bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Respiratory symptoms following brief exposure to Cedar of Lebanon (Cedra libani)dust
Authors: GREENBERG M.
Published: April 2006

A limited study was carried out on six workers troubled by asthma and rhinitis after exposures to Cedar of Lebanon dust in a joinery works. Though five subjects were atopic they had had no major trouble working with a variety of woods hitherto. Cessation of exposure improved matters insofar as ventilatory capacity was within normal limits but some still noted wheeze and rhinitis periodically. Skin testing with wood extract was unhelpful as was serological testing (no specific precipitins were demonstrated) in elucidating the mechanism of the reaction. It is recommended that where a hazard exists in exposure to an organic dust the environmental hygiene requires attention and the atopic subject merits special monitoring.
Inhalation tests in monkeys passively sensitized with human serum
Authors: RADERMECKER M. , GEUBELLE F. , SALMON J.
Published: April 2006

Rhesus monkeys were passively sensitized to grass pollen by intravenous injection of human reaginic serum. Sensitized animals, who consistently exhibited local or general anaphylactic reactions following the intradermal, intrabronchial or systemic injection of the specific allergen, tolerated the allergen perfectly well when given it by inhalation. No significant changes in pulmonary resistance, dynamic lung compliance or tidal volume were observed in unanaesthetized, passively sensitized monkeys following administration of an aerosol containing pollen. An increase in respiratory rate was noted immediately after aerosolization in sensitized and unsensitized monkeys.

Inhalation of histamine in some animals exerted a bronchoconstrictor effect which was promptly relieved by administration of a sympathicomimetic bronchodilator. A positive test with histamine was characterized by symptoms of dyspnoea, auscultatory findings of wheezing rates and by a significant increase in pulmonary resistance. These results suggest that sensitization of the bronchi by reagins per se cannot explain the occurrence of bronchospasm upon inhalation of the allergen. Other local or general factors may be required to produce the clinical expression of the bronchial anaphylactic reaction.
Allergic infertility: laboratory techniques to detect antispermatozoal antibodies
Authors: JEFFERY W. , PARISH W. E.
Published: April 2006

Twenty sera from fertile and infertile women were examined for antibodies to spermatozoa or to seminal plasma, to determine which of the five techniques tested provided reliable evidence of allergic infertility.

Ten sera agglutinated seminal plasma coated tanned red cells, six agglutinated spermatozoa, ten gave mixed cell antiglobulin agglutination and fourteen gave immunofluorescent reactions for IgG or igM antispermatozoal antibodies, and three were cytotoxic to sperm.

The results of tests for seminal plasma agglutinins were unrelated to those of any of the other tests, and it is believed that factors other than antibody also clump these antigen‐coated cells. There was good agreement in the results obtained by direct sperm agglutination, mixed cell antiglobulin agglutination and strong immunofluorescent staining of the sperm head. The antiglobulin and immunofluorescent techniques also detect nonagglutinating (‘incomplete’ or ‘univalent’) antibody.

One of the three sera cytotoxic to sperm had no antibody detected by the other tests. The sperm may have been killed by an inflammatory substance or a systemically absorbed contraceptive. This case illustrates the necessity of combining tests for cytoxicity with at least one technique for antispermatozoal antibody in order to detect allergic infertility.
Hyposensitization with extracts of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and house dust
Authors: SMITH JOHN MORRISON , PIZARRO YVONNE A.
Published: April 2006

A clinical trial in thirty young persons with house dust asthma suggested that a house dust extract was more effective than an extract of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus when used for hyposensitization. The concentration of D. pteronyssinus extract possibly was too dilute for clinical use.
Correlation of skin, nasal and inhalation tests with the IgE in the serum, nasal fluid and sputum
Authors: HOURI M. , MAYER A. L. R. , HOUGHTON L. E. , JACOBS D.
Published: April 2006

In the course of developing a planned treatment by hyposensitization, still undergoing clinical trials, a system was devised which might be used in assessing respiratory allergies. The sensitivity of the patient assessed by skin, topical nasal instillation and inhalation tests was related to the appearance of IgE‐staining cells in the nasal secretion and sputum after a successful challenge test, and the correlation of IgE in the serum and nasal fluid.

The presence of increased eosinophil cell content and the demonstration of IgE in the nasal secretion or sputum associated with a positive clinical response after the challenge test, confirmed the sensitivity to a particular allergen. Raised levels of IgE in the serum of allergic patients corresponded to the size of the skin test reactions but not necessarily to the quantity of IgE appearing in the nasal fluid or sputum.
Serum IgE and other in vitro tests in drug allergy
Authors: ASSEM E. S. K. , VICKERS M. R.
Published: April 2006

A study has been carried out in order to establish the diagnostic value of serum IgE estimation and other in vitro tests in drug allergy. The comparative value of these tests in allergic asthma and rhinitis has also been assessed. Since there were fewer problems in the diagnosis of the latter conditions, serum IgE estimation was of relatively greater value in the diagnosis of drug allergy, although raised IgE was found only in twenty‐three of sixty‐two (37%) patients. The overall incidence of raised IgE in allergic asthmatics (20%) was lower than in previous reports, and like in drug allergy, the frequency was smaller in patients with a single allergy. In drug allergy, the importance of using proper material in the various tests was illustrated in penicillin allergy. Skin tests and in vitro correlates of immediate‐type allergy frequently gave false negative results with the drug itself rather than its conjugated derivatives (penicilloyl‐polylysine and penicilloyl‐human serum albumin), while in the lymphocyte stimulation (transformation) test this limitation was not as marked. The lymphocyte stimulation test was positive in the majority of patients, both in drug allergy and in allergic asthma and rhinitis, and on the whole did not seem to correlate with the type of reaction (whether immediate or delayed) to in vivo testing.
In‐vitro responses of leucocytes to food proteins in allergic and normal children: lymphocyte stimulation and histamine release
Authors: MAY C. D. , ALBERTO R.
Published: April 2006

