bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of the multi‐test with the prick test and multi‐test 2
Authors: HUBER B. , BERDEL D.
Published: April 2006

Allergy skin testing of infants and small children continues to be time‐consuming and nerve‐wracking. We hoped to have found the solution to these problems by using the multi‐test (MT). The latter consists of an applicator with 8 heads, each head consisting of nine plastic needles on which the allergen solution rests. Thus eight allergens can be tested simultaneously. During routine control skin testing we compared MT with our usual method, the prick test (PT), amongst twenty patients. Twenty‐seven percent of the skin reactions differed by more than 1 +. When we compared PT results with the previous PT, the correlation of 16% was better despite several years interval between tests, different persons carrying out the tests, and hyposensitization of patients. We adapted the MT system and produced a model, multi‐test 2 (MT‐2), which consists of eight sterile disposable needles on a stainless steel base. When we compared the MT‐2 with PT, only 6% differed by more than 1 +. Thus the MT‐2 proves to be a useful alternative to the PT for those children, in whom the PT is too difficult to carry out.
Predictive value of cord blood IgE levels in ‘at‐risk’ newborn babies and influence of type of feeding
Authors: BUSINCO L. , MARCHETTI F. , PELLEGRINI G. , PERLINI R.
Published: April 2006

Cord serum IgE levels were examined in 101 newborn infants ofatopic parents, and reviewed at the ages of 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 and 24 months, in order to determine any relation with signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, urticaria and food allergy.

Cord blood IgE levels were 1.06+ 1.02 U/ml in the group of infants who developed atopic disease, and 0.34 + 0.79 U./ml in the group of infants who did not develop atopy (P < 0.001).

In the breast‐fed group 37.5, of the infants with cord blood IgE more than 0.8 U/ml and 11.5% with IgE below 0.8 U/ml had atopic disease. In the soy‐fed group 33.3% of the infants with cord blood IgE more than 0.8 U/m! and 15.8% with cord blood IgE less than 0.8 U/ml developed atopy. Ninety percent of the cow's milk‐fed infants with cord blood IgE above 0.8 U/ml and 16% with cord blood IgE below 0.8 U/ml showed atopy during the follow‐up period.

No correlation was found between the IgE levels in maternal and respective cord blood.
Experience with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis: some unusual features
Authors: BRESLIN A. B. X. , JENKINS C. R.
Published: April 2006

The clinical and immunologic features often patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), observed over periods varying from 12 months to 10 years, are reported.

Acute attacks of ABPA were characterized by several, or all of: increased cough and sputum, haemoptysis, pleuritic pain, expectoration of sputum plugs, and increasing airways obstruction. Peripheral blood eosinophilia and acutely elevated serum IgE levels were seen in all patients during acute attacks, sputum eosinophilia and recovery of Aspergillus in sputum was less common. However, blood eosinophilia was not present in all attacks of ABPA and sputum eosinophilia varied similarly from one attack to another.

Six patients with previously documented multiple precipitin lines have had no demonstrable precipitins to Aspergillus on several occasions between attacks, three of these patients have also been negative during attacks. Five of the six patients have again developed positive precipitin lines.

The total number of episodes in these ten patients was fifty two, three patients have had more than nine acute attacks of ABPA. There is no seasonal variation in this group of patients. Since diagnosis, only three patients have had an attack‐free interval longer than 12 months. Two patients are steroid‐dependent because of severe asthma, and nine have symptoms of bronchiectasis.
Modulation by S‐adenosyl‐methionine and S‐adenosyl‐homocysteine of the human leucocytes histamine release
Authors: PACHECO Y. , MACOVSCHI O. , BIOT N. , FONLUPT P. , PERRIN‐FAYOLLE M. , PACHECO H.
Published: April 2006

Methylation of membrane phospholipids is an important stage in the process of histamine release. This methylation reaction can be modulated by S‐adenosyl‐methionine (SAM) as well as by S‐adenosyl‐homocysteine (SAH). The influence of SAM and of SAH upon the histamine release of leucocytes from asthmatic and normal subjects were compared. In concentration of 10‐4M, SAM enhanced spontaneous and the specifically induced histamine release. In concentration of 10‐5 M SAM enhanced the histamine release only in normals. This phenomenon could indicate a deficit in methyl‐transferase activity in the asthamatics.

In concentration of 10‐4 M, SAH reduced spontaneous and specifically induced histamine release, having an effect comparable to that of 10‐4 M Theophylline.
Gastrointestinal permeability in food‐allergic eczematous children
Authors: DU MONT G. C. L. , BEACH R. C. , MENZIES I. S.
Published: April 2006

Gastrointestinal permeability has been studied in a group of clinically proven food‐allergic eczematous children and compared with a control group using lactulose and L‐rhamnose as probe markers. No significant difference was demonstrated in baseline permeability measurements between eczematous and control children using isotonic or hypertonic oral loading. Similarly after antigen‐challenge permeability results showed no significant difference from the controls although two of the ten eczematous children challenged showed increased permeability to lactulose. These findings support the hypothesis that once sensitized the physiological absorption of dietary antigen may be sufficient to maintain an allergic response in the skin.
Theophylline compounds in patients with reversible airways obstruction
Authors: VERNON D. R. H. , HOLE D. J. , STACK B. H. R.
Published: April 2006

