bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive value of cord blood IgE in the development of atopic disease and role of breast‐feeding in its prevention
Authors: CHANDRA R. K. , PURI S. , CHEEMA P. S.
Published: April 2006

The predictive value of cord blood IgE in the development of atopic disease was evaluated in a prospective study of two groups of infants. Total serum IgE level was ≥ 0.7 U/ml in 44.3% of the infants with positive family history of atopy and in 16.0% among those with negative family history. The level of cord blood IgE correlated significantly with the subsequent development of atopic disease in both groups. Cord blood IgE higher than 0.7 U/ml was associated with a high risk of development of atopic eczema and wheezing, 52.8% and 58.8% respectively in the groups with or without family history of atopy; compared with 13.4% and 1.1% in the groups with IgE levels less than 0.7 U/ml. Among newborns fed exclusively on breast milk for a minimum of 3 months, the incidence of eczema and wheezing was significantly lower (12%) compared with findings in the formula‐fed group (32%).
Effects of verapamil and sodium cromoglycate on bronchoconstriction induced by isocapnic hyperventilation
Authors: RAFFERTY P. , FERGUSSON R. J. , TWEEDDALE P. M. , BIGGS B. A. , GRANT I. W. B.
Published: April 2006

Twenty‐four patients who were known to develop bronchoconstriction in response to isocapnic hyperventilation (IH) took part in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial to assess the effects of verapamil (5 mg) and sodium cromoglycate (SCG) 20 mg in the prevention of IH‐induced bronchoconstriction. Both drug and placebo were inhaled in dry powder form and responses were assessed by serial measurements of forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1).

Sodium cromoglycate was shown to offer significant protection whereas verapamil powder provoked bronchoconstriction in over 40% of patients and these patients appeared to be those with more marked degrees of bronchial reactivity.
Allergy to guinea pigs: II Identification of specific allergens in guinea pig dust by crossed radio‐immunoelectrophoresis and investigation of the possible origin
Authors: WALLS A. F. , TAYLOR A. J. NEWMAN , LONGBOTTOM JOAN L.
Published: April 2006

An extract of dust from the air‐vent filters of a room housing guinea pigs was analysed by quantitative immunoelectrophoretic procedures and compared with extracts of various materials derived from guinea pigs. Crossed radio‐immunoelectrophoresis (CRIE) of the dust, performed with sera from twenty asthmatic patients who were positive by skin testing and RAST to guinea pig extracts, identified fourteen IgE‐binding constituents. Although responses varied, most sera reacted with lour particular allergens, antigens 2. 3, 10 and SI. The numbers of allergens recognized by individual patients correlated with the RAST score, but not with total scrum IgE.

All seventeen dust constituents detected by crossed immunoelectrophoresis (and all four major allergens), were also present in extracts of guinea pig dander, fur. saliva and urine; several of these components were absent in an epithelial extract, and there were even less in preparations of shaved pelt, serum or faeces. None of the dust extract antigens were detected in materials used in animal husbandry, dust samples from rooms without guinea pigs, or a D. pteronyssinus extract. These findings suggest that inhalant allergens may be derived predominantly from material shed from the guinea pig coat after contamination with saliva, and possibly to a lesser extent, urine.
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and sensitization to Aspergillus fumigatus in chronic bronchiectasis in adults
Authors: BAHOUS J. , MALO J. L. , PAQUIN R. , CARTIER A. , VYAS PAROOL , LONGBOTTOM JOAN L.
Published: April 2006

Fifty adult subjects for whom a diagnosis of idiopathic bronchiectasis (excluding those secondary to tuberculosis or hypogarnmaglobulinaemia) had been confirmed previously were investigated by: questionnaire; blood eosinophil count; sputum culture for Aspergillus fumigatus and eosinophil count; chest radiography; skin‐prick tests with several aeroallergens and four preparations of A. fumigatus, including a reference extract; measurement of specific IgE antibodies; precipitin testing and self‐crossed immunoelectrophoresis with A. fumigatus. Five subjects were possible cases of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in whom the condition had been previously misdiagnosed or in whom sensitization to A. fumigatus had occurred after the onset of bronchiectasis. These five subjects had positive immediate skin reactions to A. fumigatus and a history of recurrent pneumonias. Four had a previous history of asthma and the others showed increased bronchial responsiveness to inhaled methacholine. At the time of the survey, A. fumigatus grew in the sputum of one out of five subjects. These subjects had increased levels of specific IgE. Two had precipitins by double diffusion and three subjects were positive on self‐crossed immunoelectrophoresis. It is concluded that allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis or evidence of sensitization to A. fumigatus can be identified in a significant proportion of adult subjects with so‐called idiopathic bronchiectasis.
Evidence for haemoglobins as common allergenic determinants in IgE‐mediated hypersensitivity to chironomids (non‐biting midges)
Authors: TEE ROSEMARY D. , CRANSTON P. S. , DEWAIR M. , PRELICZ H. , BAUR X. , KAY A. B.
Published: April 2006

