bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective Effect of Disodium Cromoglycate on Propranolol Challenge
Authors: Koëter G. H. , Meurs H. , de Monchy J. G. R. , de Vries K.
Published: May 2007

The protective activity of cromoglycate in histamine and propranolol bronchial provocation test, was studied in seven asthmatic patients by inhalation of increasing does of histamine and propranolol in the absence and presence of inhaled cromoglycate. Cromoglycate showed a significant protective effect on the propranolol challenge, whereas no protection against histamine challenge could be observed.
Castor Bean Allergy Among Workers in the Felt Industry
Authors: Topping M. D. , Henderson R. T. S. , Luczynska Christina M. , Woodmass Alison
Published: May 2007

We describe occupational allergy to castor bean in workers in a felt manufacturing plant. Twenty‐six (37%) of the workers complained they were affected by the felt and were examined by us. Of these, 12 were considered to have occupational allergy. These 12 subjects had raised specific IgE levels to both felt and castor bean extracts. In addition, three subjects without occupational allergy had raised specific IgE. The presence of castor bean allergens in the felt was suggested by the correlation between the RAST scores to the felt and castor bean and confirmed by RAST inhibition experiments. The RAST results correlated well with the results of skin prick tests to felt and castor bean extracts. In addition it was found that atopy did not predispose the workers to castor bean allergy.
Variations in T Cell Subsets During Hyposensitization of Grass‐Sensitive Patients with Formaldehyde Modified Extracts
Authors: Anfosso F. , Alcaraz G. , Vervloetand D. , Charpin J.
Published: May 2007

In atopic patients with clinical symptoms of hay fever, changes in Tγ and Tμ cells were evaluated during desensitization. A significant increase in Tμ and overall in Tγ cells was noted. These results suggested that T cell defect could be restored by desensitization treatment.
Human Serum IgE against Two Major Allergens from Cow Hair and Dander: Determination of Affinity and Quantity of Antigen‐Specific IgE
Authors: Prahl P. , Nexø E.
Published: May 2007

The quantity and quality of antigen‐specific IgE against purified major allergens from cow hair and dander was measured by a double‐antibody radioimmunoassay. In serum from patients with allergic asthma to cow the affinity constant varied from 1 to 150 × 109 1/mol and the number of antibody combining sites from 0.01 to 0.4 × 10−9 mol/1 serum for each antigen.
Effect of Cimetidine on Exogenous Histamine Inhibition of Histamine Release in Vivo
Authors: Ting Stanislaus , Zweiman Burton , Lavker Robert M. , Dunsky Eliot H.
Published: May 2007

We previously reported that exogenous histamine inhibits in vivo histamine release and eosinophil accmulation in ragweed‐challenged skin sites of sensitive human subjectes. The mechanism(s) involved were unclear. In this study, we repeated similar approaches in of the same subjects pretreated for 3 days with cimetidine, an H2 receptor antagonist. The pattern of exogenous histamine effects was now different in that local exogenous histamine (50 ug/ml) did not significantly alter ragweed‐induced mast cell alteration, histamine release, or the degree of eosinophil accumulation in skin challenge sites. These findings suggest that the observed exogenous histamine inhibitory effects may be mediated through the H2 receptor.
Evaluation of Protective Effect of Fenoterol in Allergen‐Induced Bronchospasm
Authors: D'Amato G. , Schiano M. , Balzano G. , Gocco G. , Melillo G.
Published: May 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine the intensity and duration of the protective effect of fenoterol (200 μg) in allergen‐induced bronchospasm and to compare its effect with that of DSCG (20 mg). Twelve atopic‐asthmatic patients, with ages ranging from 10 to 41 years, participated in the study. At the time of the study their symptoms were well controlled without the use of anti‐asthmatic drugs and their FFV1 was greater than 80% of predicted and did not vary by more than 10% on each study day.

The study was a double‐blind cross over trial. Each drug was given separately at 1 week intervals according to an appropriate random plan. During the treatment the patients were given two puffs of metered dose aerosol and a capsule of inhalation powder. Each patient was given aerosol with test drug and placebo aerosol alternately, according to the double‐blind method. The allergen was given 90 min after the administration of the drugs, and parameters of the respiratory function were controlled over a period of 6 h. Subsequently, the protective effect of 200 μg fenoterol administered 4 h before the allergen was studied openly, and showed that fenoterol possesses a protective effect in allergen‐induced bronchospasm. This effect, although slightly reduced, persists even when the allergen is administered 4 h later.
Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis in the Same Patients
Authors: Pedersen Poul A. , Weeke Eva Rung
Published: May 2007

This study from Danish general practice gives Figures about the simultaneous prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis and the order of onset among 7662 patients, who during 1 year consulted for one or both of these diseases. Twenty‐eight percent of patients with asthma consulted because they also had allergic rhinitis, and 17% of patients with allergic rhinitis consulted because they also had asthma. Age‐ and sex‐distributions are presented. In 25% of patients with both diseases the onset of both diseases occurred within the same year, while in 35% the onset of asthma occurred first and in 40% allergic rhinitis.