In a double blind cross‐over comparison of a single dose 450‐mg slow‐release aminophylline (SRA) with placebo in eleven patients with stable, reversible airways obstruction SRA produced significantly greater increase in FEV1 and vital capacity from 2 to 9 hr after administration. A second double‐blind cross‐over comparison of 450‐mg SRA with 400 mg of choline theophyllinate (CT) in eleven similar patients showed that SRA produced a slower rise in FEV1 and VC than CT. However, the increase in spirometric readings following SRA was sustained at 9 hr after administration where the spirometric recordings after CT were falling. Whereas CT produced a peak value in plasma theophylline at 1 hr, the highest values after SRA occurred at 4 or 8 hr after administration. The plasma theophylline level at 8 hr after SRA was significantly higher than that following CT. In this single‐dose study, plasma theophylline levels obtained were within the normal therapeutic range and this was not exceeded and no side effects were recorded.
Workshop on allergic responses and hypersensitivities induced by chemicals; Frankfurt, 12‐15 October 1982
Authors: Pepys J.
Published: April 2006

There is a significant health problem associated with allergy and intolerance to man‐made chemicals, both in terms of the severity of the clinical condition and the seriousness of interference with life quality and in terms of the number of exposed people.

Recognizing the growing importance of the problem, the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe and the Commission of European Communities (Health and Safety Directorate) jointly organized a Workshop on Allergic Responses and Hypersensitivities Induced by Chemicals, which was held in Frankfurt/on Main, Federal Republic of Germany, from 12 to 15 October 1982.
In vitro investigations in asthmatic children undergoing hyposensitization with tyrosine‐adsorbed Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus antigen
Authors: TURNER M. W. , YALCIN I. , SOOTHILL J. F. , PRICE J. F. , WARNER J.O. , HEY E. N. , CHAPMAN M. D. , PLATTS‐MILLS T. A. E.
Published: April 2006

Successful hyposensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in perennial childhood asthma was associated with a slight mean rise of serum IgG antibody to the mite antigen in contrast to a placebo group in whom this antibody fell slightly. No relationship was detected between the effect on asthma and the magnitude of this change, Nor was there any consistent effect on IgE or IgA antibody.

There was a wide range of total serum IgE and IgE, IgG and IgA antibody to D. pteronyssinus before treatment; this level did not predict the effect of treatment. Some patients lacked IgA antibody.

IgE antibody to timothy grass pollen was raised in some but not others. These levels did not change systematically during the study and improvement occurred in those who had this antibody as well as IgE antibody to D. pteronyssinus.

IgG and IgE antibodies to D. pteronyssinus were significantly correlated in the pre‐treatment samples.

Lymphocyte thymidine uptake was lower after 8 weeks of treatment than in the control group, not only after stimulus with D. pteronyssinus antigen, in vitro, but also with antigen from Candida albicans. This was not a serum effect.

The late bronchial provocation response was lost only in those with serum IgA less than the log mean for age.
High allergic reactivity in a tropical environment
Authors: LYNCH NEIL R. , Di PRISCO‐FUENMAYOR MARÍA C.
Published: April 2006

The prevalence of atopic disease in tropical populations is often considered to be low, and this has been attributed to an immunological modulating effect of intestinal helminthiasis. We, however, report that the frequency of positive allergic history and skin‐test reactivity to groups of major environmental allergens is extremely high (43 and 63% respectively) in children in Caracas, Venezuela (Lat. 10°N).

These values were statistically significantly greater than in a group of children with a similar age and sex distribution studied in parallel, but having limited or no contact with a tropical environment (29 and 37% respectively). The two groups differed with respect to the sporadic and light intestinal helminthic infections (such as ascariasis) experienced by the Venezuelans, compared to rare contact in the ‘non‐tropical’ group. This was probably the cause of the increased total serum IgE levels of the former children (369 vs 68 iu/ml), and possibly, therefore, their higher allergic reactivity.
Factors influencing the occurrence of a late reaction to allergen challenge in atopic asthmatics
Authors: MacINTYRE D. , BOYD G.
Published: April 2006

Thirty extrinsic asthmatics were challenged by inhalation with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus extract. In twenty‐four an immediate reaction was observed and in sixteen this was followed by a late reaction. Those with late reactions tended to have more severe asthma but did not report greater sensitivity to housedust mite. The occurrence of a late reaction was not related to the degree of airways obstruction before challenge or to the intensity of the immediate reaction. Patients in whom the early reaction was induced by a low dose of inhaled antigen were those most likely to develop a late response. Results of histamine challenge testing suggested that this greater sensitivity of the airway might in part be due to greater non‐specific bronchial reactivity.
A new immunoperoxidase assay for Lolium perenne‐specltic IgE in serum based on the biotin/avidin system (BAS)
Authors: PLEBANI A. , NOTARANGELO L. D. , MONAFO V. , NESPOLI L. , UGAZIO A.G.
Published: April 2006

A new solid‐phase immunoassay based on the biotin/avidin system (BAS) for measuring scrum Lolium perenne (LP)‐specific IgE antibody is described. LP‐specific IgE was assayed by the BAS assay and RAST for comparison in the sera of thirty‐two normal asymptomatic subjects R AST‐negative for LP and of twenty‐six subjects with hay fever and R AST‐positive for LP. The specificity of the BAS assay for LP‐specific IgE was demonstrated by absorption experiments. An overall agreement of 91% (53/58) was observed between the BAS and RAST and a high correlation (r= 0.87. P < 0.001) was found between the LP‐specific IgE determined by the two methods. The advantages of ihe BAS assay as compared to both the RAST and classical ELISA arc discussed.
Prediction of late asthmatic responses to inhaled allergen
Authors: BOULET L.‐P. , ROBERTS R. S. , DOLOVICH J. , HARGREAVE F. E.
Published: April 2006