Chironomids (non‐biting midges) are known to cause IgE‐mediated hypersensitivity in man. This study compares the cross‐reactivity between the chironomid midge Cladotanytarsus lewisi (lgreen nimitti), a widespread cause of allergy in the Sudan and Chironomus riparius (=thummi, CTT) where larvae are used as pet fish food and where haemoglobins were previously shown to be major allergens. As with C. riparius, immature forms of C. lewisi also contain allergenic material since skin test responses to larval, pupal and adult extracts were obtained in Sudanese individuals. Crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis of the C. lewisi larval and pupal extracts indicate that they contain a higher proportion of the allergenic fractions than adults. Further evidence of common allergen determinants between C. lewisi and C. riparius were obtained by the demonstration of positive skin‐prick tests, in Sudanese patients, to extracts of larval, adult and isolated haemoglobin extracts of C. riparius. Cross‐reactivity between C. lewisi and C. riparius was also demonstrable by RAST inhibition studies. A dose‐dependent inhibition was observed using both the C. lewisi adult midge RAST and the C. riparius haemoglobin RAST, the two respective antigens, and sera from individuals hypersensitive to either C. lewisi or C. riparius. Due to the immunological cross‐reactivity found between these distantly related species, we conclude that chironomids should be seen as significant environmental and occupational allergens.
Selective 5‐HT2 receptor blockade in exercise‐induced asthma
Authors: SO S. Y. , LAM W. K. , KWAN S.
Published: April 2006

Seven young extrinsic asthmatics participated in an open, pilot study to determine the protective effect of a selective 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) blocking agent, ketanserin, on exercise induced asthma. ketanserin in a dose of 10 mg given intravenously 20 min before exercise altered the basal bronchomotor tone in only 1 of 6 subjects and offered partial protection against exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction in 1 of 5 asthmatics with no overall effect in the group. All patients experienced sleepiness after administration of ketanserin and one had bradycardia with hypotension. The ineffectiveness of ketanserin suggests indirectly that serotonin has a limited role in the pathogenesis of exercise‐induced asthma.
Asthma and the month of birth
Authors: DAVID T. J. , BEARDS S. C.
Published: April 2006

Analysis of the month of birth of 4520 children with asthma in Manchester, born between 1964 and 1979, showed a statistically significant excess of asthmatic births in certain months. The explanation for these excesses is obscure. The peak months varied from year to year. Asthma may not be a good model to test the theory of infantile sensitization to allergens, because of the numerous possible causative allergens. Mothers wishing to avoid having asthmatic children cannot do so by choosing a particular season of birth.
Effect of nedocromil sodium on the immediate response to antigen challenge in asthmatic patients
Authors: YOUNGCHAIYUD P. , LEE T. B.
Published: April 2006

In this double‐blind placebo controlled crossover study the protective effect of nedocromil sodium against bronchial allergen challenge was evaluated in ten asthmatic patients. Single doses of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg nedocromil sodium, administered as a pressurized aerosol 3 hr prior to challenge, were each significantly more effective than placebo in inhibiting allergen‐induced bronchoconstriction. The 1.0 and 2.0 mg doses of the active drug were significantly more effective than the 0.5 mg dose. No significant difference was demonstrated between the 1.0 and 2.0 mg doses. Duration of protection beyond 3 hr was not tested. The results suggest that nedocromil sodium may be a potentially useful therapeutic agent and is worthy of further evaluation for the treatment of reversible obstructive airways disease.
IgE antibody‐mediated shock reaction caused by topical application of chlorhexidine
Authors: OHTOSHI T. , YAMAUCHI N. , TADOKORO K. , MIYACHI S. , SUZUKI S. , MIYAMOTO T. , MURANAKA M.
Published: April 2006

A case of an anaphylactic shock following topical application of chlorhexidine preparation is reported. Specific skin‐sensitizing antibodies against chlorhexidine were demonstrated in the serum from the patient by a passive transfer test. IgE antibodies against chlorhexidine were also detected by radioallergosorbent technique (RAST). Paper discs conjugated with chlorhexidine‐HSA (human serum albumin) significantly bound the IgE antibodies. Furthermore, all of the sera from seven other patients with shock reactions following the topical application of chlorhexidine preparation also showed high RAST counts. Both chlorhexidine gluconate and chlorguanide which represents approximately half a molecule of chlorhexidine inhibited the reaction in a dose‐dependent fashion. It is suggested that the shock reactions following topical application of chlorhexidine are mediated by IgE antibodies against chlorhexidine and that chlorhexidine and chlorguanide share the same antigenic determinant.
Oral antihistamine or nasal steroid in hay fever: a double‐blind double‐dummy comparative study of once daily oral astemizole vs twice daily nasal beclomethasone dipropionate
Authors: WOOD S. F.
Published: April 2006

Seventy‐four patients with a well documented history of seasonal allergic rhinitis were randomly allocated to receive either astemizole 10 mg orally per day or beclomethasone 100 μg in each nostril twice daily on a double‐blind double‐dummy basis. The patients were studied in a general practice setting and were seen at entry, during the study and at the end of the study by a single observer, the author. Assessment was by diary card incorporating five 10 cm visual analogue scales related to the four symptoms of sneezing, rhinorrhoea, blocked nose and itchy eyes and an overall assessment of hay fever symptoms. Patients were asked if the medication had upset them in any way at each observer assessment. Symptom severity, as recorded by the visual analogue scales, was not significantly different for sneezing, rhinorrhoea, blocked nose or overall between the two groups but the symptom scores for itchy eyes were significantly better for the astemizole group. Adverse effects were minimal and of a minor nature only. There was no real difference between the two groups regarding adverse effects. The study suggests that oral astemizole is at least as good as nasal beclomethasone in the maintenance treatment of hay fever and that it offers the additional advantage of improved control of eye symptoms.
Effect of leukotriene D4 on nasal mucosal blood flow, nasal airway resistance and nasal secretion in humans
Authors: BISGAARD H. , OLSSON P. , BENDE M.
Published: April 2006