Among patients with both diseases, who did not have onset of both within the same year, more than 75% of them had onset of one disease within 2 years of the other.
Relationships between Responsiveness of the Bronchi to Acetylcholine and Cyclic AMP Response of Lymphocytes to Beta1‐ and Beta2‐Adrenergic Receptor Stimulation in Patients with Asthma
Authors: Makino Sohei , Ikemori Ryosuke , Fukuda Takiishi , Motojima Shinji
Published: May 2007

Decreased response of beta‐adrenergic receptor has been considered to he one of the causes of increased responsiveness of the bronchi in asthma. Since beta‐adrenergic receptor has two subtypes, beta1 and beta2, and the bronchodilating effect of beta stimulants is mediated by beta2‐receptor, responsiveness of the bronchi is expected to correlate to the cyclic AMP response of lymphocytes to a beta2‐stimulant. Responsiveness of the bronchi was expressed as respiratory threshold to acetylcholine (RT‐Ach), which was the minimal concentration of acetylcholine solution to cause an initial decrease of FEV1 of more than 20% of the baseline value. Beta1 and heta2‐responses were expressed as the increments of cyclic AMP content of 106 lymphocytes incubated with norepinephrine (beta1‐stimulant) and salbutamol (beta2‐stimulant).

RT‐Ach showed a significant correlation with the beta2‐cyclic AMP response of lymphocytes, but not with the beta1 ‐response among patients with asthma. Sixteen symptomatic patients on continuous beta‐stimulants showed lower RT‐Ach value and diminished beta2‐receptor activity of lymphocytes compared with 14 patients in remission. These results suggest that selective beta2‐adrenergic blockade may he one of the causes of bronchial hypersensitivity in asthma, though it should be noted that in this study beta‐adrenergic responses were examined in lymphocytes and were compared with the responsiveneness of the bronchi. Possible beta‐receptor subsensitivity induced by administration of beta‐stimulants is discussed.
Immunoglobulin E Pattern in Cigarette Smokers
Authors: Bahna Sami L. , Heiner Douglas C. , Myhre Byron A.
Published: May 2007

Serum IgE levels in healthy blood donors who had no history of atopy were measured by a paper‐disc RIA and analyzed according to the donors’ smoking habits. The IgE geometric mean for regular smokers was 41.7 IU/ml, which was significantly higher than that for nonsmokers (19.3 IU/ml) or rare smokers (22.7 IU/ml). Whereas 28% of smokers had IgE levels greater than 200 IU/ml, none of the rare smokers or nonsmokers did. IgE levels in smokers showed a moderate inverse correlation with the degree of smoking. The mean IgE level was 189.8 IU/ml in those who smoked 1–9 cigarettes/day but only 32.8 IU/ml in those who smoked 10–19 cigarettes per day and 11.1 IU/ml in those who smoked 20 or more cigarettes/day. The number of years a person smoked did not seem to significantly influence the IgE level. The mean IgE level in ex‐smokers (50.5 IU/ml) was much lower than in current light smokers but was still higher than in nonsmokers. There was a moderate inverse correlation between IgE levels and duration of cessation of smoking. Our data suggest a characteristic pattern for the influence of cigarette smoking on serum IgE level, namely, a striking rise associated with light smoking and a remarkable drop in heavy smokers, and such changes seemed reversible after the habit was stopped. Smoking status, therefore, appears to be an important consideration in interpreting serum IgE levels and in revising the “norms” of IgE levels.
The Problem of Furred Pets in Childhood Atopic Disease Failure of an Information Program
Authors: Kjellman Bengt , Pettersson Rolf
Published: May 2007

This epidemiological study is based on all schoolchildren (n= 40,010)) in a Swedish county (population: 270,000) and analyses by questionnaire, 1) the prevalence of regular direct contact with furred animals, 2) the prevalence of allergy to animal danders, 3) the prevalence among child asthmatics of regular direct contacts with furred animals correlated to the efforts made to impart information on allergy. 4) A comparison between levels of medical care/medicine‐intake in dander‐allergic and non‐dander‐allergic child asthmatics. This method gave the following results: 1) 52% of schoolchildren have furred pets in their homes (urban area: 39%, rural area: 77%), and 24% ride and/or have contact with animals in barns and stables, 2) The overall prevalence of dander allergy was 5.3%, in child asthmatics 57%; and in children with allergic rhinitis 30%, 3) Non‐dander‐allergic child asthmatics have more regular direct contact with furred animals than non‐asthmatics. The incidence of domestic pet‐keeping by dander‐allergic child‐asthmatics is less than half that of non‐asthmatics, 4) Dander‐allergic child‐asthmatics have a higher level of medical care/medicine‐intake, than the non‐allergic.

It is stressed that the family with an atopic child should be informed as soon as possible of the furred animal problem, i.e. before they have bought such a pet.
C1 INH Concentrate in the Therapy of Hereditary Angioedema
Authors: Berciamaschini L. , Cicardi M. , Tucci A. , Gardinali M. , Frangi D. , Valle C. , Agostoni A.
Published: May 2007

Ten acute attacks were managed in nine patients with hereditary angioedema by means of the infusion of a C1 INH concentrate produced on large scale. No side effects were observed.
Preventive Measures in Mite Asthma
Authors: Korsgaard Jens
Published: May 2007

To evaluate the effect of preventive measures 46 patients, all allergic to house‐dust mites (Dermatophagoides spp.), were randomly allocated to a study and a control group. According to the patients' subjective recordings of symptom score and use of medicine, compared with the control group, the study group had improved. There was, however, no improvement when comparing the objective recordings of morning and evening peak flow and use of medicine, and it is concluded that the preventive measures in this programme are not very effective for patients allergic to house‐dust mites. The reduction in indoor humidity in the study group was limited and, as a high indoor humidity is the cause of huge populations of house‐dust mites in homes, it is emphasized that future programmes of preventive measures should focus more on damp problems, particularly those related to bad housing construction.
Humoral and Cell‐Mediated Immune Responses to Dog Dander and Hair in Asthmatic Children
Authors: Vanto Timo , Viander Markku , Koivikko Antti
Published: May 2007