Relationships between cutaneous and bronchial responses to allergen were examined in nineteen atopic asthmatics. Allergen inhalation tests elicited an isolated early asthmatic response (EAR) in ten subjects and a dual asthmatic response (DAR) in nine subjects. Ragweed IgE RAST, performed with the sera of those patients tested with ragweed antigen, yielded higher values in all but one patient who experienced DAR than any of the patients with EAR. In one patient with annual symptoms in the ragweed season, positive skin tests with ragweed antigen and DAR to inhaled ragweed extracts, the IgE RAST was entirely negative and the serum IgE concentration was low. Dilutions of the allergen used in each individual for inhalation were also used in skin‐prick tests. Early cutaneous allergic response (ECAR) mean wheal diameters were obtained at 10 min and late cutaneous allergic response (LCAR) mean diameters at 6‐8 hr. Early asthmatic response (EAR) subjects differed modestly from DAR subjects in the relationships between ECAR and LCAR; in the EAR group, a significantly larger wheal diameter (P < 0.01) was required before an LCAR ensued, however there was some overlap. Once LCAR developed, there was no difference between EAR and DAR groups in the magnitude of the LCAR. There was a trend (not significant) towards a requirement for a higher antigen concentration in the EAR group to elicit an LCAR.

In conclusion, correlates of an isolated EAR from inhaled antigen include: (i) a low positive IgE RAST result with the antigen, (ii) ECAR 6 mm or greater with the antigen which does not proceed to a LCAR, and (iii) a high concentration of antigen is needed in skin tests to elicit an LCAR. Correlates of a DAR include:(i) a high IgE RAST result with the antigen, (ii) an ECAR wheal diameter less than 5 mm with the antigen proceeds to a LCAR, and (iii) a low antigen concentration in skin tests elicits an LCAR.

The observed correspondence between the tendency to late skin and late airway responses is evidence of a common immunologic basis.
Skin and radioallergosorbent tests in patients with sensitivity to bee and wasp venom
Authors: HARRIES M. G. , KEMENY D. M. , YOULTEN L. J. F. , McK. MILLS MARIE , LESSOF M. H.
Published: April 2006

Intradermal (ID) and prick tests with bee or wasp venom (Pharmalgen) have been performed on 102 subjects with a history of adverse reactions to stings and forty‐six control subjects giving no such history. Venom was diluted 100, 10 and 1 μg/ml for prick testing and 10‐2, 10‐2, 10‐3 and 10‐4%mUg/ml for ID injections.

In forty‐six control subjects all were tested with the highest concentration of prick testing solution (100 μg/ml), eight (17%) had positive reactions, a similar reaction rate to that reported in control subjects using 10‐1μg/ml ID. In our 102 test subjects skin tests were therefore regarded as positive only if the reaction was elicited by 10‐2μg/ml or less by prick test of 10‐2μg/ml or less ID.

In general the results with skin prick tests and ID tests were comparable when the prick solution was 1000 times the concentration of that used for ID testing. ID tests were positive in thirteen with negative skin prick, seven of whom had detectable antibodies when tested by RAST. Conversely four with a positive skin prick test (two of whom were RAST positive) were considered negative on ID testing. As judged either by RAST or skin tests it appeared that sensitivity diminished with the time interval from the last sting (P< 0‐001).
Passage of cows' milk protein in breast milk
Authors: STUART C. A. , TWISELTON R. , NICHOLAS M. K. , HIDE D. W.
Published: April 2006

An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay has been used to search for lactoglobulin and bovine casein in breast milk. Initial results suggest this may be a simple and useful method for such studies. Detection and prevention of antigen passage could influence the prevalence of atopic disease.
Allergic urticaria and hereditary angioedema
Authors: MOWBRAY J. F. , BROSTOFF L
Published: April 2006

A patient presented with both allergic urticaria and hereditary angioedema. The two conditions occurred independently, the urticaria being associated with allergy to food (which could be managed by control of the diet), whereas the angioedema was associated with C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency.
Challenge tests with tartrazine in patients with asthma associated with intolerance to analgesics (ASA‐Triad)
Authors: MORALES M. C. , BASOMBA A. , PELAEZ A. , VILLALMANZO I. GARCIA , CAMPOS A.
Published: April 2006

In a study of the incidence of respiratory reaction to tartrazine, challenge tests were made with doses of 5, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg of tartrazine and with a placebo, on forty‐seven patients with asthma associated with intolerance to analgesics (ASA‐Triad). The patient's clinical and spirographic condition was satisfactory when the test was made, and the administration of bronchodilators had been stopped 24 hr previously.

In a total of 141 tests with tartrazine on forty‐seven patients, only five tests were positive and occurred in only four patients. In three patients the test gave a negative result when repeated with an identical or larger dose of tartrazine. Only one patient had a respiratory reaction with 5 mg of tartrazine on two successive occasions, and this result is considered doubtful bearing in mind that the variation in FEV1 was at its limit. All the tests with placebo were negative except one.

The clinical lability of the ASA‐Triad patients could be the cause of some of the respiratory reactions attributed to tartrazine in some studies. The lability could, above all, be dependent on the suppression of the symptomatic treatment.