In vitro quantitative methods for determination of antigenic release of histamine from leucocytes and stimulation of small lymphocytes to transformation into blast forms were applied to a study of immunologic responses to food proteins in allergic and non‐allergic children. The allergic group was subdivided according to positive or negative reactions to intradermal injection of the food proteins.

Significant lymphocyte stimulation by proteins from foods universal in the diets, like cow's milk and eggs, occurred as frequently in non‐allergic as allergic children, with or without positive skin tests to the food proteins. Furthermore, the average stimulation among the groups was not significantly different.

A soybean protein gave significantly greater stimulation of lymphocytes from allergic children, in whose diets soybean formulae are frequently substituted for cow's milk.

Antigenic release of histamine from leucocytes occurs only with leucocytes from skin‐test positive persons, and in only about 25‐50% of these in the case of food proteins.

Neither the procedure for lymphocyte stimulation nor for histamine release from leucocytes, as carried out in this study, will serve to determine unequivocally whether a particular food protein is causing symptoms in question.
Eosinophilia
Authors: PARISH W. E.
Published: April 2006

Isolated human basophils sensitized in vitro by IgE antibody, and challenged by antigen in the absence of complement, release a substance that attracts eosinophils but not neutrophils. The anaphylactic release of the eosinophilotropic substance is accompanied by morphological changes in the basophils and release of histamine and presumptive SRS‐A.

The anaphylactic eosinophilotropic substance differs from that formed in fresh serum by antigen‐antibody complexes. Human IgG, aggregated chemically or with antigen, induces formation of anaphylatoxin and substances attracting both eosinophils and neutrophils. IgE, similarly aggregated, does not.

Damaged basophils or neutrophils incubated in serum containing complement, confer on the serum activity attracting neutrophils and eosinophils.

The suspensions of the three types of polymorphonuclear leucocytes used in these tests were 92‐97% pure, prepared by the techniques of Day.
Serum IgE elevation with tropical eosinophilia
Authors: EZEOKE A. , PERERA A. B. V. , HOBBS J. R.
Published: April 2006

Sera from thirteen patients with tropical eosinophilia had IgE levels of 7000–56,000 μ/ml, unrelated to the level of eosinophilia or the duration of symptoms. They are the richest source of polyclonal IgE we have encountered.
Inhibition of reagin‐mediated PCA reactions in baboons by the human IgG4 sub‐class
Authors: STANWORTH D. R. , SMITH A. K.
Published: April 2006

It has been shown that a human myeloma protein of the IgG4 sub‐class, in contrast to myeloma proteins representative of the other three human IgG sub‐classes, is capable of blocking PCA reactions in baboons mediated by human reaginic antibodies of the IgE class.
Systemic and secretory antibody response of atopic and non‐atopic individuals to intranasally administered tetanus toxoid
Authors: SALVAGGIO JOHN E. , WALDMAN R. H. , FRUCHTMAN M. H. , WIGLEY F. M. , JOHNSON J. E.
Published: April 2006

Groups of atopic and non‐atopic individuals were immunized intranasally with fluid tetanus toxoid, an antigen which normally does not gain access to the nasal cavity. Anti‐tetanus toxoid antibody response was evaluated in nasal wash, sputum and serum specimens by passive haemagglutination.

Titres were high in serum and low in exocrine fluids throughout the course of immunization. Mean nasal wash titres rose to a significantly higher level in the normal than in the atopic group. Twelve of twenty normal subjects responded with a greater than three‐fold rise in nasal antibody as opposed to one of nineteen atopic individuals. Exocrine anti‐toxoid haemagglutinating activity was inhibited by anti‐IgA but not by anti‐IgM or IgE, suggesting that the bulk of secretory antibody was IgA.
Metabolic changes in exercise‐induced asthma
Authors: BARBORIAK J. J. , SOSMAN A. J. , FINK J. N. , MAKSUD M. G. , McCONNELL L. H. , HAMILTON L.
Published: April 2006

Five patients with a history of post‐exercise bronchoconstriction and eleven control subjects were exposed to gradually increasing work loads on a bicyle ergometer. The asthmatic patients showed higher blood lactic acid levels at all work loads than the control subjects. In contrast to findings in the controls, the plasma free fatty acid in the asthmatics failed to ‘rebound’ following the cessation of exercise; and in two out of three patients plasma FFA did not rise after epinephrine injection. In addition, the asthmatic patients consumed less oxygen during the exercise than the controls.