Dog dander and hair (DDH) specific IgA, IgG and IgE antibodies from serum samples Of 202 asthmatic children, and in nasal secretion from 4 to 15 years were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The results were compared with clinical history, and with allergy test (skin prick test, provocation test and RAST) using the same DDH extract. A blood sample for the in vitro lymphocyte stimulation test was obtained from 40 children, and a nasal secretion sample for analysis of the local DDH‐specific IgA, IgG and IgE antibody levels was collected form 35 of them. In children of dog‐keeping families, higher serum levels of DDH‐specific antibodies, especially IgE antibodies, were observed if the dog had been in the home already during the first years of the child's life. The serum levels of DDH‐specific antibodies, however, did not correlate with the degree of the present exposure to dogs. The serum levels of DDH‐specific or total IgE, or with the results of skin prick or provocation test. The serum levels of DDH‐specific IgA were highest in children who were subjectively most sensitive to dogs. Nasal levels of DDH‐specific IgE correlated positively with serum specific IgE levels. The correlation was weaker between nasal and serum titers of specific IgG, and not significant between nasal and serum IgA antibody levels, Specific IgE antibody levels were higher, while specific IgA and IgG antibody levels were lower, in nasal secretion form subjects with nasal symptoms on contact with dogs, when compared with subjects with other complaints (asthma, conjunctival or skin reactions). DDH‐specific IgG levels correlated negatively with specific IgE level in the nasal secretion from subjects with a positive provocation test result, while the correlation was positive in subjects with a negative provocation test. The in vitro lymphocyte response to DDH did not correlate with the results of allergy test, or with the levels of DDH‐specific antibodies in serum or in nasal secretion.
Autologous Mixed Lymphocyte Reaction in Man
Authors: Hwang Kung‐Chang , Fikrig Senih M. , Friendman Howard M. , Gupta Sudhir
Published: May 2007

The proliferative response of T lymphocyte cultured with autologous non‐T lymphocyte is known as the autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction (AMLR). In AMLR. Both helper and suppressor functions are generated. In this investigation we have examined I cell proliferative responses in AMLR in 12 patients with bronchia asthma 10 patients with allergic rhinitis, and 10 patients with atopic dermatitis and compared that with simultaneously with bronchial asthma is significantly higher than that of health normals. However, AMRL response in patients with allergic rhinitis or atopic dermatitis is comparable to controls. Mechanisms for increased AMLR in patients with bronchial asthma are discussed.
Immunoglobulin E and Immunoglobulin G4 Antibodies to Cow's Milk in Children with Cow's Milk Allergy
Authors: Björkstéan Bengt , Ahlstedt Staffan , Björkstéan Fred , Carlsson Barbro , Fällström Sven Petter , Juntunen Kaisu , Kajosaari Merja , Kober Antta
Published: May 2007

The presence of cow's milk specific antibodies of immunoglobulin E and G4 classes were studied in 47 children with a positive clinical history of cow's milk allergy. The children were challenged with cow's milk orally. The clinical diagnosis was verified by immediate reactions in 25 patients while 22 had late reactions or were provocation test negative in spite of the clinical history. There was no relation between levels of cow's milk specific IgG4 antibodies and provocation test result, i.e. neither with immediate or late reactions. Total IgF. Was elevated above + 1 SD for age in 31 41 tested patients. Of these, 29 had immediate type reactions to cow's milk wheat flour and/or egg white, while only two of 10 children with IgE of less than +1 SD had a demonstrable allergy to any of these foods. The sensitivity was 80%. Specific IgE antibodies to cow's milk were demonstrated in 11 of 14 children with immediate reactions and in three of 15 who were provocation test negative or had only late reactions. This means a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 80%. At least had only late reactions. This means a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 80%. At least one of the four patients with specific IgE but negative provocation test result had earlier shown an immediate reaction when challenged with cow's milk indicating that the specific IgE antibodies were not truly “false” positive reactions but a consequence of previous allergy. Our results confirm an association between elevated total serum IgE and food allergy and an association between positive RAST to cow's milk and positive provocations in young children. We did not find any evidence for specific IgE‐1 antibodies playing a role in these patients.
Effect of Topical Glucocorticoid Treatment on Nasal Mucosal Mast Cells in Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Pipkorn Ulf
Published: May 2007

Glococorticoids were previously considered not to affect the immediate allergic reaction. However, in a nasal allergen challenge, an inhibitory effect on the nasal symptoms induced at the challenge has been shown to occur in patients treated with a recently developed Glucocorticoid, budesonide, for 1 week prior to the challenge. This treatment was also found to reduce tissue histamine levels in the nasal mucosa. Mast cells in the mucosa were therefore studied with a view to finding out whether this reduction could be due to a reduction of mast cells. A double‐blind study was performed in 14 asymptomatic patients. Nasal biopsies were made before and after I week's treatment with either budesonide or placebo. The number of mast cells was counted in two Epon sections after the specimens has undergone specific staining with toluidine blue. No quantitative or qualitative morphological changes in the mast cells were found as a result of treatment.
A Clinical and Immunological Study of Allergy to Hen's Egg White
Authors: Langeland Tor , Harbitz Ole
Published: May 2007

