bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A quantitative study on the activation of the alternative pathway of complement by mouldy hay dust and thermophilic actinomycetes
Authors: EDWARDS J. H.
Published: April 2006

Materials associated with the induction of farmer's lung were incubated with fresh normal human serum in the presence of magnesium ethylene glycol tetra‐acetic acid (MgEGTA) or ethylene diamine tetra‐acetic acid (EDTA) and results compared with material known to activate the alternative pathway of complement—zymosan. Results show that Micropolyspora faeni organisms are as active as zymosan in reducing complement (C) levels in the presence of MgEGTA, with a 50% reduction in CH50 at approximately 140 μg/ml. Thermoactinomyces vulgaris organisms produced a 50% CH50 reduction at approximately 1.25 mg/ml and two samples of respirable mouldy hay dust (MHD) at approximately 5.6 mg/ml whereas extracts of M. faeni and T. vulgaris reduced the CH50 titre by 17% and 39% respectively at 16 mg/ml in the presence of MgEGTA. Organisms and extracts did not reduce the CH50 titre in the presence of EDTA even at the maximum concentration quoted by more than 3%, thus it is considered that alternative pathway activation was responsible for C utilization in the presence of MgEGTA.

Respirable MHD used less than 4% available C at 4 mg/ml in the presence of EDTA but at 8 mg/ml dust 11% and 28% available CH50 were used compared with 79% and 81% respectively in the presence of MgEGTA. The elution of immunoglobulin binding material from MHD may be responsible for apparent CH50 consumption in the presence of EDTA.
Histological and immunological studies on eosinophilic granuloma of soft tissue, so‐called Kimura's disease
Authors: TAKENAKA TOORU , OKUDA MINORU , USAMI ATUSI , KAWABORI SHINICHI , OGAMI YOSHIHARU , KUBO KUNIOMI , UDA HIROTSUGU
Published: April 2006

Increase of serum IgE with frequent localization of IgE in the germinal centres, mast cell hyperplasia in lymph nodes and changes of specific granules in the infiltrated eosinophils, such as roughness of the matrix and appearance of tubular structures together with fusing and disappearance of the core, were demonstrated in eosinophilic granuloma of the soft tissue, so‐called Kimura's disease, in association with increase of anti‐Candida IgE antibody.

It is suggested that this disease may be due to atopic allergy to Candida albicans.
Antibodies mediating type I skin test reactions to polysaccharide and protein antigens of Candida albicans
Authors: LONGBOTTOM JOAN L. , BRIGHTON W. D. , EDGE GERALDINE , PEPYS J.
Published: April 2006

Immediate, type I, prick test reactions in man to purified fractions of Candida albicans group A were mediated by different classes of antibody. The allergens were the cell‐wall polysaccharide, mannan, and a ‘purified’ cytoplasmic protein fraction, free of mannan, prepared by passage through Sepharose‐concanavalin‐A. Passive transfer tests in the monkey gave immediate reactions, (1) to the purified, cytoplasmic, protein mediated by heat‐labile long‐term sensitizing antibody, and (2) to the polysaccharide, mannan, mediated by heat‐stable short‐term sensitizing antibody.
City spore concentrations in the European Economic Community (EEC) I. Grass pollen, 1973.
Authors: BAGNI N. , CHARPIN HUGUETTE , DAVIES R. R. , NOLARD NICOLE , STIX ERIKA
Published: April 2006

Although clinical reports on the prevalence of summer hay fever in different parts of Europe have been published, comparative studies on atmospheric pollen concentrations appear to have been rarely undertaken. The present paper describes observations on the grass pollen content of the air at Bologna, Brussels, London, Munich and Strasbourg and is the first of a series involving international collaboration between workers in cities of the European Economic Community*.
Measurement of specific IgE antibodies in nasal secretion—evidence for local production
Authors: MERRETT T. G. , HOURI M. , MAYER A. L. R. , MERRETT J.
Published: April 2006

Serum levels of total and specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) have been determined by radioimmunoassays in sixty‐nine allergic subjects. The forty‐one subjects with mild symptoms were the most difficult to diagnose, since nine had IgE levels less than 50 U/ml and nineteen had no detectable specific IgE antibodies. Samples of nasal secretions were collected from these nineteen subjects and five were found to have specific IgE antibodies, and in a further eight increased amounts of total IgE. The possibility of locally produced IgE antibodies should therefore be considered when using in vitro tests to diagnose mild or recently acquired allergies, especially when serum IgE levels are less than 50 U/ml.
Asthma due to inhaled chemical agents—amprolium hydrochloride
Authors: GREENE S. A. , FREEDMAN S.
Published: April 2006

A man with no previous history of allergy or chest disease developed asthma after exposure to a heavy atmospheric concentration of amprolium hydrochloride which is a constituent of a poultry‐food additive. Subsequent experimental exposure produced an immediate asthmatic reaction which was inhibited by sodium cromoglycate.
IgE antibodies to house dust, mite, animal allergens and moulds in house dust hypersensitivity
Authors: VIRCHOW CHR. , ROTH A. , MÖLLER E.
Published: April 2006

Fifty‐three patients were investigated by intradermal tests and Phadebas RAST and, in most cases, the serum IgE level was determined. They were tested for sensitivity to house dust, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, cat, dog, horse and mould allergens.