The results of this study suggest that patients with post‐exercise asthma may have to rely more on carbohydrates as the main source of energy because of the reduced availability of FFA. Since the consumption of oxygen is also reduced, this may lead to a higher lactate production.
Farmer's lung: a comparison of simple diagnostic techniques and antigen preparation in human and bovine disease
Authors: DICK HEATHER M. , DAWSON CHRISTINE O. , CAMPBELL J. D.
Published: April 2006

The detection of precipitins to Micropolyspora faeni antigens by simple serological techniques was studied with human and bovine sera. We present data on the relative sensitivities of two gel‐diffusion tests, one large‐scale, the other using semi‐micro methods to conserve antigen in the diagnosis of human and bovine disease. Eight antigenic preparations of M. faeni are described, together with the detailed serology of eight human cases of farmer's lung. The results indicate that the use of more than one antigenic preparation is necessary in any screening programme for the detection of precipitins to M. faeni in either the human or bovine disease.
Allergenic activity of cat and dog skin fractions obtained by Sephadex gel filtration
Authors: HOLFORD‐STREVENS VALERIE
Published: April 2006

Allergens derived from domestic mammals have been investigated by subjecting extracts of cat and dog skin to Sephadex gel filtration and assessing the activity of the eluted fractions by skin tests in appropriate allergic subjects. A certain heterogeneity of allergenic activity occurred and minor allergens, with an estimated molecular weight greater than 70,000, were found which showed activity in patients highly sensitive to cat and dog serum proteins. The major allergens of both mammalian skin extracts were eluted in similar positions between protein markers of 24,000 and 67,000 molecular weight.
The effect of oral and inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate on adrenal function
Authors: HARRIS D. M. , MARTIN L. E. , HARRISON C. , JACK D.
Published: April 2006

Beclomethasone dipropionate differs from other steroids previously tried by inhalation in bronchial asthma in having marked topical potency and relatively weak systemic glucocorticoid effects. Experiments in human volunteer subjects demonstrating the effect of this steroid on the hypothalamo‐pituitary adrenal axis (HPA axis) are described. These are part of a larger investigation into the reasons for the selectivity of beclomethasone dipropionate in bronchial asthma. From the evidence so far obtained, it may be concluded that suppression of the HPA axis is unlikely to occur at doses up to 1.0 mg/per day by inhalation.
Skin tests and atopic allergy in children
Authors: SMITH JOHN MORRISON
Published: April 2006

The onset of asthma has been found to follow a similar pattern in boys and girls. Eczema is associated with early onset of asthma, with frequent positive skin reactions and with a history of food allergy. Wealing reactions to inhalant allergens are commoner in later childhood and are more often large, exceeding 5 mm in diameter, in children over 5 than in those under 5. Skin reactions to foods are also more common in older children but large reactions to foods show less tendency to be commoner over the age of 5. Children born in tropical countries had less atopic disease than children of similar race born in England or than English children. Although asthmatic children, wherever they were born, frequently gave positive skin reactions to mite extracts it is possible that the total ‘allergic bombardment’ to which children are exposed in England is greater than it is in tropical countries and that this may explain the difference in prevalence of atopic disease which is not explainable on genetic grounds.
Asthma in Barbados
Authors: PEARSON R. S. BRUCE
Published: April 2006

A comparison of clinical features is made between 143 Barbadian asthmatics and the same number of British asthmatics matched for age and sex. The incidence of family history was significantly higher in the Barbadian group, and this appears to depend on a greater number of siblings and children with asthma. Flexural eczema is less common in Barbadian asthmatics, though allergic rhinitis occurred equally commonly in both countries. Sensitivity to house dust is the commonest form of allergy in Barbados, and allergy to pollen, moulds, animal hair and feathers appears to be relatively unimportant.
Serum IgE levels and the use of sodium cromoglycate (BP) in hay fever: a study of forty‐six patients from a single general practice
Authors: MANNERS B. , EZEOKE A.
Published: April 2006

In a double blind trial of nasal spray of sodium cromoglycate (DSCG) for hay fever, fifteen of twenty‐three patients taking the drug were helped, compared with thirteen of twenty‐three receiving placebo—a statistically insignificant difference. Serum levels of IgE were raised in thirty‐eight of forty‐four patients examined. There was no significant difference between preseasonal and seasonal serum IgE levels in either of the DSCG or the placebo group. Serum IgE levels were significantly higher in the patients showing peripheral blood or nasal secretion eosinophilia during the hay fever season. There was no significant difference in the frequency of nasal secretion eosinophilia between those taking DSCG and those taking placebo. It is concluded that DSCG spray does not affect serum IgE levels or eosinophilia of either peripheral blood or nasal secretions under the conditions applying in this trial. Neither was DSCG significantly better than placebo in controlling symptoms.
The role of gluten, milk, and other dietary proteins in chronic or intermittent dyspepsia
Authors: POCK‐STEEN O. CH.
Published: April 2006

In twenty‐seven patients with chronic or intermittent dyspepsia raised levels of the gamma‐M‐globulin and of the α1‐ and of the α2‐globulin were encountered. Malabsorption, present in about three‐quarters of the cases, was usually mild. Various degrees of villous abnormalities were seen but no flat mucosa. Eight patients also had dermatitis.

During dietary treatment with the elimination of gluten, milk, or other food elements the dyspepsia and the malabsorption subsided in all but two, and the dermatitis in all but one. In nearly all the investigated cases the raised levels of the gamma‐M‐globulin and of the α1‐ and of the α2‐globulin decreased.