Antigen 22 (ag‐22) in hen's egg white, previously shown to be one of the major allergens in the egg white, was partially purified by combining biochemical separation techniques and quantitative immunoelectrophoretic methods. The molecular weight of ag‐22 was found to be approximately 78,000 using analytical ultracentrifugation and pI was determined to be 6, 1, which is appropriate with the values of ovotransferrin. It was concluded that ag‐22 is identical with ovotransferrin. The ability of ovotransferrin to react in the human IgE‐system was demonstrated in vivo and in vitro, by means of skin prick tests and crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis.
Dust Exposure Challenge Test as a Measure of Potential Allergenicity and Occupational Disease Risk in Handling of Ispaghula Products
Authors: Machado L. , Olsson G. , Stålenheim G. , Zetterström O.
Published: May 2007

It is known that workers in the pharmaceutical industry, and nurses, can become sensitized and develop allergic respiratory symptoms by handling bulk laxatives containing Ispaghula powder. Fifteen individuals allergic to Ispaghula were challenged with a commercially available Ispaghula product and three other products manufactured in a way to make them less dusty. The results show that the use of products with smaller amounts of airborne particles results in a lower incidence of symptoms and thus probably reduces the potential occupational risk of sensitization to the Ispaghula allergen.
Determination of Specific IgG Antibody by Crossed Radioimmunoelectrophoresis
Authors: Nordvall S. L. , Uhlin T. , Einarsson R.
Published: May 2007

A crossed radioimmunoelectrophoretic method was developed for detection of honey bee venom specific IgG antibodies in patient sera. At the serum concentration 1/200 the contrast between specific binding and background was the most favourable. The detection limit was fairly low, approximately 30 kU/1 (IgG RAST units). A reference system based on the reference kits in Phadebas IgG‐RAST® was elaborated.
Death Caused by Wasp and Bee Stings in Denmark 1960–1980
Authors: Mosbech Holger
Published: May 2007

During a 21‐year period in Denmark a total of 26 deaths were caused by wasp or bee stings (according to the National Health Service). The deaths might be classified, with some overlapping, as caused by either anaphylactic/anaphylactoid shocks (between 65% and 80%), suffocation after stings in the airways (about 15%) or preexisting diseases, especially arteriselerotic heart disease (approx 20%). Characteristically, in most persons with shock reactions uncosciousness and death occurred very shortly after the sting (within 45 min), while the interval between sting and death was longer (30 min to a couple of hours) when death was caused by suffocation.

In more than 21 of the 26 cases it seemed reasonable to assume the insect allergy might have contributed to the fatal outcome. Six of these cases had a previous history of abnormal reactions to insect venom, thus only a small group would have benefited from the prophylactic effect of hyposensitisation. There was no known previous history of reactions to insect stings in the other cases, but it is likely that more than six persons had had severe reactions to insect stings on other occasions.

Presumably many deaths where insect stings have been involved – though not verified as causal – are classified as inexplicable or accidental, thus the real number of deaths caused by wasp or bee strings could be substantially greater. Consequently hyposensitisation after severe insect sting reaction of verified allergic genesis can still be advised.
Reaction to Intradermally Applied Phytohaemagglutinin in Asthma Patients in Relation to Corticosteroid Therapy
Authors: Kruszewski Jerzy , Płusa Tadeusz , Szczylik Cezary , Wiktor‐Jedrzejczak Wiesław
Published: May 2007

Phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) skin test (diameter of induration 24 h following intradermal injection of 1.0 (μg purified PHA) was carried out on 23 patients with exacerbated atopic asthma and 28 patients with exacerbated non‐atopic asthma. Preselected adult patients had either not previously been treated with systemic corticosteroids or steroid therapy had been suspended for at least 3 months. Nearly all non‐atopic asthma patients and patients with atopic asthma previously treated with corticosteroids showed increased reactions to PHA. Patients with atopic asthma not earlier treated with corticosteroids demonstrated normal responses. None of the asthmatics showed a negative PHA reaction. Administration of single depot doses of corticosteroids produced decreased reactivity to PHA in nearly all patients. These results suggest that neither atopic nor non‐atopic asthma is in itself associated with impaired PHA skin reactivity but that changes in this reactivity are largely due to the corticosteroid therapy administered to these patients. In relation to PHA reactivity certain effects of this therapy may persist for as long as 3 months after its cessation.
MMEF or FEV1 in Estimating Bronchial Obstruction in Asthmatic Children
Authors: Dalén G. , Kjellman B.
Published: May 2007

In this study the maximal mid‐expiratory flow (MMEF) was compared with forced expiratory volume in 1sec (FEV1) by a spirometric investigation of healthy children and children with slight bronchial obstruction. We found that the reproducibility of MMEF was good in both healthy nd asthmatic children and that both methods had the same ability to detect abnormality before inhalation of a beta2‐receptor agonist had the same inhalation the discriminatory power was greater for FEV1 than for MMEF and we therefore prefer FEV11 in estimating bronchial obstruction in children.
The Non‐Specific Enhancement of Allergy I.
Authors: Pauwels R. , Straeten M. Van Der , Platteau B. , Bazin H.
Published: May 2007