The inconvenience associated with a colour‐free diet and the small incidence of proven reactions to tartrazine, tend to invalidate the practice of recommending such diets unless evidence is available of a positive challenge test on at least two occasions. Even so, the risks induced are minimal.
A longitudinal study of possible allergy to enzyme detergents
Authors: PEPYS J. , MITCHELL J. , HAWKINS R. , MALO L.
Published: April 2006

One hundred and thirty‐six subjects with asthma and/or hay fever were surveyed for possible sensitization to the Bacillus licheniformis protease present in the commercial antigenically identical enzymes (Alcalase® and Maxatase®) used in household detergents. Prick‐test reactions reported as minimally positive were given by one subject to both commercial enzyme preparations at the same standard non‐irritating concentrations and by four others to one but not the other antigenically identical enzyme. Two of the five, and an additional seven, gave weak prick tests to the purified enzyme (Koch‐Light Protease) at test protein concentrations 100 times stronger and to which non‐specific irritation occurs. The findings are strongly against interpretation of these reactions as positive and were on no occasion comparable with those in sensitive workers. The skin‐test reactions are attributable to non‐specific effects. Neither enzyme‐specific RAST IgH tests nor clinical histories suggested clinical sensitivity. Enzyme‐specific RAST IgE for eighty‐eight subjects over a period of 5 years showed no correlation with exposure. None had developed specific IgH levels like those of sensitized workers, and their RAST levels did not differ significantly from cord blood, unexposed subjects and prick‐test‐negative workers. The eight with the largest increase in specific IgE were prick‐test‐negative and their clinical reactions to enzyme detergents were comparable to those of non‐enzyme detergents. There is no evidence from this study that exposure to modern, non‐dusty household enzyme‐containing detergents is likely to lead to clinical sensitization.
Eosinophils, bronchial hyperreactivity and late‐phase asthmatic reactions
Authors: DURHAM S. R. , KAY A. B.
Published: April 2006

We have measured airways reactivity (methacholine PC20) and blood eosinophils in eleven asthmatics with allergen‐induced late‐phase reactions. Before challenge there was a significant (P<0.05) inverse correlation between blood eosinophils and the methacholine PC20. After allergen inhalation eosinophil counts were significantly (P<0.01) elevated at 24 hr. These increases in blood eosinophil counts were not observed in patients who developed single early responses. The magnitude of the changes in eosinophil counts (24 hr minus pre‐challenge values) also correlated with the baseline methacholine PC20 (P<0.01) in the late‐phase responders. These observations suggest that there may be a direct association between eosinophils and airway reactivity in subjects who develop late‐phase asthmatic reactions.
Reaginic allergy to Parthenium pollen: evaluation by skin test and RAST
Authors: RAO M. , PRAKASH O. , RAO P. V. SUBBA
Published: April 2006

The pollen of Parthenium hysterophorus, an alien weed growing wild in India was found to be a potential source of allergic rhinitis. A clinical survey showed that 34% of the patients suffering from rhinitis and 12% suffering from bronchial asthma gave positive skin‐prick test reactions to Parthenium pollen antigen extracts. Parthenium‐specific IgE was detected in the sera of sixteen out of twenty‐four patients suffering from seasonal rhinitis. There was 66% correlation between skin test and RAST.
Natural killer cell activity in atopic dermatitis: a sequential study
Authors: LEVER ROSEMARY S. , LESKO M. J. , MACKIE RONA M. , PARROTT DELPHINE M. V.
Published: April 2006

It is well‐recognized that patients with atopic dermatitis handle certain cutaneous viral infections poorly. As natural killer (NK) cell activity is considered to contribute to the immune response to viral infection, seven young adults with atopic dermatitis had their NK cell function assessed over a 12‐month period. Natural killer cell activity was found to correlate inversely with disease activity. The more active the disease, the greater was the reduction in NK cell function (P<0.01). In addition, a strong correlation between clinical activity and IgE was shown (P<0.001).
Analysis of tobacco leaf allergens by crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis
Authors: LEHRER S. B. , McCANTS MARJORIE , AUKRUST L , SALVAGGIO J. E.
Published: April 2006

The reactivity of eleven ‘tobacco smoke sensitive’ and eight ‘non‐sensitive’ individuals to tobacco leaf allergens was tested by Crossed Radioimmunoelectrophoresis (CRIE). All nineteen study subjects had IgE antibodies to tobacco leaf antigens as measured by Radioallergosorbent Test (RAST) and seventeen of the nineteen individuals were atopic. Of the thirty‐seven tobacco leaf precipitins detected by Cross Immunoelectro‐phoresis (CIE), three were identified as allergens by CRIE. All nineteen subjects reacted to at least one of the three allergens detected. However, neither the intensity nor the incidence of reactivity with any of the three allergens correlated with smoking or ‘smoke sensitivity’.
Early and late allergic bronchial reactions: physiological characteristics
Authors: MACHADO LAVINIA , STÅLENHEIM G. , MALMBERG P.
Published: April 2006

