. Results of in vitro studies indicate that the deficiency is most pronounced in certain subpopulations of T cells, and therefore a disturbance of the balance between subsets of T cells, notably suppressor and helper T cells, may develop in vivo in atopics. Some results suggest that there is indeed a relative deficiency of suppressor T cells in atopic diseases, and thus the hyperproduction of IgE which is associated with these diseases may be explained.

The cause of the T cell deficiency in atopy may be a basal cellular abnormality, manifested e.g. as increased sensitivity to inactivation by physiological substances, notably to agents which increase intracellular levels of cyclic AMP. It is equally possible that the T cell deficiency is a direct consequence of subnormal production of certain thymic hormones.
Toluene di‐isocyanate‐induced asthma II. Inhalation challenge tests and bronchial reactivity studies
Authors: O'BRIEN I. M. , NEWMAN‐TAYLOR A. J. , BURGE P. S. , HARRIES M. G. , FAWCETT I. W. , PEPYS J.
Published: April 2006

In sixty‐three workers exposed to toluene di‐isocyanate (TDI), no overall differences in bronchial reactivity to histamine inhalation and to exercise testing were found between the total groups of positive and negative TDI reactors to provocation tests. A subgroup of TDI highly sensitive subjects reacting to very low concentrations (≤0.001 p.p.m.) were more sensitive to both histamine and exercise than the group who were less sensitive to TDI, and who reacted to higher concentrations (0.002–0.02 p.p.m.) than the group of non‐reactors. There were, however, in the last group a number of subjects with high degrees of histamine reactivity who did not react to the TDI. These findings suggest that, on the one hand, the asthmatic reactions to TDI cannot be attributed solely to non‐specific mechanisms and, on the other, that in subjects with high degrees of specific sensitivity non‐specific mechanisms may also be playing a part.
A controlled clinical trial comparing disodium cromoglycate and ICI 74,917 in extrinsic asthma
Authors: MOXHAM J. , McALLEN MONICA
Published: April 2006

A controlled clinical trial comparing inhalation of disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) and of ICI 74,917 was carried out using a double‐placebo technique in thirty‐two patients with extrinsic asthma already shown to be reasonably responsive to DSCG. In view of the fact that ICI 74,917 is 300 times more potent than DSCG in inhibiting antigenic challenge in animals a better effect was anticipated from the new drug in the human asthmatic subject. Whilst this was not obtained, there appeared to be no lesser effect than that of DSCG.
Characterization of circulating immune complexes in bronchiectasis by gel filtration
Authors: HILTON ANGELA M. , MOORE M. , HOWAT J. M. T. , KIMBER I.
Published: April 2006

Excess anticomplementary activity is common in the sera of patients with bronchiectasis (chronic bronchial suppuration). To identify the active components, Sephadex 6B gel filtration profiles of the sera of fourteen patients with bronchiectasis were obtained, six of which were subjected to detailed analysis for anticomplementary activity and IgG and IgM content. Anticomplementary serum from an individual patient with rheumatoid arthritis was similarly analysed as a positive control and sera from four healthy subjects as negative controls.

Although some anticomplementary activity was monitored in association with monomeric IgG, in patients' sera activity was predominantly, and occasionally exclusively, associated with the region between the native IgM and IgG peaks. High molecular weight IgG was detected by immunodiffusion in these fractions of the sera from three patients with severe bronchiectasis, but was undetectable in that of the other three patients, in whom disease was mild. Only one of the four normal sera was anticomplementary, weak activity being distributed in the IgM, IgG and intermediate fractions.

The data are interpreted to suggest the presence of immune complexes of IgG in the sera of patients with severe bronchiectasis. Failure to consistently detect IgG in column fractions exhibiting anticomplementary activity is probably a reflection of the superior sensitivity of the anticomplementary technique. Gel filtration properties indicate that the immune complexes are small, containing less than five molecules of IgG. Their possible role in the pathogenesis of bronchiectasis, or as a secondary response to chronic infection and pulmonary tissue damage, is discussed.
Oral acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) challenge in asthmatic children
Authors: SCHUHL J. F. , PEREYRA J. G.
Published: April 2006

Thirty‐two asthmatic children, mean age 9.6 years (range: 6–14 years), were studied by oral challenge with acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin), and their PEFR was recorded at 30 min intervals for 3 hr. They had been asthmatic for a mean of 7.1 years. Other allergic symptoms (urticaria, rhinitis or atopic dermatitis), were present in 81% of the patients, and a family history of atopy in 94%; the mean blood eosinophilia was 590 cells per mm3. In three children aspirin induced a fall in PEFR values less than 8% which was non‐significant. In the group as a whole there was an increase in the PEFR values of 13.9%, 150 min after aspirin challenge. These values where subjected to statistical analysis (Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Student's and Wilcoxon tests), which showed this increase to be significant at a level of P= 0.001. Possible mechanisms involving prostaglandin synthetase inhibition by aspirin are discussed as an explanation for this increase.
Intestinal uptake of ovalbumin in malabsorption and food allergy in relation to serum IgG antibody and orally administered sodium cromoglycate
Authors: DANNAEUS A. , INGANÄS M. , JOHANSSON S. G. O. , FOUCARD T.
Published: April 2006