Bordetella pertussis organisms, with or without a small dose of alumhydroxide, enhance in rats the production of IgE antibodies to an unrelated antigen, even if this antigen has been administered 6 weeks beforehand. This non‐specific enhancement of IgE antibodies is accompanied by a substantial rise in total serum IgE and by the production of IgE antibodies to B. pertussis. The effect of B. pertussis on IgE synthesis is dose‐dependent. No effect of B. pertussis on IgE production can be observed in nude rats.
The Non‐Specific Enhancement of Allergy
Authors: Bergstrand H. , Andersson I. , Nyström I. , Pauwels R. , Bazin H.
Published: May 2007

PVG tats given injections of 1 μg ovalbumin (OA) together with 10 mg Silica gel failed lo provide serosal mast cells or lung tissue with the capacity to release histamine on in vitro challenge with the antigen. However, if such animals were injected i.p. with 100 mg of alum (without any further antigen addition) 3–9 weeks after the primary antigen injection, their mast cells and lung tissue showed a clear‐cut capacity to respond in vitro, when examined 1 week after the alum injection. Injection of only 15 mg alum did not induce such a response capacity. The lading of the reactivity induced by an alum injection could be prevented by a repeated injection of the adjuvant alone. Pretreatment of the rats with cyclophosphamide (33 mg/kg) 2 days before the primary antigen injection did not affect the response capacity induced by a booster injection 3 weeks later. S.c. injection of alum also precipitated response capacity in animals primed by i.p. injection of antigen and Silica gel. The anaphylactic response capacity induced by injection(s) of alum was generally accompanied by increased levels of OA‐IgE and especially OA‐IgG2a antibody; however, a clear‐cut correlation between either serosal mast cell or lung tissue response capacity and serum OA‐IgE or IgG2a antibody titer could not be demonstrated. These data show that in primed animals, which do not express allergic response capacity, such a capacity can be induced by injecting adjuvant alone, even several weeks after the primary antigen injection.
Basophil Histamine Release Induced by Leukocyte Nuclei in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Permin Henrik , Skov Per Stahl , Norn Svend
Published: May 2007

Leukocyte suspensions containing basophils were obtained from 23 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). When these cells were incubated with leukocyte nuclei from normal persons, histamine release was seen in 11 of the 15 patients with active disease, but not in the quiescent group or in normal individuals. The dose‐response cure for histamine release was similar to that obtained by specific antigen in type I allergy. By removal from and refixation to the cells of surface Ig, the release of histamine was respectively, abolished and restored, just as in similar experiments in hay lever patients. The dependence of pH for removal was also identical with that found in type 1 allergy. Antinuclear antibodies of the IgE class (IgE ANA) mainly directed against the granulocyte nuclei were often found in serum and on the cell surface of the RA patients, but not in normal individuals. A correlation was found between these titres in serum and on the cell surface on the correlation was found between ANA in serum and on the cell surface, on the one hand and disease activity and histamine release on the other. In a group of 12 patients with another Joint disease, osteoarthrosis, only two patients showed histamine release, and in contrast to the other patients they showed swelling of more than two joints. The present investigation supports our hypothesis of an involvement of an autoimmune type I reaction directed against nuclear components in the RA disease.
Non‐Allergenic Haemolysins in Grass Pollens and Housedust Mites
Authors: Freed D. L. J. , Buckley C. H. , Tsivion Y. , Sharon N. , Katz D. H.
Published: May 2007

25 batches of pollen (six common grasses, maize, short ragweed) and two batches of housedust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) all contained haemolysins. The haemolysins of two grass pollens and of the housedust mites were of small MW (l00–200 Da) and apparently non‐allergenic. Both caused inflammation when injected into human skin, at doses that could be experienced naturally. The “allergic” airways diseases may not be entirely immunologically mediated.
Quantitative Immunoelectrophoretic Analysis of Rat Allergen Extracts
Authors: Walls Andrew F. , Longbottom Joan L.
Published: May 2007

Many constituents of rat fur, urine and saliva were identified as being allergenic using crossed radio‐immunoelectrophoresis with sera from 14 patients who had asthma and rhinitis on exposure to rats. There was considerable diversity in the spectra of components recognised by individual patients, though the majority reacted with immunoprecipitate 4. In all three extacts this represents a similar component, which was originally characterised as a urinary prealbumin. Most of the allergenic components of urine and saliva have also been detected in the fur extract. Some of the minor allergens are those antigens which appear to be unique to urine, saliva or the skin, suggesting that sensitisation to rats can result from exposure to allergenic material from all three of these sources.
Environmental and Social Influences on Skin Test Results in Children
Authors: Linna Olavi
Published: May 2007

Skin test with 13 inhalant allergens were performed in 788 children with respiratory allergy. Positive reactions were common to animal danders (65%), to grass pollens (55%) and to tree pollens (44%) but rare to moulds (13%) and to house dust mite (12%). Children exposed to cows, dogs or horses at home more often had skin test reactions to the these allergens than the children not expose, but reactions to cat dander occured as frequently in children exposed to cat home as to those not exposed. Reactions to tree pollens occured most often in children from upper social classes and from urban and reactions to house dust mite occured most often in children from rural area. Children with positive reactions to house dust mite came from larger families than children with negative test results.