Twenty‐four patients with asthma of suspected allergic origin were subjected to a total of twenty‐five bronchial provocations with the relevant allergen. Eighteen of them reacted with bronchial obstruction: eleven with an isolated early reaction, five with a dual reaction and two with only a late reaction. Extensive lung function tests were performed. The patterns of early and late reactions were qualitatively very similar regarding variables of pulmonary physiological function, but there were quantitative differences. Patients with dual reactions showed significantly greater changes in FEV1, RV and TGV during the early response than those with isolated early reactions. Maximum mid‐expiratory flow rates with the patients breathing air and a mixture of He and O2 were measured before and 6 hr after the challenges. Four of five patients with both an immediate and a late response showed a decrease in the response to helium during the latter phase, suggesting increasing involvement of the small airways. An increase in the slope of the alveolar plateau (phase III) was observed in four of the five patients with dual responses and all five had increased CC%. It was concluded that the changes in pulmonary function occurring during the dual responses were widespread, involving the airways generally and resembling those in the clinically more severe asthma. Usually, individuals with dual reactions showed stronger reactions. In two cases, however, a late reaction was obtained without any preceding early reaction.
Cross‐reactivity between deciduous trees during immunotherapy. I. In vivo results
Authors: MÖLLER C. , DREBORG S.
Published: April 2006

Thirty‐nine children with rhinoconjunctivitis due to birch pollinosis were given immunotherapy for 3 years with a potent, purified pollen preparation made from either birch alone or from a mixture of birch, alder and hazel. The therapy was evaluated with self‐evaluation after each season, daily symptom score during the season, conjunctival provocation test and skin‐prick test. All children but one considered that their condition had been improved by the treatment. Symptom scores decreased slightly more in the group treated with the mixture than in the group treated with birch only due to symptoms decreasing faster in the mixture treated group after each pollen peak (P< 0.001). The sensitivity of the conjunctiva and the skin decreased significantly in both groups but without any significant differences between the groups. After 3 years the conjunctival sensitivity correlated strongly to eye symptoms during the season. Immunotherapy with a mixture of birch, alder and hazel appears to be at least as effective as a preparation made from birch only when treating birch pollinosis even in a region where birch is totally dominating among the pollens from deciduous trees.
Occupational asthma caused by African maple (Obeche) and Ramin: evidence of cross reactivity between these two woods
Authors: HINOJOSA M. , LOSADA E. , MONEO I. , DOMINGUEZ J. , CARRILLO TERESA , SANCHEZ‐CANO M.
Published: April 2006

Four patients with occupational asthma were studied. All patients were exposed to African maple dust and two of them were also exposed to Ramin dust. Skin tests and bronchial provocation tests with African maple extracts revealed an immediate response in all patients, and the same tests performed with Ramin extracts again revealed an immediate reaction in either exposed or non‐exposed patients to Ramin wood dust. Specific IgE antibodies against African maple extracts were demonstrated in all patients as measured by a reverse enzyme immunoassay. Cross reactivity between both woods was demonstrated by a reverse enzyme immunoassay inhibition study. Unexposed persons and exposed asymptomatic workers did not exhibit reactivity to both woods in any of the tests listed above. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first article in which occupational asthma due to Ramin is defined, and cross sensitivity between two different woods is demonstrated.
Morphological and secretory properties of bronchoalveolar lavage mast cells in respiratory diseases
Authors: WARDLAW A. J. , CROMWELL O. , CELESTINO D. , FITZHARRIS P. , GEDDES D. M. , COLLINS J. V. , KAY A. B.
Published: April 2006

We have studied various functional and morphological characteristics of mast cells obtained in bronchoalveolar lavage from fifty‐two patients with several lung diseases. The percentage of mast cells ranged from 0.04 to 0.6% (bronchial carcinoma). 0.05–0.3% (sarcoidosis), 0.06–0.25% (asthma), 0.04–1.8% (miscellaneous) and 0.02–0.04% (normals). There were no significant differences in the mast cell counts between the disease groups. Lung mast cells exhibited heterogeneity of size, shape and intensity of staining. Cells from thirty‐seven subjects were further studied for total histamine content and histamine release using various secretagogues. There was a significant correlation (P<0.001) between the histamine content of the total lavage cell population and mast cell counts. The calculated mean histamine content per mast cell was 6.35 pg. Histamine was released in a dose‐dependent fashion after stimulation with anti‐IgE, calcium ionophore and phorbol myristate acetate with a time course of histamine release characteristic of the mast cell. Unlike peripheral blood basophils, no release was observed following incubation with f‐met‐leu‐phe (10−6‐10−8m) and neither cell type released histamine following incubation with 48/80 (10 μg/ml). Inhibition of anti‐IgE‐induced histamine release was obtained following pre‐incubation with salbutamol (10−4‐10−6m). These studies indicate that bronchoalveolar lavage is a suitable model for the study of human lung mast cells.
RAST inhibition: a collaborative study on its suitability and reproducibility for the assay of cocksfoot pollen extracts
Authors: SEAGROATT VALERIE , FORD ANNETTE
Published: April 2006

The suitability and reproducibility of the inhibition mode of the radioallergosorbent test (RAST) as a method for the assay of allergen extracts was examined in a collaborative study involving seven laboratories. Participants assayed five coded extracts of cocksfoot grass (Dactylis glomerata) pollen, including three batches from one manufacturer, both by a common method and by their local methods of RAST inhibition. For the versions of RAST inhibition employed in this study the estimates of relative potencies of the extracts were in agreement. Further, when laboratories used their local methods, the inter‐laboratory variation in potency estimates was similar to that found when laboratories used the common method. It was concluded that RAST inhibition has a useful role in the assessment of the potencies of allergen extracts, and of the consistency of serial batches of extracts from individual manufacturers.
Results of skin test and RAST in allergy to a clinically potent allergen (castor bean)
Authors: PANZANI R. , JOHANSSON S. G. O.
Published: April 2006