The possible role of leukotriene D4(LTD4)in nasal allergy was investigated in healthy volunteers. Nasal blood flow, nasal airway resistance, nasal discharge and nasal itching and sneezing were examined. LTD4 was found to induce a dose‐response related increase in nasal mucosal blood flow as measured by laser‐Doppler flowmetry. Histamine exhibited similar effects on blood flow in the same concentration range. Nasal airway resistance as recorded by rhinomanometry, increased in a dose‐related manner after topical LTD4. Nasal secretion was obtained by nasal lavage and estimated from a dilution principle. Topical LTD4 did not increase the amount of nasal secretion, whereas a dose‐related increase was found after topical histamine. LTD4 did not cause itching, sneezing or other irritative symptoms. In conclusion, LTD4 may play a role in nasal allergy by increasing blood flow and nasal airway resistance. Itching, sneezing and discharge, however, are apparently not caused by LTD4 but can be accounted for by the release of histamine or other mediators.
Sub‐class of IgG anti‐bee venom antibody produced during bee venom immunotherapy and its relationship to long‐term protection from bee stings and following termination of venom immunotherapy
Authors: URBANEK R. , KEMENY D. M. , RICHARDS D.
Published: April 2006

The IgG sub‐class antibody response to bee venom in the four sub‐classes was investigated in ten patients during and after venom immunotherapy. All patients tolerated a bee sting challenge 1, 2 and 3 years after the start of treatment as well as 1 and 2 years after treatment was stopped. Anti‐phospholipase A2 (PLA2) antibodies were of IgG1 and IgG4 sub‐class and rose early in treatment, IgG1 anti‐PLA2 fell to pre‐treatment levels after 3 years in contrast to IgG4 anti‐PLA2 levels, which remained high during maintenance therapy and declined relatively little in the 2 years after the termination of treatment. This data shows that IgG4 antibodies are maintained in the absence of monthly maintenance injections and suggests that they may provide long lasting clinical protection from insect stings.
Associations between asthma history, atopy, and non‐specific bronchial responsiveness in young adults
Authors: COOKSON W. O. C. M. , MUSK A. W. , RYAN G.
Published: April 2006

In 105 subjects taken from a student population and aged between 15 and 30 there was a strong positive association between the presence of the atopic state, defined by skin tests, and a high level of non‐specific bronchial responsiveness to methacholine (χ2= 10·5, d.f. = 2, P= 0·01). Regression analysis showed a history of asthma, and the symptom of wheeze, to be predominantly predicted by the degree of bronchial responsiveness (R2= 31%), with only a minor independent contribution from the degree of atopy (R2 a furthur 5%). The genetic or other reasons for the association between bronchial responsiveness and atopy may have importance in understanding the aetiology of allergic asthma.
IgG anti‐IgE in circulating immune complexes in the hyper‐IgE syndrome
Authors: PAGANELLI* R. , QUINTI I. , CARBONARI M. , PONTESILLI O. , D'OFFIZI G. P. , LETTA T. , AIUTI F.
Published: April 2006

Abstract. We fractionated, by gel chromatography, sera with high IgE content from atopic subjects and five cases with the hyper‐lgE syndrome, and measured the presence of IgE in high molecular weight (HMW) fractions. Two out of four asthmatics and four out of five hyper‐IgE had HMW IgE. The same serum fractions gave positive results for conglutinin binding IgG (all six) and IgA (three cases) as well as C1q binding complexes (five cases). IgG auto‐antibodies to IgE were also detected together with IgE in HMW fractions. Anti‐F(ab)'2 activity was present in five cases (one of them negative for IgG anti‐IgE). Our data indicate that complexes made of IgE and IgG anti‐IgE are present mainly in patients with chronic allergic symptoms and most frequent in cases of hyper‐IgE syndrome.
Basidiospore allergens: determination of optimal extraction methods
Authors: LIENGSWANGWONG V. , SALVAGGIO J. E. , LYON F. L. , LEHRER S. B.
Published: April 2006

Five methods were tested by RAST for allergen extraction from seven basidiospore species Armillaria tabescens, Chlorophyllum molybdites, Coprinus quadrifidus, Pleurotus ostreatus, Calvatia cyathiformis, Pisolithus tinctorius, and Scleroderma sp. With each basidiospore type, extracted allergen activity varied according to the method employed. In general, defatting of spores with ethyl ether, followed by homogenization in 0.125 m NH4HCO3 buffer, resulted in greatest allergen yield. In order to compare extracts from different isolates, batches of Pleurotus ostreatus spores obtained from different locations and over different time periods were analysed. Spores harvested from the same basidiomycete species in different areas varied in allergen (RAST) and protein (HPLC profile) content. The spores obtained from the same location over a 1–2 year period did not differ significantly. These results indicate that basidiospores can be stored for several years and that spore extracts from different locations can vary. These studies will help in the future to provide better characterized extracts for clinical studies.
Penicillin in milk—its importance in urticaria
Authors: ORMEROD A. D. , REID T. M. S. , MAIN R. A.
Published: April 2006