All cases with IgE antibodies to house dust were found to have specific IgE to other tested allergens as well. Eighty‐nine per cent of the patients being RAST positive for house dust were also positive for D. pteronyssinus and in the majority of those cases IgE antibodies to other allergens were detected. The results reaffirm previous findings that the mite is not the only allergen in house dust and that extract of house dust is a mixture of several allergenic substances, which make it less suitable for differential testing.

It is concluded that serum IgE determination is of value as a screening procedure in the diagnosis and that the use of a number of specific allergens in RAST is valuable in pinpointing the offending allergen in house dust hypersensitivity.
Local nasal desensitization provoking systemic illness with proteinuria
Authors: FREED D. L. J. , TAYLOR G.
Published: April 2006

We report a case of allergic rhinitis with systemic illness and proteinuria, which was repeatedly provoked by nasal exposure to allergen. Local nasal desensitization resulted in remission of both rhinitis and systemic illness. The disease was associated with systemic complement fixation via the classical pathway.
Bakers’ asthma
Authors: HENDRICK D. J. , DAVIES R. J. , PEPYS J.
Published: April 2006

Bronchial provocation tests by ‘occupational’ exposure to flour provoked dual asthmatic reactions accompanied by rhinitis in two atopic bakers engaged in the manufacture of bread and pies. Ingestion tests with uncooked flour produced no reactions.

Skin prick tests with aqueous extracts of flour produced positive immediate reactions in both bakers, and negative reactions in nine of ten atopic asthmatic control subjects with no occupational exposure to flour. Intracutaneous tests, performed in one precipitin negative baker, gave dual responses. Precipitating antibodies to an aqueous extract of flour were found in the unconcentrated serum of the other baker, and not in ten control subjects.
Treatment of a case of allergic asthma with a synthetic human ACTH preparation
Authors: GRIFFITHS A. D.
Published: April 2006

The following case history documents the first patient treated with synthetic human ACTH. It was prescribed for an asthmatic child because of suspected allergy to both porcine ACTH and tetracosactrin. It proved both effective clinically and free of any adverse effects.
The effect of sodium cromoglycate in preventing aspirin induced bronchospasm
Authors: BASOMBA A. , ROMAR A. , PELÁEZ A. , VILLALMANZO I. G. , CAMPOS A.
Published: April 2006

Seventeen patients with aspirin‐induced asthma were studied, the majority being intolerant to more than one analgesic. In addition to asthma, eleven patients had sinusitis and eight had nasal polyps. Serum IgE levels were normal with a mean of 295 iu/ml. However, some patients had positive cutaneous and PK tests against inhalants and non‐analgesic drugs.

Spirometry showed the bronchial obstruction to be mild. However, all patients were hyper‐reactive to acetylcholine. Oral provocation tests with aspirin alone and also with the prior administration of sodium cromoglycate (SCG) by inhalation were performed and the results assessed by spirometry and clinical examination.

The results suggest that the obstruction is probably due to oedema of the bronchial mucosa together with pulmonary congestion rather than a simple spasm of the bronchi.

SCG was found to prevent significantly the ventilatory obstruction induced by aspirin.

It is suggested that non‐immunological factors are responsible for the asthma and that SCG may have an effect on the altered receptors protecting them from the action of aspirin on kinins.
Comparison of the allergenic properties of bee venom and whole bee body extract
Authors: LIGHT WILMA C. , REISMAN ROBERT E. , ROSARIO NELSON A. , ARBESMAN CARL E.
Published: April 2006

The allergenic properties of bee venom and whole bee body extract were compared by in vivo and in vitro tests. The majority of patients with known bee sting sensitivity had positive intracutaneous skin test reactions with bee venom and had bee venom specific IgE in their sera. Of seventeen patients with positive bee venom skin tests, nine had positive tests with whole bee body extract. Of thirty sera containing elevated levels of bee venom specific IgE obtained from untreated patients, fourteen sera contained whole body specific IgE but in much lower titres.

In RAST inhibition experiments using both bee venom and whole bee body extract as coupling antigens, bee venom was a more potent inhibiting antigen than whole body extract.

From these experiments we conclude that bee venom is a more potent allergen than whole bee body extract.
Asthma and wheezy bronchitis in children
Authors: DAVIS J. B.
Published: April 2006

Twice as many boys as girls are prone to wheeze (15·3% compared with 7%). This study examines the possible immunological basis for this phenomenon. There were 1064 children in this survey. The family of each wheezy child was indexed, and a control sample of families was selected. At least 85% of the study population were skin tested for Type 1 allergic reactions. An interval survey of values for FEV1, FVC and PEFR against height was completed.

Of 118 wheezy subjects there were 83/542 boys and 35/522 girls. Single and multiple sensitivity, the capacity to react to two or more major allergens, is examined. Of the child asthmatics, significant differences from controls emerge for pollens, foods and the house dust mite. These differences are borne out with multiple sensitivity. (P > 0·001.) Of the brothers and sisters of asthmatics, only the sisters show differences from controls. This is true for grass pollen, cow's milk and the house dust mite, and also to a highly significant degree for multiple sensitivity (P > 0·001). When the incidence of multiple sensitivity is expressed for all children in the asthma group, that is, cases and their siblings, the sex difference is not demonstrable. The mothers (P > 0·05) and fathers (P > 0·01), of asthmatics also differ from control parents in respect of skin sensitivity.