During challenge feeding with the offending food the dyspepsia and the dermatitis reappeared. Also the faecal fat excretion increased again, and a rise was noticed in the α1‐ and in the α2‐globulins and in the gamma‐M‐globulins.

The findings suggest that gluten, milk and other dietary proteins may play a role in some chronic dyspepsias by exerting an antigenic stimulus on the small intestinal mucosa, and thus inducing a state of hypersensitivity towards these foods.

The clinical and laboratory findings favour the view that the condition is different from coeliac disease
Allergy to snake venom: the use of radioimmunoassay for the detection of IgE antibodies against antigens not suitable for cutaneous tests
Authors: KELLY JOSEPH F. , PATTERSON ROY
Published: April 2006

A case of a severe immediate‐type respiratory reaction to rattlesnake venom is reported. Reaginic antibody to the snake venom was demonstrated in the patient's serum by long latency passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in a monkey. IgE antibody against the venom was demonstrated in the patient's serum by a solid phase radioimmunoassay.

This report confirms the immediate‐type respiratory reactions that have been observed by others. The study also confirms that these reactions are associated with reaginic antibodies against the venom and that these antibodies are probably of the IgE class. It thus appears most likely that this patient's reaction was due to IgE reaginic antibody.

In vitro assays for specific IgE activity may be particularly valuable in cases where antigen may be toxic for skin testing.
The effect of frequent administration of sodium cromoglycate to asthmatic children who previously responded poorly
Authors: KÖNIG P. , GODFREY S.
Published: April 2006

The effect of an increased frequency of administration of sodium cromoglycate (SCG) was studied in twenty‐four asthmatic children who had previously responded poorly to 3–4 capsules per day. Six out of seven children who were assessed clinically alone improved when their dose was raised to 6 capsules daily. When a diary score and bronchodilator consumption were recorded, the more frequent administration of SCG gave significantly better results in eleven of seventeen children. However, only five of the twelve children given peak flow meters to use twice daily at home showed objective improvement.

At the beginning of the trial four children were on systemic corticosteroid treatment and two of them were weaned off while on the raised dosage of SCG. The other two were not improved and were treated with a corticosteroid aerosol, beclomethasone diproprionate (Becotide), as were two other SCG failures. There was no clear correlation between the duration of protection given by SCG on exercise testing and the clinical response in this trial.

The fact that only four out of twenty‐four children who previously did not respond satisfactorily to SCG eventually needed corticosteroids, suggests that the increased frequency of administration may reduce the proportion of children failing to respond to SCG.
Hypersensitivity responses in monkeys
Authors: FEINBERG S. M. , FEINBERG A. R. , LEE F.
Published: April 2006

The challenge of a naturally occurring antibody (to ascaris) in the monkey produced either a marked or total inactivation of a passively transferred human reaginic antibody (to ragweed). A strong single challenge (ascaris, 48‐80 or histamine) reduced the titre of reactivity of the three agents, but the greatest effect appeared to result from the ascaris challenge on the ascaris titre. These findings may support the occurrence of specific desensitization in addition to mediator depletion. It is concluded that in monkeys as well as in man studies dealing with relationships between antigen–antibody systems, mediator releasers and mediators must take into consideration the non‐specific modification of injury to antibodies produced by heterologous antigen‐antibody reactions and mediators.
Photo‐inactivated allergens
Authors: HÉNOCQ E. , GARCELON M. , BERRENS L.
Published: April 2006

Purified house dust allergen irradiated with UV‐light loses its capacity to elicit immediate type skin and bronchial provocation reactions in the majority of asthmatic patients. However, in some patients both immediate and/or late bronchial reactions were observed to the active house dust and its inactivated counterpart.

Immunotherapy with UV‐irradiated house dust allergen, which hyposensitized 66% of forty‐eight asthmatic patients allergic to house dust, was as effective as treatment with aluminium oxide‐adsorbed active house dust, and there were fewer adverse side‐effects.
Development of the immune response
Authors: HAYWARD A. R.
Published: April 2006

The association of immunodeficiency with allergy is increasingly recognized. It is likely that defective antigen handling as a consequence of subtle degrees of immunodeficiency could predispose an individual to clinical allergy. Patterns of antigen handling established at first contact after birth with an antigen may affect the course of immune responses to the same antigen in subsequent years. It is in this context that the maturity of immunity mechanisms in the perinatal period is particularly relevant.
Changes in serum antibody levels during treatment with grass pollen‐tyrosine adsorbate
Authors: JOHANSSON S. G. O. , MILLER A. C. M. L. , OVFRELL B. G. , WHEELER A. W.
Published: April 2006

Atopic subjects treated with pollen‐tyrosine showed increased IgG and IgE antibody levels; in the second year of treatment the IgE response was suppressed.
Eosinophilic granuloma of the lung with sawdust and horse‐protein hypersensitivity
Authors: GIRARD J. P. , BOUZAKOURA C.
Published: April 2006

A typical case of pulmonary eosinophilic granuloma, ascertained by lung biopsy, is reported. Immunological studies showed multiple hypersensitivity against wood dust extracts, horse serum, horse hair and danders proteins. Inhalation of these two groups of substances reproduced most of the acute symptoms of the disease. Therefore, a causal relationship seemed highly probable.