Fifty patients with recurrent urticaria were tested by means of the RAST test for penicillin allergy. Fifteen patients had positive reactions and of these, thirteen received provocation tests with 0.1 U/ml of penicillin in milk. Four had definite positive reactions, three doubtful reactions and six had no reaction. Although there has been improvement in the purity of milk, penicillin residues remain a potential cause of urticaria even in very low amounts and could have contributed to the urticaria in at least 8% of our patients. Veterinary use of antibiotics and food quality should be strictly regulated to prevent contamination of our diet.
Allergic reaction of the human nasal mucosa studied with laser Doppler flowmetry
Authors: JULIUSSON S. , BENDE M.
Published: April 2006

The laser Doppler flowmeter is a new instrument that reflects a different physiological parameter other than rhinomanometry for examining the vascular bed of the nasal mucosa. Mucosal blood flow in allergic rhinitis may be an important, but so far little studied, factor. Laser Doppler flowmetry was used to study nasal mucosal microcirculation in seven asymptomatic patients with allergic rhinitis. Topical provocation with birch pollen extract showed a statistically significant dose–dependent increase in blood flow. The method seems useful as an in–vivo model for studying allergic rhinitis.
Allergenicity of alum‐precipitated grass pollen extracts with different RAST activity
Authors: MALLING H.‐J. , TAUDORF E.
Published: April 2006

The biological potency of therapeutic allergen extracts is fundamentally important in terms of maximal security of immunotherapy, especially when changing batches. As regards pyridine‐extracted alum‐precipitated allergen preparations, the potency is commercially controlled by the RAST technique. In the present study, titrated intradermal tests were performed in thirty‐three adult grass‐pollen rhinitis patients with three ten‐fold dilutions of two batches of Allpyral® 5‐grass mix with different RAST activity. The difference in potency was estimated as the horizontal distance at the midpoint of the two dose–response curves after performing linear regression on the log‐dose/log‐weal area response, and as the concentration of each batch eliciting a weal equal to the histamine HCI 0.1 mg/ml reference. The difference in potency as estimated by RAST was a factor 5.0 vs a factor 8.3 and 7.2 (median) estimated by the horizontal distance and histamine‐equivalent reaction, respectively. Considering the biological variation, the RAST‐estimated difference in potency is in the same order as that found by skin test. It is. therefore, concluded that the routine control of new production batches by RAST is acceptable with the use of standardized reference sera as regards alum‐precipitated grass pollen allergen extracts.
Phadiatop—a novel IgE antibody screening test
Authors: MERRETT J. , MERRETT T. G.
Published: April 2006

The Phadiatop® test, which is based on a multi‐allergen allergosorbent, proved to be a test that is simple to perform in the laboratory and produces reliable results. When compared with the more conventional RAST atopy screening test for grass, mite and IgE antibodies it produced similar results, except in those rare instances of patients who were RAST‐positive only for moulds where the Phadiatop test was decidedly superior. The Phadiatop test disc contains only inhalant allergens and so it could not be used for screening infants and very young children whose IgE response, if any, is probably limited to foods.
Effect of homogenization and pasteurization on the allergenicity of bovine milk analysed by a murine anaphylactic shock model
Authors: POULSEN O. M. , HAU J. , KOLLERUP J.
Published: April 2006

In a factorial design study a murine anaphylactic shock model was used to analyse the effect of homogenization, pasteurization, and fat content on the ability of bovine milk to induce anaphylactic reactions. Mice were sensitized by either oral or subcutaneous immunizations with various types of bovine milk. In spite of a significantly higher antibody titre in the mice sensitized subcutaneously, there was no difference in the sensitivity between orally and subcutaneously immunized mice with respect to anaphylactic reactions. Pasteurization did not seem to change the ability of milk to induce anaphylactic reactions. However, increasing fat contents in combinations with homogenization resulted in an increase of the ability of the milk to induce anaphylactic reactions.
Airway constriction by isocapnic hyperventilation of cold, dry air: comparison of magnitude and duration of protection by nedocromil sodium and sodium cromoglycate
Authors: JUNIPER ELIZABETH F. , KLINE PATRICIA A. , MORRIS MARILYN M. , HARGREAVE F. E.
Published: April 2006

The protective effect of 1,2 and 4 mg of nedocromil sodium against airway constriction induced by hyperventilation of cold, dry air was compared with 10 mg sodium cromoglycate and placebo in a double‐blind randomized trial. On 5 days, twelve asthmatic subjects received one of the trial medications from a metered dose inhaler. Twenty minutes, 2.5 and 5 hr later, airway responsiveness to hyperventilation of cold, dry air was measured. At 20 min, there was significant protection by all four active medications when compared to placebo, with a trend towards a nedocromil dose relationship but there was no statistical difference between the four active medications. All four showed a similar progressive decrease in protection over 5 hr. The results of this study suggest that nedocromil gives protection against hyperventilation‐stimulated airway constriction and that the magnitude and duration of effect for all three doses is similar to 10 mg of cromoglycate.
Biological equilibration of allergen preparations: methodological aspects and reproducibility
Authors: DREBORG S. , BASOMBA A. , BELIN L. , DURHAM S. , EINARSSON R. , ERIKSSON N. E. , FROSTAD A. B. , GRIMMER Ø , HALVORSEN R. , HOLGERSSON M. , KAY A. B. , NILSSON G. , MALLING H.‐J. , SJÖGREN I. , WEEKE B. , VÅLA I.‐J. , ZETTERSTRÖM O.
Published: April 2006