In order to investigate once more the usefulness of the RAST procedure in the diagnosis of reaginic hypersensitivity, we studied a series of patients showing a well known sensitivity to castor bean, which is a potent antigen, and compared the results with those given by patients with no clinical allergy to this antigen as confirmed by negative skin testing. The latter group included patients with no contact, a remote contact or a close contact with castor bean. Castor bean allergy seems to be a good model in the testing of human reaginic hypersensitivity. We observed in the castor bean positive group of forty‐one patients a 95% correlation between RAST positivity and skin test positivity with only two negative RAST scores, and in the castor bean negative group of ninety‐four patients, a 97% correlation, with three RAST positive scores. For its specificity and its good sensibility (although lesser than skin testing), RAST can thus be recommended as a diagnostic tool as a complement to skin testing. Moreover, for potent allergens, RAST offers a risk‐free diagnostic alternative.
Allergy in the Mediterranean area II: cross‐allergenicity among Urticaceae pollens (Parietaria and Urtica)
Authors: BOUSQUET J. , HEWITT B. , GUÉRIN B. , DHIVERT HENRIETTE , MICHEL F.‐B.
Published: April 2006

Pollens of related species usually share common antigens and are cross‐reacting but this is not always the case. The cross‐allergenicity of two species of Urticaceae pollens (Parietaria and Urtica, nettle) was sought by means of RAST‐inhibition and isoelectric focusing. A preliminary experiment in forty‐two patients investigated by means of skin tests and RAST showed that most patients were either allergic to Parietaria or nettle and that both reactivities were uncommonly associated. The results of RAST‐inhibition confirmed the total absence of cross‐reactivity between these two related species. IEF patterns indicated that most proteins are in the acidic range of pH and did not reveal large discrepancies. Parietaria and Urtica pollens, although belonging to the same family and having close microscopic patterns, have very different allergenic activities. This study demonstrates that cross‐allergenicity cannot be predicted.
Oro‐facial granulomatosis. Response to elemental diet and provocation by food additives
Authors: SWEATMAN M. C. , TASKER R. , WARNER J. O. , FERGUSON M. M. , MITCHELL D. N.
Published: April 2006

We report the case of an 8·5‐year‐old girl with oro‐facial granulomatosis associated with clinical atopy, in whom relapse of her granulomatous disorder was shown to be related to exposure to specific food additives, viz. carmoisine, sunset yellow and monosodium glutamate. Treatment with a restricted diet resulted in considerable regression in the facial swelling which has been maintained for 6 months. A brief account of the histological features, both under light and electron microscopy, is given, together with a description of the use of nuclear magnetic resonance scanning in the assessment of this disease. The patient had no evidence to support a diagnosis of sarcoidosis or Crohn's disease.
Immunoglobulin substitution therapy in a patient with primary hypogammaglobulinaemia and anti‐IgA antibodies
Authors: HEDDERICH U. , KRATZSCH G. , STEPHEN W. , DICHTELMÜLLER H. , OLISCHLÄGER K. , HEIMPEL H.
Published: April 2006

Permanent immunoglobulin substitution therapy was performed in a 44‐year‐old patient with common variable immunodeficiency, recurrent respiratory tract infections, total absence of serum IgA and a high titre of class‐specific anti‐IgA antibodies. An IgA‐depleted i.v. immunoglobulin (IG) preparation was used. Infusions were well tolerated by the patient although minor anaphylactoid symptoms regularly occurred. Anti‐IgA antibody titres rose during the first 4 months of treatment and gradually fell during the following 8 months. Regular IG substitution therapy led to a substantial improvement in the patient's health and quality of life.
Histamine release from peripheral blood leucocytes in egg‐allergic patients
Authors: CLINTON P. M. , KEMENY D. M. , AMLOT P. , URBANEK R. , LESSOF M. H.
Published: April 2006

Twelve egg‐allergic patients were selected on the basis of a clinical history of egg allergy and a positive skin‐prick test (SPT) to whole egg. A study was then carried out on the ability of the patients’ washed leucocytes to release histamine in the presence of whole egg, ovomucoid, ovalbumin and ovotransferrin. Histamine release (HR) from washed leucocytes was demonstrated in ten out of twelve patients, but only four out of ten released over 40% of their total histamine. Spontaneous HR ranged from 2·1–14·5% with a mean of 7·5%. There was good agreement between positive and negative HR, skin test and radioallergosorbent test (RAST) results. Concordance between the HR and skin test was found in 83%, HR and RAST in 71% and skin test and RAST in 78% of patients. However there was poor quantitative agreement between these three tests. When skin‐prick tests and HR thresholds were compared, ovomucoid elicited the greatest skin test sensitivity in five out of six patients, whereas five of the same six were more sensitive to ovalbumin when judged by HR.
Antibodies against hen's egg proteins in pigeon breeder's disease
Authors: BERRENS L. , VERSCHUREN M. , VAN DIJK A. G. , GUIKERS C. L. H.
Published: April 2006

The serum of patients with pigeon breeder's lung (PBL) contains IgG‐class antibodies against pigeon serum proteins. These antibodies cross‐react strongly with the sera of other avian species. Cross‐reactivity, as demonstrated by precipitation, complement fixation, haemagglutination and microELISA, is also exhibited with the water‐soluble proteins in hen's egg yolk and egg white. The phenomenon appears to be due to the presence of hen serum proteins in the eggs, which occur particularly concentrated among the water‐soluble proteins in the yolk (‘livetins’). It is proposed that anti‐egg antibodies may explain the frequent serological finding of‘false‐positive’asymptomatic pigeon breeders.
Terfenadine reduces skin and conjunctival reactivity in grass pollen allergic children
Authors: KJELLMAN N.‐I. M. , ANDERSSON B.
Published: April 2006