Forty‐two children with malabsorption disorders, one third of whom were considered to have an atopic constitution were given ovalbumin (OA) orally and the serum concentrations were determined by RIA technique after 2 and 8 hr. Most patients showed peak concentrations 2 hours after OA administration but the concentrations varied widely. The determinations were shown to be influenced by antibodies directed against OA. The serum levels of IgG‐antibodies to OA, as estimated by a sepharose protein‐A technique, were shown to decrease significantly after administration of OA, possibly indicating the formation of immune complexes. High antibody levels were found in children with coeliac disease and in addition in children who had an atopic constitution. A moderate serum concentration of OA in such cases might be an effect of blocking antibodies and does not exclude the possibility of an increased absorption. The uptake of OA was also studied in six patients with food allergy before and after sodium cromoglycate treatment. A beneficial effect on symptoms at the challenge and also a decreased serum concentration of OA after sodium cromoglycate treatment were found (0.05 < P < 0.1). The results support the view that SCG affects the absorption of food antigens. The OA‐absorption test, including estimations of both OA and antibodies to OA is considered a useful model for studies of immunological mechanisms involved in food allergy and gastrointestinal disorders.
Asthma, aspergilloma and anergy in a patient being treated for pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: DU BOIS R. M. , TAYLOR A. J. NEWMAN , CLARK T. J. H. , COLE P. J.
Published: April 2006

A twenty‐one‐year old white girl developed cavitating pulmonary tuberculosis which was complicated by nocturnal asthma, aspergilloma and anergy. In addition she developed systemic symptoms suggestive of a hypersensitivity reaction to the aspergilloma.
Bronchial asthma in the southern Maldives
Authors: WOLSTENHOLME ROGER J.
Published: April 2006

A whole population survey was performed in Addu Atoll, southern Maldives to establish the prevalence of bronchial asthma. Assessments of atopic eczema, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and intestinal infestation were made, and serum specific IgE titres to a number of allergens were measured. Asthma is a common condition in the southern Maldives, and there is no evidence that the IgE produced by intestinal helminths prevents the condition.
Incidence of immediate sensitivity to Aspergillus fumigatus in a North American asthmatic population
Authors: MALO J. L. , PAQUIN R.
Published: April 2006

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis might be less frequent in North America because the incidence of immediate sensitivity by asthmatics to A. fumigatus is less. In order to check this hypothesis, 200 asthmatics were skin tested with two extracts of A. fumigatus which had been shown to produce positive reactions in fifty patients who had allergic aspergillosis. Of the asthmatics, 21.5% reacted to the commercial extract by prick testing and 39% by intradermal testing. Using an extract kindly provided by Professor Pepys, 19.5% reacted to a concentration of 1 mg/ml and 31.5% to 10 mg/ml. By the prick method, 21.5% reacted to both extracts. Specific IgE was measured with one of the extracts and a good correlation (r= 0.48) was found with the size of the prick reaction. The increase in specific IgE was reflected in the increase of total IgE (r= 0.84). The authors conclude that the incidence of immediate sensitivity to A. fumigatus in asthmatic patients in North America is at least equal to that found in the U.K.
Blood histamine levels after exercise testing
Authors: HARRIES M. G. , BURGE P. S. , O'BRIEN I. , CROMWELL O. , PEPYS J.
Published: April 2006

Histamine has been measured in whole blood and in the plasma of twenty‐three subjects following exercise testing of seventeen asthmatics and six normal controls. Whole blood histamine rose in both asthmatics and controls and was associated with a concomitant rise in the basophil count. Plasma histamine in the peripheral venous blood only rose in one patient who developed urticaria after exercise.
Intradermal skin tests with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in asthmatic children: correlation with specific IgE and bronchial provocation tests
Authors: BUSINCO L. , BORSETTO‐MÉNGHI A. M. , LUCARELLI S. , FREDIANI T. , SALVATI L. , BUSINCO E.
Published: April 2006

The purpose of the present study was to compare the results of the skin tests, the specific IgE levels and bronchial provocation tests in a group of sensitive asthmatic children with a Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus extract standardized by the RAST inhibition method. Skin tests showed a positive ‘end point’ in twelve children of 0.5 U/ml antigen; in eleven 5 U/ml; seven of 50 U/ml; six of 500 U/ml. Specific IgE was present in thirty‐three children (92%). A close relationship between positive skin tests and serum IgE levels was found. Bronchial provocation tests were positive in twenty‐eight children (78%): eight children with both positive RAST and positive skin tests had negative bronchial provocation tests.
A controlled study on the preventive effect of ketotifen, an antiallergic agent, on methacholine‐induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatics
Authors: MATTSON K. , POPPIUS H. , HURME R.
Published: April 2006