A method for biological equilibration (BE) of allergen reference preparations using the skin‐prick test (SPT) method and histamine HCl 10 mg/ml as reference substance (reference method), was evaluated. The precision was low for weals less than 10 mm2. The slope (log weal area/log concentration) of allergen and histamine did not vary significantly between investigators and allergens. The median slopes were 0.39 (n= 384) and 0.34 (n= 397), for allergen and histamine, respectively (P < 0.01). The concentration of allergen eliciting a weal of the same size as that of histamine HCl 1 mg/ml (Chl) in the median sensitive patient, 1000 Biological Units/ml (BU/ml), did not vary significantly between clinics/geographical regions (grasses, mites and moulds). As BE is repeatable between regions. BUs estimated by this method are generally valid. A high correlation (r= 0.91, P < 0.001) was found between the median Chl as estimated with histamine 1 and 10 mg/ml as reference substance, respectively. Thus, this reference method for BE is valid. The precision of the SPT method with histamine HCl 1 mg/ml is not as good as with 10 mg/ml, which is therefore recommended as the reference concentration.
Comparison of nasal responsiveness to histamine, methacholine and phentolamine in allergic rhinitis patients and controls
Authors: VAN WIJK R. GERTH , DIEGES P. H.
Published: April 2006

In a selected group of rhinitis patients with an IgE‐mediated allergy to house dust mites the nasal response to insufflation of histamine chloride, methacholine and phentolamine was demonstrated to be higher than in a control group. With the methods used histamine chloride was better at discriminating between healthy subjects and patients than methacholine or phentolamine. This discrimination was shown by assessing the severity of reflex‐mediated symptoms such as the number of sneezes and the amount of secretion, and not by differences in nasal airway resistance.
Double phenotyping of immunoregulatory T cell subsets in patients with allergic asthma
Authors: KOCHMAN S. , BERNARD J. , CAZABAT ANNIE , LAVAUD F. , LORTON CLAIRE , LIEHN J. C.
Published: April 2006

In order to determine whether the dissection of helper/inducer (CD4 +) and suppressor/cytotoxic (CD8 +) lymphocyte subsets with Leu 8 reagent would reveal any differences between allergic asthma patients and non‐atopic controls, we compared in both groups the ‘true helper’ T cell subset (Leu 8 ‐ CD4 +), responsible for the major helper effect, and one of the suppressor T cell subpopulations (Leu 8 ‐ CD8 +). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from sixty‐nine individuals, including nineteen extrinsic asthmatics, fifteen intrinsic asthmatics, seventeen patients with chronic obstructive lung disease and eighteen healthy controls, were comparatively analysed. Although total CD4 + cells and total CD8 + cells were similar for all groups, we found in the extrinsic asthma patients group a significant increase in the number of ‘true helper’ T cell sublineage (Leu 8 ‐ CD4 +) and of suppressor cells expressing Leu 8 ‐ CD8 + phenotype. Such imbalances may be implicated in the pathogenesis of atopic asthma.
Allergy to mice. I. Identification of two major mouse allergens (Ag 1 and Ag 3) and investigation of their possible origin
Authors: PRICE JILL A. , LONGBOTTOM JOAN L.
Published: April 2006

An extract of dust from the outlet filters of a mouse isolator was used as a basis for determining the source of inhalant allergens for subjects sensitive to this species. The antigenic components, identified by crossed immunoelectrophoresis (XIE), were compared to those found in extracts of other mouse‐derived source materials, i.e. urine, fur, dander and saliva. Of the eight dust components, one (Ag 1) was identified as antigenically identical to the major urinary pre‐albumin whilst the others were detected in fur, and to a lesser extent dander and saliva. None of the dust antigens was detected as a component of food or bedding.

Crossed radio‐immunoelectrophoresis (XRIE), performed using sera from a group of fifteen mouse‐allergic subjects (positive by RAST to mouse extracts), identified seven of the dust antigens as IgE‐binding components. Antigens 1 and 3 were reactive with all the sera tested and have, therefore, been termed the‘major’allergens. Varied responses were obtained to the other‘minor’antigens.

Ag 1 (urinary pre‐albumin) and Ag 3 were detected in all samples of mouse dust studied. RAST and RAST inhibition also indicated the presence of urinary prealbumin. These findings suggest that the major mouse inhalant allergens may be derived predominantly from urine and secretions originating in the skin and present on the fur.
Clinical and socio‐professional fate of isocyanate‐induced asthma
Authors: ROSENBERG NICOLE , GARNIER R. , ROUSSELIN X. , MERTZ R. , GERVAIS P.
Published: April 2006

Thirty‐one patients with isocyanate‐induced asthma were studied 6–54 months after diagnosis. Four had the same work conditions and unchanged or worse respiratory symptoms; seven had an alternative job or safer work conditions at the same workplace and suffered from mild to severe symptoms. The remaining twenty subjects were definitely removed from exposure; of these, ten (50%) remained symptomatic after being removed from exposure for an average of 19 months. Asymptomatic patients appeared to be younger and to have shorter durations of total and symptomatic exposures, while symptomatic patients were more reactive to acetylcholine at diagnosis. For patients removed from isocyanate exposure and for those re‐employed at the same work‐place, quality of the new work site seems to play a role in the evolution of isocyanate‐induced asthma.
Aspirin‐induced asthma as a viral disease
Authors: SZCZEKLIK A.
Published: April 2006