Some of these results were unexpected and possible explanations are discussed.
Comparative Trial of Flunisolide and Beclomethasone Dipropionate Nasal Sprays in Patients with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: SIPILÄ PEKKA , SORRI MARTTI , OJALA KAUKO , PALVA ANTTI
Published: May 2007

In order to evaluate the effects of flunisolide and beclomethasone dipropionate nasal sprays on seasonal allergic rhinitis, 45 patients were included in an open parallel comparative trial. The study design was open because of the different dosage schedules for the two preparations. Strict criteria were set up for patient selection, and all patients were carefully examined and assessed before and after the 4‐week trial period. Throughout the whole treatment each patient kept a detailed daily record. A substantial or complete control of symptoms was achieved in 18 of the 21 patients on flunisolide and in 20 of the 22 on beclomethasone dipropionate. No serious side effects were observed. Thus it can be concluded that both test drugs are effective and well tolerated in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Humoral Immune Response to Some Benzylpenicillin Preparations
Authors: DE HAAN P. , KALSBEEK G. L.
Published: May 2007

In this study the humoral immune responses to long‐term administration of benzylpenicillin preparations with and without adjuvants were compared. In 44.4% of the patients on long‐term treatment with a benzylpenicillin preparation containing oil and alum monostearate, an induction of benzylpenicilloyl (BPO)‐specific IgG, IgM and IgE was demonstrated during and after the course. Patients treated with a benzylpenicillin preparation containing no oil and alum monostearate showed only a very weak BPO‐specific IgM and IgG response during the course. In patients in whom long‐term treatment with a benzylpenicillin preparation without adjuvants was initiated by a benzylpenicillin preparation containing oil and alum monostearate, not only BPO‐speific IgM and/or IgG but also IgE were demonstrated in 13.0%. The differences in immunoesponse in the various long‐term courses were significant (P < 0.05). The data suggest that the presence of such adjuvants as oil and alum monostearate has an influence on the synthesis of BPO‐specific antibodies. However, it can not be excluded that the difference in immunogenicity had some unknown connection with the differences in penicillin/blood levels.
Pituitary Hormones and Contact Sensitivity in Rats
Authors: BERCZI I. , NAGY E. , ASA S. L. , KOVACS K.
Published: May 2007

Hypophysectomized (Hypo‐X) rats do not develop contact sensitivity to dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). Daily treatment with prolactin or growth hormone completely restores the DNCB‐reactivity of Hypo‐X animals. Treatment of such animals with ACTH, FSH, LH, TSH or HCG has no restoring potential. Treatment with ACTH in addition to prolactin or growth hormone antagonizes restoration of Hypo‐X rats. These experiments indicate that the pituitary gland has the potential of regulating contact sensitivity.
Measurement of β‐Adrenergic Receptors on Lymphocytes in Normal Subjects and Asthmatics in Relation to β‐Adrenergic Hyperglycaemic Response and Bronchial Responsiveness
Authors: MOTOJIMA SHINJI , FUKUDA TAKESHI , MAKINO SOHEI
Published: May 2007

The numbers of β‐adrenergic receptors on lymphocytes in normal subjects and asthmatic patients were measured by the use of [125]hydroxybenzylpindolol. The numbers of β‐adrenergic receptors per lymphocyte in normal subjects, drug‐free asthmatics and patients taking β‐stimulants were 1146±98, 845±114 and 582±47 sites/cell (mean ± SE), respectively. The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05) among these groups, while no statistically significant differences were found in dissociation constants. A 42% decrease in the number of β‐adrenergic receptors per lymphocyte after administration of 6 mg/day of terbutaline for 7 days was noted in four volunteers. There was significant correlation (r= 0.68, P < 0.01) between the number of β‐adrenergic receptors per lymphocyte and the percentage increase in blood sugar 20 min after subcutaneous injection of 4 μg/kg epinephrine. There was also significant correlation (r= 0.78, P < 0.005) between the number of β‐adrenergic receptors per lymphocyte and the respiratory threshold for acetylcholine. These results suggest that β‐blockade and bronchial hypersensitivity in asthmatic patients may in part be due to a decreased number of β‐adrenergic receptors.
Development of Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis and Atopic Dermatitis by the Age of Five Years: A Prospective Study of 543 Newborns
Authors: LUOMA R. , KOIVIKKO A. , VIANDER M.
Published: May 2007

543 children were followed up from birth to 5 years of age. Children with a positive history of parents' atopy had a 51% occurrence of respiratory or dermal symptoms of atopy vs. a 19% occurrence among children with no family history of atopy. There was an association between asthma and allergic rhinitis while atopic dermatitis occurred equally in children with or without respiratory symptoms. The clinical course of atopic symptoms could not be correlated to the family history of atopy. The significance of date of birth, nasal eosinophilia and serum IgE levels seemed to be relatively low in atopic dermatitis while these parameters had a correlation to the development of respiratory atopies.
Birch Pollen‐Related Food Hypersensitivity: Influence of Total and Specific IgE Levels
Authors: ERIKSSON NILS E. , WIHL JAN‐ÅKE , ARRENDAL HANS
Published: May 2007

Total IgE, RAST results with tree pollen allergens, and prick test results with birch, grass and mugwort, pollen allergens were correlated to 872 hay fever patients' reported food hypersensitivity (FH). A positive correlation was found between FH and the RAST and prick test results with birch pollen allergen. At each level of birch pollen sensitivity the incidence of FH was lower in patients with high total IgE than in those with lower total IgE. A negative correlation was found between grass pollen allergy and FH in birch pollen allergics. It is suggested that antigens in some foods have a specific ability to bridge anti‐birch IgE molecules on mast cells. An explanation of the negative correlation between FH and total IgE and grass pollen allergy could be that a high number of non‐birch‐specific IgE molecules on the mast cells will reduce the probability that two anti‐birch IgE molecules should bind on nearby sites.
Anti‐Allergic Activity of Formoterol, a New Beta‐Adrenoceptor Stimulant, and Salbutamol in Human Leukocytes and Human Lung Tissue
Authors: MITA HARUHISA , SHIDA TAKAO
Published: May 2007