If multiple sensitivity is equated with atopy, it may not be the main determinant of the capacity to wheeze, and thus of the sex difference.

The mean curve for interval PEFR for asthmatic children was significantly lower than that of control children and of the brothers and sisters of asthmatics.
The effect of sodium cromoglycate on the antigen‐induced nasal reaction in allergic rhinitis as measured by rhinomanometry and symptomatology
Authors: HASEGAWA MAKOTO , SAITO YOZO , WATANABE KENSUKE
Published: April 2006

The protective effect of sodium cromoglycate (DSCG) on the allergic reaction in the nose was compared with placebo in a double blind crossover study of sixteen patients diagnosed as allergic rhinitis.

The drug effect was assessed by both a rhinomanometric method and by symptom scores in all patients. DSCG protected the nasal mucosa against antigen challenge and was significantly better than placebo. There was a correlation between the objective and subjective assessments.
Intranasal steroid aerosol in perennial rhinitis: comparison with an antihistamine compound
Authors: HARDING S. M. , HEATH S.
Published: April 2006

Intranasal betamethasone valerate aerosol, given for 28 days, was compared with an oral antihistamine compound in a double‐blind, double‐dummy, cross‐over trial involving thirty patients with perennial rhinitis. The steroid aerosol was more effective in reducing symptoms and was preferred by the patients (P < 0·01). Nasal blockage index, calculated from oral and nasal peak expiratory flow measurements, did not provide useful or additional information. There were no side effects from the steroid and Candida albicans was not cultured from nasal swabs. It is concluded that beta‐methasone valerate aerosol is a suitable short‐term alternative for patients whose perennial rhinitis fails to respond to conventional therapy.
The effect of a new anti‐allergic drug ICI 74, 9I7, given by aerosol, on nasal stenosis induced by allergen
Authors: VILSVIK JAN SVERRE , JENSSEN ARNE OLAV
Published: April 2006

Nasal airways resistance was measured in ten patients with allergic rhinitis during intranasal application of an extract of grass pollen. Pretreatment with placebo did not inhibit the increase in nasal airways resistance, whereas ICI 74,917 administered from a pressurized aerosol gave almost complete protection. ICI 74,917 was well tolerated and no evidence was obtained of local hyposensitization during the period of the study.
Bronchial histamine reactivity: its relationship to the reactivity of the bronchi to allergens
Authors: BRYANT D. H. , BURNS M. W.
Published: April 2006

The aim of this study was to examine the proposal that the magnitude of the response of the bronchi to an immediate allergic reaction depends not only on the degree of sensitization of the bronchi by allergen specific IgE antibody but also on the reactivity of the bronchi to the vasoactive mediators which are released during immediate allergic reactions. This was done by determining the bronchial reactivity to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and to histamine of both symptomatic and asymptomatic groups of atopic subjects who had comparable serum levels of D. pteronyssinus specific IgE. Positive bronchial responses to the D. pteronyssinus extract were recorded with both the symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects, the mean bronchial threshold dose of allergen being significantly higher in the asymptomatic than in the asthmatic patients. There was a highly significant correlation between the serum level of allergen specific IgE and the bronchial threshold dose of allergen extract and also between the bronchial threshold dose of allergen extract and of histamine in all groups of subjects. The ability to predict bronchial reactivity to the allergen from the serum level of allergen specific IgE within each group was significantly better if the bronchial reactivity to histamine was included in the correlation analysis. This supports the hypothesis that whether a particular subject who is producing specific IgE antibody will develop symptoms on the inhalation of that allergen depends not only on the amount of allergen which he inhales and on the degree of sensitization of his bronchi but also on the reactivity of his bronchi to the vasoactive mediators which are released by allergen–IgE interaction.
Studies on vasculitis
Authors: PARISH W. E.
Published: April 2006

Human cutaneous vasculitis lesions tend to be chronic in contrast to ephemeral experimental Arthus responses. Human lesions were examined for fixed antiglobulin antibodies, as occur in rheumatoid joint synovia, which could bind globulins to form tissue‐damaging complexes and perpetuate the inflammation.

The immunofluorescence procedure was modified by pretreating sections with 5% bovine serum albumin, and by using fluorescein conjugates of F(ab)2 portions of antibodies to avoid the antigen‐nonspecific binding that sometimes occurs in inflamed or necrotic tissue.

Previous findings of immunoglobulins in lesions were confirmed by the more discriminating technique. IgG and IgM was present more frequently in lesions with mainly mononuclear cell changes, than in those with mainly neutrophil changes, leucocytoclastic or necrotizing vasculitis. Fab occurred in some lesions without Fc of IgG or IgM.

Three lesions containing IgM or IgM and IgG, specifically bound heat‐aggregated whole IgG or Fc of IgG. None bound IgM.