To our knowledge, this is the first case of pulmonary eosinophilic granuloma in which an allergic origin could be substantiated.
Asthma amongst Tristan da Cunha islanders
Authors: MANTLE JOHN , PEPYS J.
Published: April 2006

The incidence of asthma amongst Tristan da Cunha islanders was recorded over a period of 16 months. Thirty‐two per cent of the islanders gave a history of asthma, and 22% had one or more attacks during the survey period. Three‐quarters of the affected islanders had mild asthma. Both the incidence and severity of asthma on Tristan have declined since 1944.

Over half the asthmatics were allergic to house dust extracts on skin testing; so was a large proportion of non‐asthmatic islanders. Large numbers of house dust mites are present in Tristan dust, but airborne allergens are scarce. Total TgE levels were greater than normal in the serum of twenty‐three of sixty‐seven islanders investigated. Allergy was thought to be the main cause of asthma in about a third of the active asthmatics.

The high incidence of asthma on Tristan derives from two or three asthmatics amongst the fifteen ancestors of this highly inbred community. Nevertheless, asthma on Tristan, as elsewhere, seems to have a multifactorial aetiology.
Glutaraldehyde‐pollen‐tyrosine: clinical and immunological studies
Authors: JOHANSSON S. G. O. , MILLER A. C. M. L. , MULLAN N. , OVERELL B. G. , TEES E. C. , WHEELER A.
Published: April 2006

Grass pollen extract was reacted with glutaraldehyde, and used in the form of a lyrosine adsorbate for the treatment of hay fever. The incidence of systemic reactions was reduced by the chemical treatment to negligible levels, permitting the therapeutic‐schedule to be reduced to three doses without impairment of clinical effectiveness. The levels of pollen‐specific IgG antibody induced by the chemically modified material were similar to those induced by pollen‐tyrosine or by alum‐precipitated pyridine extract. The increase in IgE antibody induced by glutaraldehyde‐pollen‐tyrosine was lower than that induced by pollen‐tyrosine: only the falter achieved significance.
IgE—antibodies and skin test reactions to a detergent—enzyme in Swedish consumers
Authors: ZETTERSTRÖM OLLE , WIDE LEIF
Published: April 2006

The frequency of raised levels of IgE antibodies against a detergent enzyme—subtilisin‐A—was investigated in adult Swedish consumers. Of 1132 patient sera which were sent to the laboratory for routine RAST testing against various allergens a positive RAST to subtilisin was found in twenty‐one (1.9%). Of 391 blood donors two had a positive RAST and one a doubtfully positive reaction. A positive prick test to subtilisin was obtained in four out of 122 patients with symptoms of allergic airways disease. Sensitization occured more often among patients with an atopic constitution. About four out of five of the patients in whom IgE antibodies to the enzyme was found were women. Thirty‐five patients (seventeen with a positive and eighteen with a negative RAST to subtilisin) were further investigated in order to see if results of RAST and skin test with subtilisin were correlated with clinical symptoms. Eight patients with positive RAST and skin test reported symptoms of an immediate allergic type in connection with exposure to enzyme detergents. Three patients had symptoms which could be attributed to residues of subtilisin in the laundry after washing. In six patients the sensitization did not seem to have any clinical significance. Taking into account the general use of enzyme detergents, sensitization has not been found to be a major clinical problem.
The effect of intra‐nasal beclomethasone dipropionate on adrenal function
Authors: HARRIS D. M. , MARTIN L. E. , HARRISON C. , JACK D.
Published: April 2006

Beclomethasone dipropionate has recently been shown to be effective in controlling the nasal symptoms of hay fever at doses similar to those required to control bronchial asthma. Experiments in human volunteer subjects are described demonstrating the effect of this steroid by intra‐nasal, and combined intra‐nasal and inhaled administration on the Hypothulamo‐Pituitary‐Adrenal axis (HPA axis).

From the evidence obtained suppression of the HPA axis is less likely following intra‐nasal administration, than after the inhaled or oral routes. It may be concluded that suppression of the HPA axis is unlikely unless concurrent doses in excess of I mg a day by both routes are used.
Immunoglobin E and eosinophil levels in atopic and non‐atopic populations infested with hookworm
Authors: GROVE D. I. , BURSTON T. O. , FORBES I. J.
Published: April 2006

Measurements of serum IgE and blood eosinophil levels were carried out on subjects in the Eastern Highlands District of Papua New Guinea, an area of universal hookworm infestation. Subjects were divided into asthmatic, non‐asthmatic atopic, and normal groups on the basis of clinical features and immediate hypersensitivity reactions to skin prick testing with a range of allergens. Serum IgE levels and blood eosinophils were elevated in all groups as compared with values found in temperate zones. Both parameters were significantly higher in the asthmatic and non‐asthmatic groups compared with the normal group. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that a function of the IgE immune system is protection against helminth infestation.
The in vivo effect of theophylline on histamine release from human leucocytes
Authors: LEFFERT FRED
Published: April 2006

The release of chemical mediators from sensitized cells is inhibited by drugs which increase intra‐cellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate. Theophylline. which increases cyclic AMP through inhibition of phosphodiesterase, has been shown to inhibit mediator release in several in vitro systems. This study was undertaken to determine whether theophylline. as used for asthma therapy, would have this effect in vivo in humans. In three of six atopic subjects, inhibition of mediator release (as studied with the leucocyte hislamine release system) could be demonstrated after theophylline given orally in dosage commonly employed in asthma, This suggests that, in some asthmatic patients, theophylline may have beneficial effects other than bronchodilatalion.
IgE antibodies in sera of patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: ARBESMAN CARL E. , WICHER KONRAD , WYPYCH JOHN I. , RETSMAN ROBERT E. , DICKIE HELEN , REED CHARLES E.
Published: April 2006

(1) Elevated IgE antibody to A.fumigatus is present in most patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, but not in the sera of patients with a variety of pulmonary conditions that contain A. fumigatus precipitins.