A hypothesis is presented which states that aspirin‐induced asthma results from chronic viral infection. This type of asthma has, indeed, a highly characteristic clinical course, reminiscent of viral upper respiratory tract infection. It is suggested that, in response to a virus, a long time after the initial exposure, specific cytotoxic lymphocytes are produced. Their activity is suppressed by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) produced by pulmonary alveolar macrophages. Anti‐cyclo‐oxygenase analgesics block PGE2 production, and allow cytotoxic lymphocytes to attack and kill their target cells, i.e. the virus‐affected cells of the respiratory tract. During this reaction, toxic oxygen intermediates, lysosomal enzymes and mediators are released, which precipitate attacks of asthma. These acute attacks can be prevented by avoidance of all drugs with anti‐cyclo‐oxygenase activity, however, asthma continues to run a protracted course because of chronic viral infection.
Symptom scores as measures of the severity of rhinitis
Authors: LINDER A.
Published: April 2006

Methodological aspects of subjective symptom ratings were investigated in 103 symptomatic rhinitis patients. The patient's own overall rating registered on a visual analogue scale was compared with a summed symptom score calculated from ratings of sneezing, rhinorrhea and congestion. A significant correlation, but not complete correspondence, was found in patients with untreated rhinitis during the birch pollen season and after challenges with birch pollen or histamine. Comparisons between the overall rating and scores for individual symptoms gave lower degrees of correlation or non‐significant correlations. When twenty‐five patients were treated with an intranasal corticosteroid during the pollen season, both the overall rating and the summed symptom score decreased significantly. The changes in the two ratings for each Patient showed a moderate correlation. The patients’ ratings of rhinorrhea correlated with an approximate measure of the volume of secretion after pollen challenge but not during the pollen season or after histamine challenge. It is recommended on the basis of these findings that, for measuring the severity of rhinitis, scores indicating the course of individual symptoms should not be combined into a summed score, but that the patient's overall rating of the condition should be used. Scores for individual symptoms can be used to draw more detailed conclusions about nasal pathophysiological features and about qualitative disimilarities between different modes of therapy.
Prevalence of atopy is unrelated to presence of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: TRONCONE R. , MERRETT T. G. , FERGUSON ANNE
Published: April 2006

The prevalence of atopy (assessed by prick testing and serum IgE measurement), and of symptoms associated with atopy, has been defined in 122 patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and 103 age‐matched controls. History analysis for atopic symptoms, and serum IgE levels, showed no differences between controls and IBD patients, or IBD subgroups (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, ulcerative proctitis). Both in controls and in IBD patients, the prevalence of positive skin tests was higher in young people (aged > 30) than in others; taking account of age distribution within the groups, there were no differences between controls and IBD patients, or subgroups, in the prevalence of positive skin tests. Our findings do not support the hypothesis that reaginic hypersensitivity plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of IBD.
Influence of atopy on the clinical manifestations of coronavirus infection in adult volunteers
Authors: CALLOW KATHLEEN A. , TYRRELL D. A. J. , SHAW R J , FITZHARRIS PENNY , WARDLAW A. J. , KAY A. B.
Published: April 2006

In an attempt to understand the relationship between viral upper respiratory tract infection and the underlying virological and immunological mechanisms, thirty‐four volunteers were inoculated intranasally with coronavirus 229E; subsequent virus shedding and/or antibody rises, indicating active infection, were observed in twenty‐nine. There was a greater increase in independently measured scores of clinical severity, e.g. cold symptoms, in those with detectable IgE in nasal secretions (P < 0.01). A similar association was found between clinical scores and serum IgE concentrations 150 IU/ml, but the relationship with systemic atopy, as assessed by skin‐prick tests to common allergens, was less marked. A more detailed study of twelve of the infected volunteers failed to explain these findings on the basis of mast ceil mediator release, as concentrations of leukotriene B4, the sulphidopeptide leukotriene C4, and histamine, were not appreciably elevated in the nasal secretions following virus inoculation. Similarly, there was no evidence that circulating coronavirus specific IgE was produced. Thus, this study suggests that atopy may be related to the severity of cold symptoms produced by coronavirus 229E, although the exact connection has yet to be determined.
Allergen‐induced hyperreactivity is not a feature of dermal immediate allergic reactions—in contrast to reactions of airways mucosa
Authors: ANDERSSON M. , PIPKORN U.
Published: April 2006

Allergen challenges of airway mucosa are commonly followed by an increased sensitivity to rechallenge with allergen. In the lower airways this phenomenon has been associated with the late phase of allergic airway reactions, which in turn has been suggested as a link between anaphylaxis and continuous allergic airway disease. The aim of the present investigation was to explore further the phenomenon of allergen‐induced hyperreactivity and to see whether it was possible to induce such a reaction in the skin. Twenty‐six patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis due to birch and/or grass pollens were studied in the pollen‐free winter months. Nine of these patients had previously demonstrated an increased reactivity following allergen challenge in the nose, and nine of the patients had cutaneous allergen‐induced late‐phase reactions to the allergen tested. Skin‐prick tests were performed with pollen allergen, histamine, and a negative control. The areas of the weal‐and‐flare reactions were measured 15 min after the tests were set. Any late‐phase reactions were recorded 6 hr after the skin challenge. The subjects were re‐tested with allergen and histamine 24 hr after the initial prick test within the area of the corresponding weal from the previous day. In contrast to previous challenges of human airway mucosa. where the same time interval was used, we found no increased responsiveness to rechallenge as compared with the initial allergen challenge. This was true, even if only the subgroups with previously demonstrated nasal allergen‐induced hyperreactivity. or cutaneous late‐phase reaction were evaluated. It is. therefore, suggested that allergen‐induced hyperreactivity as a feature of allergic airway mucosa may be related to changes in the epithelial barrier function.
Biometeorological triggers in childhood asthma
Authors: KHOT A. , BURN R. , EVANS N. , LENNEY W. , STORR J.
Published: April 2006