The results indicate that the immunoglobulin in some cutaneous vasculitis lesions is locally formed or fixed antiglobulin, which will bind aggregated IgG possibly forming complexes perpetuating the lesion.
A trial of hyposensitization in 1974/5 in the treatment of hay fever using glutaraldehyde–pollen–tyrosine adsorbate
Authors: MILLER A. C. M. L.
Published: April 2006

One hundred patients with hay fever were treated in 1974/5 with a glutaraldehyde‐pollen–tyrosine adsorbate, the response to treatment being assessed at the end of the hay fever season by direct questioning of the patient and examination of a daily record card. Successful results of treatment were recorded in 73% of all patients, results for both years being similar both for patients who had been previously hyposensitized and for those who had not previously received this form of treatment. Side reactions to treatment were generally infrequent or mild, and in only one patient was it necessary to discontinue treatment due to side reactions.
Radioallergosorbent test (RAST) studies with insolubilized polysaccharides
Authors: BALDO B. A. , PEPYS J.
Published: April 2006

Polysaccharide preparations from Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans when used with some human sera were found to fix complement and precipitate with specific antibodies present in the sera. Precipitins consisted predominantly of IgG with traces of IgM and IgA. Following insolubilization of the fungal polysaccharide preparations with the N‐carboxyanhydride of l‐leucine, reactivity with serum precipitins was retained and reaction with IgE antibodies was demonstrated using the radioallergosorbent test (RAST). Results showed that for A. fumigatus and C. albicans at least, polysaccharide‐specific IgE antibodies probably occur in sera from some hypersensitive individuals. We suggest that chemical methods of the type described which induce polymerization or cross‐linking will be useful for detecting IgE antibodies in the RAST. Such an approach could be used with a variety of polysaccharide preparations which cannot be coupled to polysaccharide solid supports by the usual methods.
Asthma due to inhaled chemical agents—epoxy resin systems containing phthalic acid anhydride, trimellitic acid anhydride and triethylene tetramine
Authors: FAWCETT I. W. , NEWMAN TAYLOR A. J. , PEPYS J.
Published: April 2006

Six workers with a diagnosis of occupational asthma and one with chronic bronchitis were examined for sensitivity to epoxy resin systems and certain of their components. In six cases the chemical agent responsible for their symptoms was identified by careful inhalation challenge testing, simulating their exposure at work and thus providing a precise aetiological diagnosis. In one worker asthma followed exposure to triethylene tetramine fume; four were sensitive to acid anhydrides, three to phthalic acid anhydride as a fume or powder and one to trimellitic anhydride. One worker thought to be sensitive to toluene di‐isocyanate gave negative reactions to this and positive reactions to a phthalic acid anhydride epoxy resin and another thought to have asthma from acid anhydride fumes was found to be sensitive only to toluene di‐isocyanate. Immediate, non‐immediate or combined asthmatic reactions were elicited.
Results of a controlled trial of the acaricide Paragerm on Dermatophagoides spp. in dwelling houses
Authors: PENAUD A. , NOURRIT J. , TIMON‐DAVID P. , CHARPIN J.
Published: April 2006

The effect of Paragerm spray from either a hand pressurized can or from a general room mist device (MCR device) on mattress mite populations was compared with the effect of a control spray. After 1 month a reduction in mite population due to the cleaning procedures was evident in the control treated mattresses; Paragerm treated mattresses had significantly fewer mites, notably those treated with the aerosol can spray, nine out of fifteen of which were mite free. Dissection of the mattresses showed that some mites survive and they could form the nucleus from which reinfestation could occur.
Diagnostic tests in the skin and serum of workers sensitized to Bacillus subtilis enzymes*†‡
Authors: BELIN LARS G. A. , NORMAN PHILIP S.
Published: April 2006

Two allergen pools of commercial detergent enzymes were prepared as skin test reagents: (1) Carlsberg type, composed of three products containing subtilopeptidase A, and (2) BPN type, composed of two products containing subtilopeptidase B and α‐amylase.

In 100 non‐exposed controls a reaction suggesting primary irritancy was found at protein concentrations greater than 1 μg/ml intradermally or 1 mg/ml by prick test. Intradermally at 10 μg/ml weals were accompanied by less pronounced flare reactions than observed in specifically sensitized enzyme workers. At 100 μg/ml the reactions were like strong specific reactions. False positive prick test reactions occurred irregularly at 10 mg/ml. In 100 sensitized enzyme workers, reactions were elicited at concentrations from 1.0 to 10‐5μg/ml intradermally and from 1000 to 1 μg by prick test. Intradermal and prick tests correlated well (rs= 0.84, P<0.001). Ratings of symptom severity upon exposure obtained from questionnaires were significantly correlated with skin test reactivity (P<0.01). RAST performed on sera collected simultaneously also correlated significantly with symptom scores. PCA tests in monkeys were less sensitive.

Standardized test reagents allow diagnostic skin testing by either intradermal or prick test in B. subtilis enzyme sensitive patients. A clear distinction between primary irritant reactions and true sensitization was made on the basis of the concentration required to elicit a reaction.
Inactivation of haemolytic complement by house dust allergen in the serum of children with atopic diseases
Authors: WEEMAES C. M. R. , STOOP J. W. , BERRENS L.
Published: April 2006

Purified house dust allergen has been employed for screening the susceptibility to inactivation of haemolytic complement in the blood serum of atopic children and control subjects. Fluid phase complement in the control group of children was more sensitive to allergen‐induced inactivation than observed in a normal adult population. Though the mean complement sensitivity indices in all groups of patients were below the value for the control group, there was considerable statistical overlap. The serum complement sensitivities were in no way related to the clinical manifestations. The results of the complement test were not correlated to the total IgE levels, the RAST scores nor the skin reactions with house dust allergen.

Some evidence for the in vivo involvement of the complement system in childhood atopic allergy was provided: the mean C3 proactivator level was significantly lower in atopic children, than in the control group; the mean C4 level in children with bronchial asthma and in children with atopic dermatitis was significantly depressed.