(2) The RAST assays for measuring IgE antibodies to this antigen are relatively simple to perform and have a practical clinical value.

(3) The exact pathophysiologic role of these IgE antibodies is not yet denned, and several hypotheses are proposed.
Inhalation challenge tests in asthma: an assessment of spirometry, maximum expiratory flow rates and plethysmography in measuring the responses
Authors: HAYDU S. P. , EMPEY D. W. , HUGHES D. T. D.
Published: April 2006

The use of different tests of airways obstruction to measure responses to inhalation of antigen by twenty‐five asthmatic patients is described. On all occasions but one, when there were symptoms there was a significant fall in either vital capacity (VC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)or peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). In no case without symptoms was there a significant fall in maximum expiratory flow rates, specific conductance or spirometric tests. It is unlikely that the use of maximum expiratory flow curves or plethysmography have any advantages over spirometry or peak expiratory flow rate in recording reaction to inhalation challenge perse, though they may show greater per cent changes from the initial value than these simpler tests. The possible reasons for this are discussed.
A fine structure study of some cellular components in allergic reactions
Authors: TROTTER C. M. , ORR T. S. C.
Published: April 2006

Skin samples from patients with Urticaria pigmentosa, Urticaria both spontaneous and induced, and from normal individuals has been examined and mast cell ullrastructure described. The features of mast cells in skin are compared with those in nasal and bronchiolar tissue and distinguishing features areas follows. (1) Skin mast cells tend to have longer villous extensions of plasma membrane. (2) Granules in skin mast cells have very frequent crystalline inclusions; these are uncommon in other tissues examined so far.

Degranulation of the mast cells was observed and appears similar to that seen in other tissues.
Investigation of the response to some haptenic determinants in penicillin allergy by skin and in vitro allergy tests
Authors: ASSEM E. S. K. , VICKERS MARGARET R.
Published: April 2006

The role of three penicillin metabolites in human allergic reaction to penicillin has been assessed using sensitive in vitro tests in addition to skin testing. Conjugates of the benzylpenicilloyl (BPO), benzylpenicillenate (BPE) and penicillamine (PA) groups with human serum albumin (HSA) and bovine gamma globulin (BOG) have been made. In the passive haemagglutination test antibodies specific for all three determinants were found but there was no difference between allergic and non‐allergic groups. However, the ratio IgG/IgM, specific for each determinant, was higher in normals than in allergies. In skin tests, histamine release from leucocytes and the lymphocyte transformation test, the BPO group was confirmed as the major determinant, but in some individuals the BPE or PA groups are more important.
Mites and house dust allergy. IV. Antigen and allergen(s) of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus extract
Authors: BILIOTTI G. , ROMAGNANI S. , RICCI M.
Published: April 2006

The antigenic composition of D. pteronyssinus extract was investigated by using antisera raised in rabbits by injection of the mile extract in Freund's adjuvant. Immunodiffusion analysis revealed the presence in the mite extract of many antigenic constituents, most of which were also common to human dander and house dust extracts. Four antigenic components not shared by human dander appeared to be common to D.farinae extract.

D. pteronyssinus extract was then fractionated on Sephadex G‐75 and DEAE‐Sephadex. Immunodiffusion analysis of the most active fraction revealed, after heat‐treatment, the presence of three precipitin lines, one of which appeared not to be shared by nutrient medium or by D. farinae extract constituents.

When the anti‐mite rabbit serum was fixed to an immunosorbent and incubated with a house dust extract it was constantly able to induce a strong decrease or a complete loss of the allergenicity of the dust extract in man. These results suggest that mite allergen(s) are immunogenic in the rabbit and provide more direct evidence for identity of the allergens in house dust and mite.
Half‐life of CINH in hereditary angioneurotic oedema (HAE)*
Authors: BRACKERTZ D. , ISLER E. , KUEPPERS F.
Published: April 2006

The half‐life of125I labelled CINH was determined in patients with HAE and normal controls. There was no significant difference between these two groups. The half‐life in the HAE patients was 67.7 hr ± 4.9 hr (s.d.) and in the normals 64 hr± 1.4 hr (s.d.). This finding is consistent with a defect in synthesis as an explanation of the low serum C1NH levels in HAE patients.
A double blind trial of a 2% solution of sodium cromoglycate in perennial rhinitis
Authors: BLAIR HENRY , VINER A. S.
Published: April 2006

Nineteen patients with perennial rhinitis were studied in a double blind crossover trial of 8 weeks duration using a 2% solution of sodium cromoglycate and placebo.

Nasal smears, blood counts and serum IgE levels were carried out to determine whether any changes occurred with either the active or placebo formulations.

Clinically, thirteen patients were greatly improved with the active solution, four showed no change and two became worse.