Terfenadine suspension, 30 mg b.i.d., was compared with placebo in a randomized, double‐blind cross‐over study in twenty‐five children, 6–12 years of age, with grass pollen induced allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. The patients were treated during two 7‐day periods separated by a 4‐day wash‐out period. Efficacy was assessed during a period without provoking pollen in the air. At the end of each treatment period, skin‐prick tests were carried out in quadruplicate with three concentrations of grass pollen extracts (identical batches of Pharmalgen®) and histamine HCl, 1 and 10 mg/ml, as were conjunctival provocations with the same grass pollen. The mean size of weals caused by allergen and histamine was significantly smaller after terfenadine than after placebo; in fact, terfenadine increased the tolerance to the allergen by a factor of ten. Similarly, the tolerance to conjunctival provocation was significantly increased during terfenadine treatment as compared with placebo. There was no significant difference between the treatments in scores for alertness and salivation. Seasonal symptoms were mild when the children were allowed to use terfenadine in an open follow‐up study. Thus, terfenadine reduced specific as well as non‐specific reactivity in grass pollen allergic children and caused few side effects.
A trial comparing nedocromil sodium (Tilade®) and placebo in the management of bronchial asthma
Authors: FYANS* P. G. , CHATTERJEE* P. C. , CHATTERJEE† S. S.
Published: April 2006

Abstract. In a double‐blind group comparative trial nedocromil sodium (Tilade®) at a dose of 4 mg four times daily was compared with placebo in the management of out‐patients with bronchial asthma. Treatments were delivered by pressurized aerosol over a period of 28 days following a 2‐week base‐line during which patients continued on their usual therapy. Twenty‐one patients entered the nedocromil sodium group and twenty entered the placebo group. All were using beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol as maintenance steroid therapy plus intermittent use of a bronchodilator taken by inhalation. The dose of steroid was reduced for all patients after 2 weeks of treatment and again for approximately half the patients after 3 weeks trial treatment. Patients in the nedocromil sodium treatment group improved in respect of Diary Card symptom scores and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and in their requirements for inhaled bronchodilators. Patients in the placebo group were worse, particularly in respect of daytime asthma symptoms (P < 0·01), bronchodilator use (P < 0·05) and morning PEFR during the third week of trial treatment (P < 0·05). More patients in the nedocromil sodium group than in the placebo group thought their treatment had been effective (P < 0·05). Nedocromil was well tolerated. Despite the short duration of treatment imposed at this stage in the clinical evaluation of a new compound, our results were sufficiently encouraging to prompt further evaluation of nedocromil sodium over the longer period required (3–12 months) for the clinical assessment of a new treatment for chronic asthma.
Cell‐mediated immune responses to artificial food additives in chronic urticaria
Authors: WARRINGTON R. J. , SAUDER PATRICIA J. , McPHILLIPS SHAWN
Published: April 2006

Abstract. In some cases of chronic urticaria it is suspected that food additives such as tartrazine and sodium benzoate or salicylates may play a role in the pathogenesis of the condition. Since, at times, chronic urticaria may appear histologically similar to a mild cell‐mediated immune response, the release of the T cell‐derived lymphokine leucocyte inhibitory factor (LIF), in response to incubation with these additives and with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), was measured in vitro using cells from normal controls, from patients with chronic urticaria with or without clinically associated additive sensitivity and from patients with asthma with or without associated ASA sensitivity. It was found that significant production of LIF occurred in response to tartrazine and sodium benzoate in those individuals with chronic additive induced urticaria. In addition, tartrazine caused LIF release from mononuclear cells of ASA‐sensitive asthmatics. These results may indicate a possible role for additive‐induced cell‐mediated immune responses in the pathogenesis of some cases of chronic urticaria and suggest a potential diagnostic test for this condition.
Gastrointestinal permeability in children with cow's milk allergy: effect of milk challenge and sodium cromoglycate as assessed with polyethyleneglycols (PEG 400 and PEG 1000)
Authors: FÄLTH‐MAGNUSSON* KARIN , KJELLMAN* N.‐I. M. , ODELRAM† H. , SUNDQVIST‡ T. , MAGNUSSON‡ K.‐E.
Published: April 2006

Abstract. Sixteen children with immediate‐type cow's milk allergy were challenged with increasing amounts of cow's milk. Gastrointestinal permeability was investigated before and after challenge by the 6‐hr urinary recovery of a mixture of different‐sized polyethyleneglycols (PEG 400 and PEG 1000). The results were related to clinical symptoms in the individual patients. The majority of the children displayed changed permeability characteristics after the challenge, both with respect to the maximum uptake of a small test molecule (usually 370 dalton PEG) and/or a large molecule (1074 dalton PFG), and to size‐dependent exclusion of probe molecules. When corrected for the dose of milk taken, the children showing the most severe immediate‐type symptoms also displayed the greatest alteration of permeability. Treatment with sodium cromoglycate (SCG) before the challenge diminished the effect on the uptake of probe molecules, usually decreased the severity of elicited symptoms, allowing about a tenfold increase in the milk dose. Cow's milk challenge in healthy children caused only minor permeability changes, whereas challenge in the sensitized subjects significantly changed (increased or decreased) the recovery of a large test molecule. The difference between healthy and allergic subjects was most obvious when correcting for dose of milk ingested. We conclude that (i) oral challenge with cow's milk in allergic subjects affects the mucosal barrier, and (ii) peroral treatment with SCG moderates immediate hypersensitivity reactions with respect to both tolerated antigen dose and intestinal permeability properties.
Influence of maternal food antigen avoidance during pregnancy and lactation on incidence of atopic eczema in infants
Authors: CHANDRA R. K. , PURI S. , SURAIYA C. , CHEEMA P. S.
Published: April 2006