A significant positive correlation between the serum C4 levels and allergen–complement sensitivities in children with both bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis was observed.
A study of the effects of systemic administration of adrenal glucocorticoids in an experimental model of hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Authors: DILL J. , LANDRIGAN P. , GHOSE T.
Published: April 2006

To study the effects of steroids on the pulmonary lesions in experimental hypersensitivity pneumonitis, rabbits were sensitized to ovalbumin (OA) by injections of OA into footpads and 3 weeks later they were subjected to two successive aerosol challenges with OA at an interval of 48 hr. Injections of hydrocortisone sodium succinate 10 mg twice daily (but not at the reduced dosage of 5 mg twice daily) or methylprednisolone acetate 5 mg twice daily beginning 30 min before the first challenge and continued to the time of killing reduced the extent and intensity of vasculitis in both the treated groups and showed less alveolar septal thickening in the hydrocortisone treated group and less alveolar consolidation in the methylprednisolone treated group compared to the pulmonary lesions in the rabbits which were sensitized and then subjected to OA aerosol challenges, but received no treatment.

In view of the observation that even in a steroid sensitive species like the rabbit, extensive pulmonary changes like alveolar consolidation, septal thickening and vasculitis persisted in spite of treatment with relatively large doses of these steroids, it was felt that in human hypersensitivity pneumonitis steroids might only suppress the warning symptoms without substantially affecting the progress of the pulmonary lesions.
House dust mites in Iran
Authors: AMOLI K. , CUNNINGTON A. M.
Published: April 2006

In the Caspian Sea region of Iran asthma seems closely related to house dust allergy. Since a high proportion of house dust sensitive patients appear to be sensitive to house dust mites, an investigation was carried out to determine the occurrence, distribution and abundance of these species in Iranian house dust in order to assess their role and clinical importance in house dust allergy in Iran. Thirty‐five samples of house dust collected from houses in the Caspian Sea region and five samples from other areas were examined for mites. The three pyroglyphid species Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, D. farinae and Euroglyphus maynei, reported by European and Japanese workers to be common in house dust and to be a major source of house dust allergens, were found to occur in Iranian house dust and to account for nearly two‐thirds of the total mite population present in the dust. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was the most frequent and most numerous species recorded, occurring in 90% of the samples examined and forming 94% of the pyroglyphid and 60% of the total mite population. The frequency with which house dust mites were found in the Iranian Caspian Sea region coupled with the relatively high frequency of allergic bronchial asthma in this area suggests that they may well be an important precipitating factor in asthma in Iran.
Antigens in pigeon breeder's disease
Authors: TEBO THOMAS H. , MOORE VERNON L. , FINK JORDAN N.
Published: April 2006

Sera from patients with pigeon breeder's disease were analysed for precipitating antibodies by immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis using whole pigeon dropping extract (PDE) and a purified fraction of PDE (PDE1) as antigens. For comparison, sera from asymptomatic pigeon breeders and normal individuals were also tested for precipitating antibodies. Whereas whole PDE formed precipitin lines with normal serum as well as with serum from symptomatic and asymptomatic pigeon breeders. PDE, formed precipitin lines only with serum from individuals exposed to pigeons. This suggests that whole PDE forms non‐specific (non‐antigen‐antibody reactions) as well as specific precipitin lines, while PDE1 appears to form only specific lines. These data indicate that whole PDE has limited usefulness in studies of pigeon breeder's disease. It is also possible that PDE1 will be useful in studies of this disease.
The uptake of Aspergillus fumigatus protein by serum IgG antibody from patients with pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: JACOBY B. , LONGBOTTOM JOAN L. , PEPYS J.
Published: April 2006

A method is presented for measuring the uptake of Aspergillus fumigatus protein by IgG antibodies from human serum. The human IgG is first isolated with an anti‐IgG conjugated immunosorbent and then incubated with radio‐iodinated A. fumigatus protein. A group of twenty‐three control sera gave the same background levels as tests without sera. The highest uptake of A. fumigatus protein was given by the sera of patients with aspergilloma, and lower values were obtained with six out of thirteen sera from patients with asthma and twenty‐five out of twenty‐eight sera from patients with asthma and pulmonary eosinophilia, i.e. allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. These results were in agreement with precipitin tests. Inhibition studies with unrelated antigens showed that the reactions were specific for the A. fumigatus protein, of which more was bound by test sera than with a crude extract.
Diagnostic and therapeutic problems associated with hereditary deficiency of the C1 esterase inhibitor
Authors: MOLINA C. , BRUN J. , COULET M. , BETAIL G. , WAHL D. , HARTMANN L.
Published: April 2006

Six patients in a family with a history of hereditary angioedema reported swelling of the extremities and recurrent abdominal pain occurring spontaneously or after trauma. Attacks of oedema involving the airways, the greatest danger with this disorder, were present only in one case.