Eosinophils in the nasal secretions were generally reduced during the administration of active solution but remained unchanged with the placebo.
Incidence of serum anti‐DNA precipitins in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus by counterimmunoelectrophoresis
Authors: BIUNDO J. J. , LOPEZ M. , KOHLER P. F. , SALVAGGIO J. E.
Published: April 2006

The technique of counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) has been adapted for detection of serum precipitins to calf thymus (CT) DNA in patients with SLE, discoid LE, miscellaneous connective tissue and infectious diseases, and control populations. Of seventy‐eight LE patients, 58% demonstrated anti‐ss DNA precipitins, and 20% exhibited anti‐ds DNA precipitins. Good correlation was noted between the presence of ss DNA precipitins and ss DNA binding values determined by the more sensitive ammonium sulphate precipitation assay. Depressed total serum haemolytic complement activity in CH50 u/ml was noted in 64% of sera exhibiting ss DNA precipitins and 38% of those with negative ss DNA precipitins. There was a strong association, however, between ds DNA precipitins and depressed serum complement levels.

Although less sensitive than primary binding assays, CIE can be used as a rapid and simple screening test for detection of circulating anti‐native and denatured CT DNA precipitins. CT DNA serum precipitins are present in a significantly higher percentage of SLE patients when compared with other disease states and normal control populations.
Studies on interrelations between eosinophilia, serum IgE and tissue mast cells
Authors: TAKENAKA TOORU , OKUDA MINORU , KUBO KUNIOMI , UDA HIROTSUGU
Published: April 2006

In an examination of a variety of diseases associated with a peripheral blood eosinophilia it is evident that the eosinophilia is not necessarily accompanied by increased amounts of serum IgE. Tissue eosinophilia occurring with mast cell hyperplasia and usually increased amounts of JgE, indicate atopic allergy.

It is considered that the eosinophilic granuloma of soft tissue (Kimura's disease) is an atopic disease and quite different from histiocytosis X.
Morphological changes of basophils in immunological reactions—effect of sodium cromoglycate
Authors: KIMURA IKURO , TANIZAKI YOSHIRO , SATO SHUICHI , TAKAHASHI KIYOSHI , SAITO KATSUYOSHI , UEDA NOBUO
Published: April 2006

The morphological changes in blood basophils, from patients with bronchial asthma, were studied in vitro during immunological reactions, with particular reference to interaction with anti‐IgE. Anti‐human IgE results in an absolute reduction in basophil numbers in buffy coat preparations as well as basophil cytoplasmic degranulation. An increase in the numbers of pear‐shaped (A‐form) basophils is also observed. Sodium cromoglycate impairs all these anti‐IgE induced basophil changes, providing further insight into the mechanism of action of this compound in bronchial asthma.
Biphasic reaction after inhalation of Haemophilm influenzae in patients with chronic nonspecific lung disease
Authors: VAN DER ZWAN J. C. , ORIE N. G. M. , DE VRIES K.
Published: April 2006

In patients with chronic nonspecific lung disease (CNSLD), who had precipitins against Haemophilus influenzae (HI), a biphasic bronchial obstructive reaction is described after inhalation of killed HI bacteria. There was an early obstructive reaction, occurring immediately after the inhalation and lasting for 1 hr, followed by a late reaction, which started 5–6 hr after the inhalation and lasted for about 8 hr. The late reaction was accompanied by fever, malaise and leucocytosis. The difference in reaction after HI inhalation in five patients and two controls, and the effect of protection with sodium cromoglycate and prednisolone are discussed.
Isolation and characterization of cat allergens
Authors: STOKES C. R. , TURNER M. W.
Published: April 2006

A crude (saline soluble) extract of cat skins capable of eliciting a strong positive prick skin test in cat sensitive individuals was fractionated on Sephadex G200. Active fractions were pooled and successively fractionated on isoelectric focusing gradients of pH 3–5 and pH 4–5. Allergenic activity was localized in two peaks with mean isoelectric points of 4.1 and 4.35 respectively. On immunoelectrophoresis the allergen with pI = 4.35 was associated with a protein which was subsequently found to be immunologically indistinguishable from serum albumin and to have a molecular weight of 69,000 daltons. The allergen with pI = 4.1 migrated in the α2‐region on immunoelectrophoresis and had a mean molecular weight of 55,000 daltons. This allergen was isolated and analysed for amino acid and carbohydrate content.

A combined extract of both allergens coupled to microcrystalline cellulose and used in a RAST procedure readily distinguished between two groups of individuals classified as skin test positive and skin test negative to cat allergen.
Immediate hypersensitivity in patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: ALLAN J. D. , MOSS A. D. , WALLWORK J. C. , McFARLANE H.
Published: April 2006

Twenty‐three out of thirty patients with cystic fibrosis gave strong immediate skin hypersensitivity reaction to a wide variety of allergens. Seventy‐five per cent of these had a markedly elevated serum IgE concentration whereas those patients who had negative Type 1 immediate skin reactions also had normal levels of serum IgE. The sputum of those patients with immediate skin reactivity also had positive precipitins to a variety of antigens.
Application of the patient‐self (P‐S) test to assess the specificity of hyposensitization with Allpyral‐G
Authors: D.CUTHBERT O.
Published: April 2006