We studied the preventive effect of ketotifen, an oral drug with antianaphylactic and antihistaminic properties on methacholine‐induced bronchoconstriction in controlled cross‐over experiments in twenty‐six adult patients with extrinsic asthma. Both a single dose of 1 mg ketotifen and 4 weeks treatment of ketotifen, 1 mg twice daily, failed to reduce the methacholine‐induced drop in peak expiratory flow. The spirometric findings remained unchanged during ketotifen treatment. There was no difference between treatments with ketotifen and placebo with regard to the patients assessment of the severity of asthma or airway sensitivity to tobacco smoke, fumes or dusts, or exercise. The results suggest that treatment during 4 weeks with ketotifen does not reduce unspecific broncial hyperreactivity in patients with extrinsic asthma.
IgE antibodies to bee venom, phospholipase A, melittin and wasp venom
Authors: JARISCH R. , YMAN L. , BOLTZ A. , SANDOR I. , JANITSCH A.
Published: April 2006

Specific IgE antibodies against bee venom, phospholipase A, melittin and wasp venom have been examined in fifty patients with an unusually severe reaction after bee or wasp sting.

Two thirds of the bee venom‐sensitive patients also have detectable IgE antibodies to wasp venom. More than 50% of the wasp venom‐sensitive patients are also allergic to bee venom. Phospholipase A and melittin IgE antibodies were found, respectively, in two thirds and one third of the bee venom‐sensitive cases.

Specific IgE antibody determinations by the Radioallergosorbent test play an essential role in the diagnostic work. After a reaction to hymenoptera stings both bee and wasp venom tests are necessary due to the high incidence of a false or incomplete identification of the stinging insect.

Melittin, known for its potent pharmacological activity and possibly responsible for most of the side effects in bee venom immunotherapy, can probably not be excluded from therapeutic venom preparations since IgE antibodies to the melittin preparation were detected in one third of the cases.
Asthma prevalence in Tokelauan children in two environments
Authors: WAITE D. A. , EYLES E. F. , TONKIN S. L. , O'DONNELL T. V.
Published: April 2006

The prevalence of asthma has been studied in Tokelauan children aged 0–14 years in two environments—Tokelau and New Zealand. Only 11.0% of the 706 children examined in Tokelau were classified as asthmatic, whereas 25.3% of the 1,160 children seen in New Zealand were asthmatic.

For those children examined in New Zealand there was no significant difference in the prevalence of asthma between those children who were born in New Zealand and those who were born in Tokelau.
Skin prick test in the diagnosis of dog dander allergy A comparison of different extracts with clinical history, provocation tests and RAST
Authors: VANTO T. , VIANDER M. , KOIVIKKO A.
Published: April 2006

Skin prick tests (SPT) were carried out on 164 asthmatic children using dog dander allergen preparations (A, B1, B2 and D) from three manufacturers. Bronchial and/or conjunctival provocation tests with allergen A were performed on all patients, as well as the Phadebas® RAST (allergen e5). There was a close agreement between the clinical history and the SPT with allergens A and D. The provocation tests and RAST gave results in good agreement with the SPT reactions to all allergens except B1. The overall agreement between the SPT reactions to the different allergens was good. However, significant differences were observed in the allergenic activity of the different preparations and between different batches from the same manufacturer (allergens B1 and B2).
Bronchial provocation studies in workers exposed to the fumes of electronic soldering fluxes
Authors: BURGE P. S , HARRIES M. G. , O'BRIEN I. , PEPYS J.
Published: April 2006

Flux cored solder commonly used in the electronics industry is a metal alloy, based on tin and lead, and a flux consisting of colophony with a small concentration of an activator. Thirty‐four electronics workers with occupational asthma and seventeen with respiratory symptoms, probably from other causes, have been investigated by occupational type bronchial provocation testing. All the sensitized workers had a significant fall in FEV1 after exposure to colophony fumes for 15 min or less. The non‐sensitized workers had no significant reactivity to this test. There was little correlation between the reaction to colophony fumes and the non specific reactivity to histamine, suggesting that colophony fumes were causing specific sensitization. In sensitized workers Portuguese Y colophony was found to cause slightly larger reactions than similar exposures to American WW colophony. In the six workers tested reactions followed exposure to abietic acid alone, the principal resin acid in colophony. Methyhlation of the carboxyl group of colophony was associated with decreased reactivity.