This autosomal dominant disease is due to deficient activity of the inhibitor of the first component of complement. Low levels of C4, and absence of C1 esterase inhibitor confirm the diagnosis. Two asymptomatic cases with the appropriate biochemical abnormality are reported in this study. For short term prophylaxis of attacks (before surgery especially), fresh frozen plasma is used, or better still, C1 esterase inhibitor. For long term prophylaxis of attacks antifibrinolytic and hormonal drugs are used: in two cases, the authors obtained good results with methyltestosterone after failure of tranexamic acid.
Immunopathology of the bronchial mucosa in ‘late onset’ asthma
Authors: MOLINA C. , BRUN J. , COULET M. , BETAIL G. , DELAGE J.
Published: April 2006

A clinical, pathological and immunological study was made of fifty cases of asthma developing in adult life—twenty‐seven females and twenty‐three males. The mean age of appearance of asthma was 51 years. In spite of the paroxysmal onset observed in thirty‐nine cases, the course was always severe, leading to dependence upon corticosteroid treatment in thirty‐six cases. Two‐thirds of the subjects had either a personal or familial atopic history, one‐third had positive skin tests to routine respiratory allergens, and one‐third had a peripheral blood eosinophilia higher than 400 mm3. Total serum IgE was not raised in any case and attempts at hyposensitization were not effective. The titre of serum complement was normal and investigation for autoantibodies was negative in thirty‐one subjects. Study of the HLA system in twenty‐eight cases showed a significantly raised frequency of antigen HLA9. The bronchial biopsies were examined histologically in thirty‐one cases and by fluorescence examination in fifteen. The histological appearance was sterotyped and non‐specific. There was some modification of the lining consisting of thickening and irregularity of the basal membrane with evidence of hyperfunction of adjacent mesenchymal tissues. The basal membrane showed thickening, estimated in two cases by electron microscopy to be of 20–30 μm. This was due largely to collagen, which concealed the true basal membrane, the ultrastructure of which was well preserved.

Immunofluorescence tests made it possible to show the presence of IgA, IgG and IgM constantly associated with the C3 component of complement. This was localized mainly in the superficial part of the thickened basal membrane and in the cytoplasm of the epithelioid cells. Fibrin showed a different appearance, with irregular fluorescence situated essentially along the base of the superficial epithelial membrane. These immunofluorescence findings are compatible with transudation and also of a local immunological reaction.
Comparison of a glutaraldehyde‐modified pollen–tyrosine adsorbate with an alum‐precipitated pollen vaccine in the treatment of hay fever
Authors: SYMINGTON I. S. , O'NEILL D. , KERR J. W.
Published: April 2006

Nineteen patients with hay fever symptoms received nine weekly injections of a pyridine‐extracted alum‐precipitated grass pollen vaccine (Alavac P). The results were compared with a group of twenty patients who received a three injection series of a glutaraldehyde‐modified pollen–tyrosine vaccine (Pollinex). In both groups 65% had a subjective improvement in their symptoms and no significant difference in symptom scores was obtained throughout the pollen season. In the Pollinex group a lower incidence of systemic side effects was recorded.
Cutaneous eosinophil accumulation in atopic and non‐atopic individuals: the effect of an ECF‐A tetrapeptide and histamine
Authors: BRYANT D. H. , KAY A. B.
Published: April 2006

The numbers of eosinophils recruited locally to abraded human skin were measured in eight atopic and eight non‐atopic volunteers, at time intervals over 24 hr, following the application of an ECF‐A tetrapeptide (Val‐Gly‐Ser‐Glu) or histamine. In all subjects the higher doses of the peptide (10‐4 and 10‐6 mol/1) or histamine (10‐3 and 10‐5 mol/1) produced significantly greater counts than the Tyrode's diluent alone. The counts produced with the lowest dose of peptide (10‐8 mol/1) or histamine (10‐7 mol/1) were not significantly different from the control. The peptide or histamine evoked a greater local eosinophilia in the atopics than the non‐atopics. This effect was probably independent of the peripheral blood eosinophil counts since at the time of study the numbers of circulating eosinophils between the two groups were not significantly different. In the atopics, histamine in doses of 10‐3 and 10‐5 mol/1 were required to give the same eosinophil response as that obtained with 10‐4 and 10‐6 mol/1 of the peptide, respectively.

It is suggested that the relative paucity of eosinophils recruited by locally applied ECF‐A peptide or histamine, when compared to antigen‐induced eosinophilia, is due either to an inability to mimic the events associated with the release of these mediators from mast‐cells or the involvement of other pharmacological agents.
A method for the simultaneous determination of serum and cell‐bound IgE
Authors: ALLEN K. R. , OSMOND S. , ALSTON W. C.
Published: April 2006

A method for determining the amount of total IgE bound to leucocytes has been devised by measuring that released on incubating various cell number dilutions in acetate buffer pH 4.0. A linear relationship between IgE released and cell number was obtained over a limited concentration range. The method seemed to work satisfactorily with 50 ml of whole blood for those subjects with very high serum levels of total IgE. However, with subjects having a slightly elevated or normal serum IgE level it may be necessary to use twice the amount of blood.
Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) and specific IgE in cystic fibrosis and their heterozygotes
Authors: MCFARLANE H. , ALLAN J. D. , VAN DER ZEIL P.
Published: April 2006

The serum from 75% of the patients with cystic fibrosis (C.F.) who had a positive prick test in their skin to at least one or more antigens, together with elevated concentrations of total serum IgE, also gave strong immediate PCA reactions in the baboon skin to Aspergillus fumigatus, bovine serum albumin and egg albumin. Of the C.F. patients, 37% also had elevated serum specific IgE to A. fumigatus whereas only 8–10% had either raised specific IgE or PCA reaction to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Abolition of the PCA activity by incubating the C.F. sera or sputum at 56°C suggested that the reaginic antibody was IgE rather than IgG4. PCA reactions to a number of allergens could be detected in both the C.F. sputum and saliva.