The relationship between child asthma admissions and biometeorological factors was investigated over a 16‐month period. No relationship was found with many commonly suspected precipitants such as temperature, humidity and wind. There was however a strong association with rainfall (P<<0.001). Associations occurred with low barometric pressure and counts of coloured basidiospores and green algae, but no significant relationship was found with grass pollen.
Hymenoptera venom‐specific IgE antibodies in post‐mortem sera from victims of sudden, unexpected death
Authors: SCHWARTZ H. J. , SUTHEIMER C. , GAUERKE MARY B. , YUNGINGER J. W.
Published: April 2006

There have been reports of elevated venom‐specific IgE levels in post‐mortem sera from patients experiencing fatal Hymenoptera stings so we hypothesized that other cases of sudden death may be due to unrecognized sting anaphyiaxis. Of 94 sera obtained post mortem from subjects who died unexpectedly during the summer months, 22 (23%) contained elevated levels of IgE antibody to at least one insect venom. The causes of death as determined by autopsy did not differ significantly among patients with or without elevated IgE antibody levels. An identical percentage of seropositivity was noted in 48 post‐mortem sera from victims of sudden, unexpected death in the winter months. Conversely, only 6% of sera from 92 living blood donors contained elevated venom‐specific IgE antibodies. The appreciable incidence of elevated IgE antibodies in the post‐mortem groups suggests that sting anaphylaxis should be more highly considered as a possible cause of unexpected death.
Clinical manifestations of cows’ milk allergy in childhood. I. Associations with in‐vitro cellular immune responses
Authors: HILL D. J. , BALL GERALDINE , HOSKING C. S.
Published: April 2006

In this study 51 children who presented with symptoms of cows’ milk allergy (CMA) were categorized clinically by their response to cows’ milk challenge. Forty‐two patients had unequivocal evidence of CMA and nine were milk tolerant. Of the patients with CMA two groups were identified. The first, made up of 32 patients, had immediate‐type hypersensitivity reactions to milk associated with both positive skin‐prick test (SPT) and RAST. The second group of 10 late reacting patients developed symptoms of CMA over several hours or days; significant increases in irritability, frequency of bowel actions, and rhinitis following milk ingestion were noted in this group. Leucocyte inhibition factor (LIF) produced in response to α‐lactalbumin, β‐lactoglobulin and α‐casein was assessed in the immediate and late reacting CMA patients as well as in the milk‐tolerant group. There was no difference in LIF production between the milk‐tolerant group and those with immediate reactions. However, these two groups produced less LIF than the late reacting patients for α‐lactalbumin (P= 002), α‐casein (P= 0.03) and β‐lactoglobulin (P= 0.05). A clinical diary score card was found to be a useful instrument to assess the response of non‐immediate reactions to milk ingestion.
Clinical manifestations of cows’ milk allergy in childhood. II. The diagnostic value of skin tests and RAST
Authors: HILL D. J. , DUKE ALISON M. , HOSKING C. S. , HUDSON IRENE L.
Published: April 2006

In a study of cows’ milk allergy (CMA) in infancy, 135 consecutive challenges were performed on children with a good clinical history of the disorder. Of these, only half of the patients were shown to have the disease. Highly atopic patients responded rapidly to small volumes of milk with acute urticaria, wheezing, stridor and eczema, whereas patients who were relatively non‐atopic developed symptoms of eczema, bronchitis and wheezing over several hours or days. In a statistical evaluation of the diagnostic value of skin tests and RAST it was shown for the extracts used in this investigation, and for the population studied, all patients with SPT 4 had CMA. The results highlight the potential diagnostic value of SPT in the identification of children with some forms of CMA if standardized cows’ milk allergen extracts can be prepared.
Effective hyposensitization in allergic rhinitis using a potent partially purified extract of house dust mite
Authors: EWAN PAMELA W. , ALEXANDER M. M. , SNAPE C. , IND P. W. , AGRELL B. , DREBORG S.
Published: April 2006

Thirty‐eight adults with allergic rhinitis have been treated with a new partially purified extract of house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) in a double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial. Patients were randomized to active (Pharmalgen®, D. pteronyssinus) and placebo (histamine) treatment by sensitivity to D. pteronyssinus on nasal challenge. In the actively treated group nasal symptoms, assessed by visual analogue score, improved (P <0.01), sensitivity on nasal challenge with allergen was reduced (P <0.05) and weal size on skin‐prick test with allergen was reduced (P <0.01), compared with the placebo group. These results occurred after 3 months of treatment. Reduction in target organ sensitivity occurred, while the serum level of D. pteronyssinus IgE rose in the active group from 14.2 to 22.5 PRU/ml (geometric mean) but did not change significantly in the placebo group. As anticipated, because of the treatment schedule used, a number of generalized allergic reactions were induced by injections, but all responded promptly and easily to treatment. These results suggest this is an effective form of therapy, which now offers us the opportunity to study the immunological mechanisms of hyposensitization and to devise a modified schedule causing fewer reactions.
Asthma due to the complex salts of platinum—a cross‐sectional survey of workers in a platinum refinery
Authors: MERGET R. , SCHULTZE‐WERNINGHAUS G. , MUTHORST T. , FRIEDRICH W. , MEIER‐SYDOW J.
Published: April 2006