Formoterol and salbutamol were compared for in vitro inhibition of allergen‐induced histamine release from allergic leukocytes and human lung tissue passively sensitized with allergic serum. Formoterol inhibited the release of histamine from leukocytes but salbutamol showed little inhibiting effect. When combined with theophylline, formoterol was a more potent inhibitor of the release of histamine from leukocytes in allergic patients than salbutamol. In fragments of human lung sensitized with allergic serum, the concentration required to inhibit histamine release by 50% was 2 × 10−11 M for formoterol and 8.5 × 10−9 M for salbutamol. The potency of salbutamol and formoterol in blocking specific 3 H‐dihydroalprenolol binding to beta‐adrenoceptors on guinea pig lung membranes revealed that formoterol had higher affinity for beta‐adrenoceptors than salbutamol, and the concentration required for half‐maximum stimulation of adenylate cyclase was approximately 200‐fold higher for salbutamol than for formoterol.
Increased IgM‐Type Betalactoglobulin Antibodies in Children with Recurrent Otitis Media
Authors: SAARINEN ULLA M. , SAVILAHTI ERKKI , ARJOMAA PIRKKO
Published: May 2007

Total concentrations of IgA, IgG, IgM and IgE, precipitating antibodies to cow milk, milk‐specific IgE, as well as anti‐milk antibodies and betalactoglobulin antibodies of the IgA, IgG and IgM classes determined by the ELISA method were studied and compared in children with recurrent otitis media, and children who had never had otitis. The children with recurrent otitis had a higher total IgE at 1 year of age and a higher total IgM at 3 years. The only difference in milk‐specific antibodies was an increased titre of betalacto‐globulin antibodies of IgM type in children with recurrent otitis. This new finding suggests that immunological mechanisms might play a part in recurrent otitis, which has been shown to be more common in bottle‐fed than in breast‐fed infants. So far, the role of betalactoglobulin antibodies in the pathogenesis of otitis media remains uncertain.
Hypersensitivity to Foods among Birch Pollen‐Allergic Patients
Authors: LØWENSTEIN HENNING , ERIKSSON NILS E.
Published: May 2007

Several statistical investigations have indicated that an immunological partial identity might exist between birch pollen and some foods because of the existence of concurrent hyper‐sensitivity symptoms to both sources. In order to study this, two groups of BP (birch pollen)‐allergic patients (20 with (F+) and 20 without (F‐) food hypersensitivity) were skin prick tested with extracts of various foods prepared in different ways. Sera from these patients were inhibited with different foods, including a lectin, Con A (concanavalin A), before analysis in BP‐RAST and ‐CRIE. Corresponding experiments using sera from grass pollen allergics were performed as controls. The two groups of patients showed identical skin reactivities to BP extract whereas the F+ patients bound twice as much BP‐specific IgE in RAST and CRIE as the F‐ patients. BP‐RAST performed with sera from F+ patients were in some cases inhibited with foods and Con A; corresponding BP‐CRIE‐were not. Neither BP‐RAST (with one exception) nor ‐CRIE performed with sera from F‐ patients were inhibited with foods and Con A. TP (timothy pollen)‐RAST performed with sera from timothy allergic patients were inhibited with some foods and with Con A; corresponding TP‐CRIE were not. Controls performed on sera from normal individuals revealed no inhibition at all in the BP and TP systems. As no direct evidence for immunological partial identity was found from these results the clinical hypersensitivity against some foods among BP‐allergics are discussed particularly regarding content of lectin in foods and common carbohydrate components in pollen allergens and food molecules.
Bronchial Reactivity in Relation to Immune Responses in Rats after Subcutaneous Sensitization without Adjuvant
Authors: Smedegård G. , Ahlstedt S. , Björkstén B. , Nygren H.
Published: May 2007

Rats of BN×Wi/Fu strain were immunized by daily subcutaneous (S.C.) injections of antigen without the use of adjuvant for two 2‐week periods with a 4‐week interval. The bronchial responses to airway and intravenous (i.v.) antigen challenge were measured during and after the immunization period. These responses were compared with both the humoral and the cell‐mediated immune response of the animals. Immunization induced bronchial reactivity of the animals to antigen after airway and i.v. challenge. This reactivity persisted for 7 weeks following the second immunization period. Specific IgE antibodies were detected in serum, bronchial fluid and in supernatants from cultured peripheral lymph node cells. The immunization also resulted in an IgG antibody response. Neither the amount of IgE. IgG2a, nor of any other isotype, correlated with the bronchial reactivity in the animals. Antigen simulation of lymph node cells mixed with syngeneic spleen cells induced proliferation. This procedure also resulted in a maturation of mast cells in 3‐week cultures. The immunization also resulted in some increase in the number of mast cells around vessels in the lung. There was no correlation between these parameters of cell‐mediated immunity and either antibody responses or bronchial reactivity.
Effects of Enprofylline and Theophylline on Purified Human Basophils
Authors: Toll J. B. C. , Andersson R. G. G.
Published: May 2007