Workers with non‐specific bronchial hyperreactivity also sometimes reacted after exposure to fumes from the flux activators alone, but even this reaction could show specificity for the specific activator to which the worker was exposed. Finally two non‐colophony substitute materials were evaluated.
HLA‐A, B and C and HLA‐DR antigens in intrinsic and allergic asthma
Authors: MORRIS M. J. , FAUX J. A. , TING A. , MORRIS P. J. , LANE D. J.
Published: April 2006

Some 103 patients with asthma and 100 healthy volunteers have been typed for HLA‐A, B and C and HLA‐DR antigens. The 103 patients consisted of thirty‐three with intrinsic asthma, thirty‐four with extrinsic asthma, and thirty‐six known to have precipitins to Aspergillus fumigatus. No increase in frequency of any of the A, B, C, or DR antigens was found to be significant after correction for the number of comparisons was made. However certain trends comparable to findings in other immunopathic disorders were noted. For example B12 was increased in the allergic asthmatics (46 vs 29% controls) and it is suggested that B12 is associated with the ability to produce the IgE antibodies. A3/B7/DRw2 (which are in linkage disequilibrium) all show a decreased frequency in intrinsic asthma (24, 12 and 9%vs 32, 26 and 24% respectively in controls). Finally B8 and DRw3, which showed a moderate increase in frequency in all three groups of asthmatics, were found in five of seven patients with low atopy but persisting antibodies to A. fumigatus. Further detailed studies of these asthmatic subgroups is warranted.
Antibodies to Aspergillus fumigatus in farmers' lung patients measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
Authors: MÄNTYJÄRVI R. A. , JOUSILAHTI P. , KATILA M.‐L.
Published: April 2006

Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure antibodies against Aspergillus fumigatus in farmers' lung patients, various other pulmonary diseases and healthy controls. Both the prevalence and the mean titre of antibodies were significantly higher in farmers' lung patients than in the other groups. There was no difference between controls and patients with bronchial asthma or non‐allergic pulmonary diseases. On the other hand, in the group of patients with respiratory diseases of undefined aetiology the mean antibody titre was significantly higher than that of the controls. Comparison of ELISA and the precipitin test showed the higher sensitivity of ELISA, but otherwise the two tests were in a close agreement.
Environmental factors in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: VERNON D. R. H. , ALLAN FAY
Published: April 2006

Many workers have suggested that exposure to an environment rich in Aspergillus spores is aetiologically significant in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. This hypothesis has been investigated by means of an environmental survey in which eight urban dwelling patients with this disease and five atopic control patients took part. Enquiries were made about contact with known sources of Aspergillus fumigatus and air spora studies were conducted in the home. Findings were similar for both groups. No high spore concentrations were recorded in the homes of either group. Patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis had not been more exposed to potentially rich sources of A. fumigatus than the atopic control patients. The view is expressed that specific host susceptibility is more important in the pathogenesis of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis than environmental factors. Once a patient is sensitized however minor increases in spore concentration can cause symptomatic disease producing the recognized winter exacerbations of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Possible mechanisms allowing the development of the disease in the presence of low spore concentrations are discussed.
Double‐blind trial comparing two dosage schedules of beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol with a placebo in the treatment of perennial rhinitis for twelve months
Authors:   BROMPTON HOSPITAL/MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL COLLABORATIVE TRIAL
Published: April 2006

A double‐blind trial comparing two dosage schedules of beclomethasone dipropionate, 200 μg and 400 μg, with a placebo in the treatment of perennial rhinitis for 12 months has been undertaken in 108 patients. Both schedules of beclomethasone dipropionate were therapeutically effective but the improvement in both the nasal and conjunctival symptoms was more marked with the higher dosage. Clinical candidiasis was not observed on inspection of the nose in any of the patients before or during the trial and in only one patient was clinical candidiasis observed on inspection of the throat. Epistaxes occurred in twelve of forty patients allocated to beclomethasone dipropionate and four of twenty‐three allocated to placebo who had not had them before the trial. Most of the episodes were minor but four patients, all on beclomethasone dipropionate, reduced the aerosol dosage because of epistaxes.
Beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol compared with dry powder in the treatment of asthma
Authors: LAL S. , MALHOTRA S. M. , GRIBBEN M. D. , BUTLER A. G.
Published: April 2006

In a double‐blind trial, beclomethasone dipropionate inhaled as a dry powder in doses of 200 μg three times a day was compared with the conventional aerosol of 100 μg three times a day, each for a period of 4 weeks. Neither the dry powder nor the aerosol showed any significant advantage over each other in terms of ventilatory function. Plasma cortisol levels were unaltered with the two medications in spite of the doubled dose of the corticosteroid powder. Choice of one or the other method of administration of medication depended on patient preference and the ease with which he could familiarize himself with either technique.