Following hyposensitization with Allpyral‐G 5‐grass mix the level of blockingantibody is assessed against the 5‐grass mix, against Timothy (one of the grasses) and against Meadow Grass (not included in the five grasses) respectively and the results compared. The implications are that only very limited protection is given against a grass pollen other than those used for the hyposensitization and this confirms laboratory findings that there is minimal cross‐reactivity between grass pollen allergens.
Effect of sodium cromoglycate on asthmatic reactions to environmental temperature changes
Authors: BRESLIN A. B. X. , PEPYS J.
Published: April 2006

Immediate asthmatic reactions, with falls in FEV1 of 16–42.5% were elicited by exposure in a cold room at 3°C in five out of eight subjects with histories of asthma provoked by falls in environmental temperature. In four of the subjects pretreatment by inhalation of sodium cromoglycate gave complete inhibition of the asthmatic reaction in two, partial inhibition in one and had no effect in one case.
A study of serum immunoglobulins including IgE and reaginic antibodies in patients with bronchial asthma in relation to the spectrum of the disease
Authors: SAHA KUNAL , KULPATI D. D. , PADMTNI R. , SHIVPURI D. N. , SHALI P. L.
Published: April 2006

Immunoglobulins G, A, M, D, and E were studied in the sera obtained from sixty‐nine bronchial asthma patients, who were graded objectively according to atopic score. Among other associated atopic diseases, they often had allergic rhinitis. Ninety‐one per cent of these patients had elevated serum IgE levels and the mean level of serum IgE was more than 3.5 times higher than that observed in the normal subjects. Moreover, as their atopic score increased, the serum IgE levels were also elevated, and every patient with high atopic score, had elevated serum IgE levels: This indicates the association of atopic state with serum IgE level.

Furthermore, reaginic antibodies were studied in some of these patients by intradermal tests, Prausnitz‐Küstner (PK) reaction, conjunctival and bronchial provocation tests. Intradermal and PK tests were comparable and proved to be the most sensitive method of detecting reagins. The intensity of these reactions correlated significantly with serum IgE level, although this relationship is not invariably present. The reaginic activities in the sera of the patients with atopic bronchial asthma also compared well with the positive bronchial test (induced asthma) by inhalation of specific aerosol although this association is also not always present.

Eleven patients with high atopic score had isolated serum IgA deficiency. There was a significant rise of mean serum IgM in comparison to the controls.
The IgG subclasses of antibodies to castor bean allergen in patients with allergic asthma: detection of a high incidence of antibodies of the IgG4 subclass
Authors: DEVEY M. E. , PANZANI R.
Published: April 2006

Sera from patients with allergic asthma to castor bean dust were tested for specific antibodies in the red cell linked antigen‐antiglobulin reaction (RCLAAR) using antiglobulin sera specific for IgE and the four subclasses of IgG. Approximately one‐third of the patients with specific IgG antibodies had an antibody response that was predominantly in the IgG4 subclass. Two patients who were thought not to be sensitive to castor bean allergen, despite long exposure to the dust, did not have detectable IgE antibodies, but had high titres of IgG antibodies that were predominantly IgG4. Specific IgG4 antibodies to castor bean allergen were heat stable, did not appear to passively sensitize monkey skin in the PCA reaction and did not passively sensitize human basophils for the rosette reaction with castor bean‐coated red cells.
Seasonal asthma and the house‐dust mite in tropical Africa
Authors: COOKSON J. B. , MAKONI G.
Published: April 2006

The relationship between seasonal asthma and sensitivity to the house‐dust mite has been investigated in a country with large seasonal variations in relative humidity.

Of seventy‐eight African asthmatics, 64.1% gave a history probably suggestive of sensitivity to house‐dust, and 55.1% a history strongly suggestive of such sensitivity. On skin testing, 35.9% had strong reactions to the house‐dust mite Dermatophagoides Pteronyssinus, compared with 1.9% of fifty‐one matched controls without symptoms of chest disease. Few had either a history or skin tests suggestive of pollen or mould sensitivity. Most of the asthmatics were worse during the hot, wet season when the humidity is highest. This is also the time when in‐patient asthmatics are most numerous.

D. pteronyssinus grows well in warm, damp conditions and it is suggested that sensitivity to this mite may play a significant role in the marked seasonal changes seen in our asthmatic patients.
Betamethasone valerate in the treatment of summer hay fever
Authors: DAVIDSON W. , HOPE G. A. , KALlNOWSKI S. Z. , ROSE M. N. , HARDING S. M.
Published: April 2006

Betamethasone valerate nasal aerosol in a daily dose of 400 μg was compared with a placebo in a double‐blind trial involving 103 patients with summer hay fever. The patients ‘and physicians’ preference for the active compound was statistically significant (P<0.001), with 88% of the patients receiving betamethasone valerate obtaining substantial relief of symptoms. The analysis of patients' daily symptom scores showed that nasal symptoms were significantly reduced by the active aerosol (P<0.001). A day‐by‐day comparison of nasal symptom scores with pollen counts indicated a decreasing allergic response as the season progressed; possible reasons for this are discussed. No clinically significant side effects were observed. Short tetracosactrin tests from ten randomly chosen patients on betamethasone valerate showed no abnormality and nasal swabs for Candida culture from a further thirty‐two patients were negative. It is concluded that intranasal betamethasone valerate is an effective and safe form of therapy for seasonal rhinitis.