Abstract. One hundred and twenty‐one women with history of a previous child with atopic disease were randomly allocated during the next pregnancy to antigen avoidance or control groups. Dietary advice consisted of almost complete exclusion of milk and dairy products, egg, fish, beef and peanut throughout pregnancy and lactation. A total of 109 completed the study. Maternal antigen avoidance was associated with reduced occurrence of atopic eczema and the skin involvement was less extensive and milder. The beneficial effect was observed mainly in the breast‐fed group. Among the fifty‐five who completed the trial of antigen avoidance, seventeen infants developed atopic eczema, five out of thirty‐five who were breast‐fed and twelve out of twenty who were formula‐fed. Among the offspring of fifty‐four control mothers given no dietary restriction, eczema was observed in twenty‐four infants, eleven out of thirty‐six breast‐fed and thirteen of eighteen formula‐fed. Avoidance of common dietary allergens during pregnancy and lactation enhanced the preventive beneficial effect of exclusive breast feeding on the incidence of atopic eczema among infants at high risk.
Food antibodies, intestinal permeability and HLA status in IgA deficient blood donors identified by a new rapid screening test
Authors: GILLON J. , BARCLAY G. R. , YAP P. L. , FERGUSON ANNE
Published: April 2006

Abstract. Circulating food antibodies, intestinal permeability and HLA status were studied in twelve blood donors previously identified as being selectively IgA deficient from screening 10 000 donations by means of a latex agglutination inhibition test, and confirmed by laser nephelometry. Assessment of intestinal function also included clinical history and standard laboratory tests. The donors proved to be healthy with no evidence of autoimmune disease or allergy. Nine donors (75%) had precipitins to food antigens. None had increased intestinal permeability as measured by the cellobiose/mannitol absorption test. HLA‐A, B and DR antigen distribution was normal. IgG sub‐class distribution was normal with the exception of an IgG2 level slightly below normal in one donor (0·9 g/1). An unexpected finding was a return of IgA levels to normal in four donors (33%) within 6 months.
Histamine and methacholine do not increase nasal reactivity
Authors: GRØNBORG H. , BORUM P. , MYGIND N.
Published: April 2006

Abstract. Allergen provocation in the nose increases the non‐specific nasal reactivity. The aim of this trial was to determine whether this‘priming effect’ can be caused by histamine or methacholine, which is the most important biochemical mediator of allergic rhinitis, and an analogue to the important neurotransmittor, acetylcholine, respectively. Intranasal provocation tests with the two substances were carried out on thirteen normal subjects, and repeated 1 hr and 1 day later. The response, measured as the number of sneezes, the amount of blown secretion and the increase in nasal airway resistance, did not change with consecutive provocations. It was concluded that neither histamine nor methacholine were responsible for the allergen‐induced‘priming’ of the nasal mucous membrane.
Allergic reactivity and socio‐economic level in a tropical environment
Authors: LYNCH N. R. , LOPEZ REINA I. , DI PRISCO‐FUENMAYOR MARIA C. , HAGEL ISABEL , MEDOUZE LUISA , VIANA G. , ORTEGA C. , PRATO G.
Published: April 2006

As some factors associated with the tropical environment can modify the expression of atopic disease, various indicators of allergic reactivity were compared between allergic and non‐allergic subjects of different socio‐economic level in Caracas, Venezuela (Lat. 10°N). The socio‐economic levels considered were high (HSEL), medium‐high (MSEL) or low (LSEL). As generally found in temperature climates, in the HSEL the total serum IgE levels of allergic patients were significantly greater than those of nonallergic individuals (geometric means of 274 vs 126 IU/ml, respectively), as were also the specific serum IgE antibody levels (55.6 vs 23.8% positive, respectively, for house dust). These results correlated closely with the skin‐test reactivity of these subjects (60.3 vs 17.5% positive for house dust). In this group, the degree of intestinal helminthic infection was low (5.6% positive for Ascaris). In contrast, for the MSEL where the degree of parasitic infection was higher (13.0%), the total serum IgE levels were elevated in both allergic and non‐allergic subjects (602 vs 363 IU/ml). Similarly, positivity for specific IgE antibody was high, and comparable between allergies and non‐allergies of this group (61.5 vs 54.2%), as was also the case for skin‐test reactivity (71.9 vs 60.4%). In the LSEL, parasitic infection was prevalent (47.6%), and the total serum IgE levels were markedly elevated, with little difference occurring between allergic and non‐allergic individuals (2269 vs 1981 IU/ml). The positivity for specific IgE antibody was high, and effectively independent of the allergic state (75.6 vs 53.7%), but in contrast the skin test reactivity was relatively low (22.0 vs 9.8%). The lack of correlation between skin test and specific IgE results in this group appeared to have