Several of the C.F. heterozygotes had a strongly positive history of allergy and a significant number of these heterozygotes had an elevated serum total IgE as well as positive PCA to Timothy grass pollen or to D. pteronyssinus similar to the patients with asthma or hay fever. Three C.F. patients who died gave strong prick test reactions to several allergens and their sera also had raised serum IgE and positive PCA to at least three different allergens, suggesting that immediate hypersensitivity is of some significance in patients with C.F.
The treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis with a 2% aqueous solution of sodium cromoglycate delivered by a metered dose nasal spray
Authors: FROSTAD ARVE BRYHNI
Published: April 2006

A double‐blind, group comparative trial of 2% aqueous solution of sodium cromoglycate in seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is reported. All twenty‐five patients in the active group found the treatment a success whereas fourteen out of nineteen in the placebo group regarded this as a failure. The method of application (metered dose spray) was acceptable to all patients.
Challenge and exposure test reactions to enzyme detergents in subjects sensitized to subtilisin
Authors: ZETTERSTRÖM OLLE
Published: April 2006

Twelve atopic patients with positive RAST and prick test reactions to a detergent enzyme (subtilisin) were challenged with detergents containing the enzyme in powdered form and in granulated form, and exposed to laundry washed in enzyme detergents. Eight patients displayed typical atopic symptoms after challenge with the detergent containing subtilisin in powder form. Four patients, three of them with a low RAST titre to subtilisin, had no reactions after challenge with this detergent. The detergent containing granulated enzyme caused very slight symptoms in the challenge test and no symptoms at all when handled in a way designed to simulate normal household exposure.

Smelling small pieces of cloth or sleeping on pillow‐cases washed in enzyme detergent and then rinsed three times in fresh water did not cause any symptoms in the patients investigated. Exposure to fabric which had not been rinsed after washing in enzyme detergent caused slight rhinitis, or itching, in the nose or eyes in five of the most sensitive patients.

In a simulated washing procedure the enzyme containing detergent caused slightly more reddening or itching of the hands in five patients than the detergent without enzyme.

The findings indicate that even sensitized patients do not get atopic symptoms from normal handling of detergents with granulated enzymes or from short‐term exposure to laundry washed in enzyme detergent and then adequately rinsed.
Delayed asthmatic response to inhalant allergen: cantharidine beetle, case report
Authors: MENON M. P. S. , DAS A. K.
Published: April 2006

A case history of an asthmatic patient who developed delayed responses to intradermal and inhalation provocation tests with whole body allergen of a common beetle (cantharidine) is presented. The response was maximal at 48 hr after the test and it took almost a week for complete resolution. Prior administration of sodium cromoglycate failed to inhibit this response, whereas corticosteroid treatment completely inhibited it. An asthmatic response which appears 48 h after inhalation challenge with an insect allergen is a new variety and the mechanism needs study.
The variability of skin test hypersensitivity reactions in cystic fibrosis and asthma
Authors: WARNER J. O.
Published: April 2006

Cystic fibrosis (CF) children had a greater variability of skin prick test response compared with asthmatic children, when the tests were performed on two occasions. This suggests that there is a different cause for the allergy in the two groups, perhaps because the asthmatics have a transient period of susceptibility to sensitization in infancy and the CF children a persistent vulnerability. Amongst the asthmatic children, clinical improvement was associated with loss of some skin prick test reactions, and clinical deterioration with an increase in the number of positive reactions. Thus continuing allergic reactions may maintain a mucosal defect, resulting in a persistence of susceptibility to allergen sensitization, and control of the reactions may re‐establish normal mucosal defence mechanisms.
Allergic drug reactions: an in vitro model using a mixed function oxidase complex to demonstrate antibodies with specificity for a practolol metabolite
Authors: AMOS H. E. , LAKE B. G. , ATKINSON H. A. C.
Published: April 2006

Reactive metabolite products of the drug practolol were generated in vitro using the rat liver mixed function oxidase complex. The metabolites were spontaneously coupled to a non‐agglutinating rabbit antibody to human O red blood cells, so forming a metabolite–antibody reagent. This reagent was then used to passively sensitize human O red cells which subsequently acted as indicator cells for detecting anti‐metabolite antibodies.
Predictive value of serum IgE levels during rush hyposensitization
Authors: KJELLMAN N.‐I.M. , LANNER Å. , ROTH A.
Published: April 2006

Thirty children with hay fever were studied with in vivo and in vitro tests during rush hyposensitization with Timothy pollen. Clinical assessment was made with the aid of diaries during one season before, and three seasons after, the start of the immunotherapy. When the serum level of IgE increased more than 10% during the first week of the therapy, symptoms were mostly alleviated during the following seasons. An alleviation was rarely found in children with decreasing or unchanged serum IgE levels. No predictive information as to the clinical effect of the immunotherapy was obtained from skin or provocation tests, nor from Timothy‐specific antibodies of the IgG or IgE classes. It is proposed that serum IgE determinations should be performed before, and 1 week after, the start of rush hyposensitization in order to find probable therapeutic failures.
Haemostatic and complement changes in a family with ‘allergic’ disorders
Authors: NEUMAN ITTAI , ELIAN INGE , CRETER DRAGA
Published: April 2006

A family with allergic manifestations, haemostatic disturbances, total absence of haemolytic activity of the complement system and low IgG levels is described. It is suggested that this functional abnormality of the complement system and the decreased level of immunoglobulin G may be due to immune complex reactions.
A simple method for the measurement of low levels of serum IgE
Authors: GAMO TETSUO , MARUYAMA GIICHI
Published: April 2006

A simple method for the estimation of low serum IgE levels is presented.