Extracts from purified human basophils revealed activity of cAMP‐phosphodiesterase with a km‐value of 0.59 μM. The enzyme was not activated by Ca‐ions. Enprofylline and theophylline inhibited the enzyme in a competitive manner. Enprofylline was more potent than theophylline. These drugs did also inhibit the anti‐IgE‐induced histamine release from the basophils. These results favour the hypothesis that inhibition of histamine release of enprofylline is caused by an inhibition of phosphodiesterase. Although accumulating data have indicated that theophylline, at therapeutic concentrations, is a weak inhibitor of cAMP‐phosphodiesterase activity, there is reason to believe that enprofylline, at therapeutic concentrations, may act at least partly as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor.
Hyposensitization with a Tyrosine Adsorbed Extract of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in Adults with Perennial Rhinitis
Authors: Blainey A. D. , Phillips M. J. , Ollier S. , Davies R. J.
Published: May 2007

Hyposensitization with a tyrosine adsorbed extract of Dermatophagoides Pteronyssinus was effective in relieving symptoms in selected patients with perennial rhinitis due to this allergen who had responded poorly to topical application of steroids. There was a significant reduction in the nasal response to allergen after six weekly injections only in the actively treated group. But symptomatic improvement greater than that produced by placebo therapy was only evident after a further 10 months of monthly injections. Significantly more placebo‐treated patients considered that therapy was ineffective and withdrew from the study. Only one patient developed significant unwanted effects from the injection therapy and had to be withdrawn from the study. We conclude that hyposensitization with a tyrosine adsorbed extract of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus can be a safe and effective treatment for adults with perennial rhinitis due to this allergen who have responded poorly to nasal corticosteroids, and that those patients who eventually respond clinically are likely to have a diminished nasal response to allergen after the first 6 weeks of therapy.
Isolation of Patient‐Related Antigens from Allergen Extracts by Means of Protein A‐Sepharose‐Patient IgG1,2,4 Bio‐Affinity Chromatography
Authors: Søndergaard I. , Weeke B.
Published: May 2007

A method is described for bio‐affinity purification of patient‐specific IgG reactive antigens by using protein A‐sepharose allergic patient serum and the corresponding antigen/allergen extract. The optimal conditions for each step have been determined and it is shown that the non‐specific binding of both serum proteins and antigens can be kept at very low levels by a high ionic strength. The specificity of the reaction has been shown by biospecific elution of 125I‐labelled antigens by non‐labelled antigens and also by comparison of the amount of antigen bound by sera from hyposensitized patients with that from non‐atopic individuals. It is suggested that the isolated antigen‐IgG‐immune complexes could be used for a specific and active immunotherapy.
Cumulative Dose Response Study Comparing Clinical Effects of Two Doses of Terbutaline Sulphate Administered via a 750 ml Spacer to Asthmatic Patients
Authors: Laursen L. C. , Franck K. , Munch E. P. , Taudorf E. , Weeke B.
Published: May 2007

Thirteen out‐patients suffering from chronic reversible bronchial obstruction were treated on two separate days with two doses of terbutaline aerosol, administered with a 750 ml spacer interposed between the actuator and the mouth, in order to evaluate whether clinical responses showed a dose dependency during a 4‐h period. On each day the two different doses (65 μg versus 250 μg) were inhaled three times at 15‐min intervals. Fifteen minutes after the first dose there was a significant difference in FEV1 increase between the small dose and the normal dose, FEV1 being higher after 250 μg, but no significant differences in increase after the 2nd and 3rd inhalations. This study indicates that the bronchodilating effect of terbutaline administered via the spacer is dose‐dependent at the first inhalation, and that succeeding inhalations show no dose‐response effects.
Inhibition of Polyclonally Induced Immunoglobulin Secretion by Aurothiomalate
Authors: Petersen Jørgen
Published: May 2007

The influence of sodium aurothiomalate on the secretion of immunoglobulins by normal human lymphocytes in vitro was investigated by means of a reverse hemolytic plaque forming cell (PFC assay, Aurothiomalate inhibited the FFC response induced by pokeweed mitogen (PWM) and by Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) in a dose dependent manner. The inhibition was irreversible, as pre‐incubation for 2 h with the drug followed by extensive washing and further culture in gold salt–free medium still caused an inhibition of the PFC response to PWM and to EBV. Cell proliferation was not significantly affected, suggesting that the inhibition of PFC formation was not due to cytotoxicity. Pre–incubation of monocytes/macrophages (Mø's), T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes with the gold compound prior to culture with PWM showed that M0's and B cells were highly sensitive, whereas T lymphocytes where resistant to the drug. The findings indicate that aurothio‐malate inhibits the polyclonally induced PFC response by interfering with accessory Me function and by affecting the B lymphocyte itself.
The Precision of the Conjunctival Provocation Test
Authors: Möller Christian , Björksten Bengt , Nilsson Göran , Dreborg Sten
Published: May 2007

Repeated conjunctiva] provocation tests ICPT) were done in 20 children with rhino‐conjunctivitis due to birch pollen allergy. Compared with the first open challenge, three successive blinded CPTs were reproducible within an allergen strength difference of one 10‐potency in 92 of the tests. Based on the data, a power function was constructed, making it possible to determine the number of patients needed to discriminate CRT sensitivity of a given magnitude between two populations. During the study period specific serum‐IgE increased in only three of 19 patients, indicating that stimulation of IgE antibody production is not a common consequence of repeated tests. We conclude that CPT is useful in clinical research. When indicated in clinical routine. CPT is a sale and easy test with good precision.