Anamnestic and immunological data of workers of a platinum refinery (group A: workers with work‐related symptoms, n= 8; group B: workers with symptoms not clearly work‐related, n= 9; group C: asymptomatic workers, n= 13) and controls (group D: atopies, n= 10; group E: non‐atopics, n= 16) were compared. Exposure to platinum salt was higher in group A than in groups B or C. In group A, symptoms developed 4 months (median) after the onset of exposure. All subjects of group A and three workers of group B, but none of the workers of the other groups, showed a positive cutaneous reaction to (PtCl6)2−. Total serum IgE was higher in groups A and D than in groups B, C or E.(PtCl6)2−‐specific IgE was higher in group A, but there was non‐specific binding of (PtCl6)2− to IgE. Histamine release with (PtCl6)2− was found in all groups and was highest in atopic controls. Histamine release with (PtCl6)2− and histamine release with anti‐IgE showed an excellent correlation, suggesting a similar release mechanism of (PtCl6)2− and anti‐IgE. In skin‐test positive subjects, high cutaneous (PtCl6)2−‐sensitivity is linked to high histamine release with (PtCl6)2− or anti‐IgE, supporting the concept of a role of cell surface IgE or IgE‐Fc‐receptor in the release process with platinum salts. However, high specificity of cutaneous reactions contrasts with low specificity of in‐vitro tests with (PtCl6)2−. A different reaction of basophils and mast cells, when challenged with free platinum salts, is hypothesized. We conclude that neither histamine release from basophils with (PtCl6)2− nor RAST for the detection of (PtCl6)2− specific IgE are helpful in the diagnosis of platinum salt allergy.
Diagnosis of allergy in different age groups of children: use of mixed allergen RAST discs, Phadiatop and Paediatric Mix
Authors: ZIMMERMAN B. , FORSYTH SUSAN
Published: April 2006

Childhood asthma often begins in children under 3 years of age. Allergy contributes to the severity and persistence of childhood asthma so we examined the application of mixed allergen RAST discs (Paediatric Mix, a mixture of food antigens and Phadiatop, a mixture of inhalants) to the diagnosis of allergy. One hundred and nine children with a median age of 3 years, 71.6% of whom had asthma, were first assessed by one allergist who recorded their atopic status as positive, negative or questionable, on clinical grounds. Serum from each of these patients was used to determine a total IgE and 13 RAST assays. A laboratory definition of atopy was defined as a serum IgE > 1 standard deviation from normal, plus one or more positive RAST assays. The laboratory results influenced the assessment of atopy in 41% of cases. The use of just two mixed allergen discs (Paediatric Mix and Phadiatop) correctly assigned the presence or absence of atopy with a sensitivity of 98% and specificity of 98%, compared with the full laboratory evaluation. Very young infants were often just positive to food allergens but the Phadiatop disc could be used to suggest the onset of immunological sensitivity to inhalant antigens. Thus the application of mixed allergen RAST discs facilitated the diagnosis of atopy in young children.
Effect of maternal avoidance of eggs, cow's milk and fish during lactation upon allergic manifestations in infants
Authors: HATTEVIG G. , KJELLMAN B. , SIGURS N. , BJÖRKSTÉN B. , KJELLMAN N. I. M.
Published: April 2006

Atopic/allergic manifestations and skin‐prick tests (SPT) to egg white, cow's milk (CM) and fish were evaluated during the first 18 months of life in two matched groups of infants with a family history of atopy/allergy. In one group (n= 65) the mothers had a diet free from eggs, CM and fish during the first 3 months postpartum, whereas the mothers in the other group (n= 50) consumed an ordinary diet. The diet of the infants was similar in both groups, i.e. CM was not supplied until 6 months of age, and eggs and fish not until 9 months of age. The incidence of atopic dermatitis was significantly lower in the maternal diet group during the first 6 months postpartum (10.8 and 28%, respectively) but not after that age. Other atopic/allergic manifestations did not differ and the number of positive SPT to egg white, CM or fish at 9 months of age was similar in both groups.
Leukotriene E4 release in cold urticaria
Authors: MALTBY N. H. , IND P. W. , CAUSON R. C. , FULLER R. W. , TAYLOR G. W.
Published: April 2006

Cold urticaria is a rare condition characterized by abnormal wealing following exposure to cold. It has been suggested that lipid‐derived mediators may be involved in the pathogenesis of this condition. We have investigated whether the inflammatory reaction in cold urticaria is associated with the release of cysteinyl‐leukotrienes. Leukotriene E4 (LTE4; a stable metabolic product of LTC4 and LTD4) and histamine were measured in the blood draining the site of a cold‐challenge in five patients with clinical histories of cold urticaria. Three of the patients showed a typical clinical response to the challenge, and this was associated with an increase in the concentration of LTE4 and histamine. No increase in LTE4 or histamine levels were observed following cold challenge in the non‐responding individuals.