Radioimmunoassay often gives falsely high values because of the presence of non‐specific factors in the serum when an excessive amount of serum is used in order to measure low serum IgE levels. Therefore the serum sample has to be diluted to minimize the influence of the non‐specific factors and the lowest IgE level measurable in the serum is about 5 u/ml.

In this study, pretreatment of the serum with cellulose powder was found to remove the non‐specific factors that yield falsely high values. These factors were adsorbed almost completely onto cellulose powder when the serum IgE level was less than 100 u/ml. Thus, low serum IgE levels could be determined by radioimmunoassay using a sufficient amount of serum pretreated by cellulose powder. The lowest serum IgE level measurable by this method was as low as 0.5 u/ml and the low IgE level in neonatal serum could be determined with sufficient accuracy. By this method the geometric level of IgE in cord serum was 2.45 u/ml with a ±2 standard deviations range of 1.04 to 5.80 u/ml.
Allergenic activity of fractions of cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) pollen
Authors: TOPPING M. D. , BROSTOFF J. , BRIGHTON W. D. , DANKS JANE , MINNIS MARY
Published: April 2006

A cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) pollen extract has been fractionated by isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gel, the separated components extracted from the gel and assayed by three methods: prick tests in human skin, RAST and PCA tests in monkey skin.

Prick testing in human skin showed that subjects responded differently to the separated components, indicating the presence of more than one antigenic determinant, and a prolile of antibody activity against each fraction could be constructed.

In general, good agreement was observed between RAST profiles and skin test profiles, although some patients who gave positive skin tests lacked circulating IgE and consequently did not give a RAST profile or a monkey PCA.

These studies emphasize the current difficulty in attempting to isolate a single pure allergen from cocksfoot which can be used either diagnostically for the detection of pollen allergy, or for the standardization of diagnostic extracts.
Levels of complement components during allergen‐induced asthma
Authors: HUTCHCROFT B. J. , GUZ A.
Published: April 2006

The levels of circulating complement components C3 and C4, total haemolytic complement, CH50, as well as evidence of complement activation, have been studied in peripheral blood samples during allergen‐induced asthma. No evidence of activation of the complement system was detected in these studies.
Precipitins to different avian serum antigens in bird fancier's lung and coeliac disease
Authors: FAUX JENNIFER A. , HENDRICK D. J. , ANAND B. S.
Published: April 2006

Precipitins to avian serum antigens have been found in the sera of bird fanciers and, until now, they have been considered strong supporting evidence for a clinical diagnosis of bird fancier's lung (BFL). We now report that 35% of patients with coeliac disease, none of whom had recently kept a bird, had precipitins against an avian serum antigen common to all the avian species tested, but which was distinct from the antigens usually associated with BFL, This antigen was a component of hen egg yolk but not of bird droppings. In patients with BFL the antibody response results from inhaled antigens in the bird droppings, whereas the antibody response in patients with coeliac disease probably results from eating uncooked or soft‐boiled eggs.
Activation of the alternative pathway of complement by grain
Authors: OLENCHOCK S. A. , MULL J. C. , MAJOR P. C. , GLADISH M. E. , HI M. J. PEACH , PEARSON D. J. , ELLIOTT J. A. , MENTNECH M. S.
Published: April 2006

Ground whole rye and airborne rye dust of comparable size distribution were tested for their ability to activate the complement cascade via the alternative pathway. Precipitin‐negative pooled normal human serum was incubated with increasing amounts of the two rye dusts. Electrophoresis of the resultant supernatant fluids demonstrated the conversion of the proactivator of the third component of complement to the gamma‐migrating activator of the third component. This activation was completely prevented by pre‐treating the serum with the chelator EDTA, while pre‐treatment with EGTA allowed suboptimal arc conversion, strongly implying that complement was activated via the alternative pathway. Quantification of the supernatant fluids showed dose‐dependent complement consumption as defined by both CH100 immunoditfusion and CH50 tube haemolytic techniques.

Airborne rye dust showed a greater quantitative potential than ground whole rye for activating the alternative pathway. These results indicate the possibility of the direct action of airborne organic dusts on the induction of inflammatory sequelae in the lungs of both sensitized and unsensitized individuals.
Precipitating factors in respiratory allergic disease in Indonesian children
Authors: TURNER K. J. , SUMARMO  , MATONDANG‐SIAHAAN C.
Published: April 2006

Skin test results and IgE antibody levels measured by RAST indicate that hyper‐sensitivity to house dust mite (D. pteronyssinus) is a major feature of asthma and allergic rhinitis in Indonesian children. Total serum IgE levels were higher in the allergic than in control children. 60% (twenty‐one out of thirty‐five) of the asthmatic children and 56% (five out of nine) of the children with allergic rhinitis had IgE antibodies to the helminth Ascaris lumbricoides compared with none out of four control children. A tendency was found for high IgE antibody levels to D. pteronyssinus to occur in association with low IgE antibody levels to A. lumbricoides and vice versa.