bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A unique human IgE‐binding epitope on the Bermuda grass pollen recognized by mouse lambda‐type monoclonal antibodies
Authors: CHANG Z. N. , CHI C. W. , SUN H. F. , TSAI L. C. , LEE D. T. , HAN S. H.
Published: April 2006

A group of six mouse monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) with the unusual lambda‐type light chain were generated by fusion of NS‐1 cells with splenic cells derived from BALB/c mice immunized with crude extracts of Bermuda grass pollen (BGP). Four of them were IgG1, one was IgG2b, and one was IgG3. Binding inhibition assay showed that they recognized the same (or very similar) epitope. Using sera from BGP‐allergic patients, it was found that the specific binding between the IgE antibodies and the MoAb 26–11‐fixed antigen could be blocked by MoAb 26–11 itself and another MoAb 9–13 in a dose‐dependent manner. It appears that the epitope recognized by the lambda‐type MoAbs is a human IgE‐binding antigenic determinant. Further physicochemical analyses showed that this epitope was stable under heat but sensitive to treatments of sodium periodate and proteinase K. Results from these studies indicate that this unique epitope which leads to the generation of lambda‐type MoAbs is part of a glycoprotein.
Biological properties of human skin mast cells
Authors: CHURCH M. K. , EL‐LATI S. , OKAYAMA Y.
Published: April 2006

Mast cells and basophils, although sharing many constitutive properties, are quite distinct in their development, functions and biological properties. Mast cell granules are composed of a macromolecular matrix of proteoglycan and neutral protease of which heparin and tryptase, respectively, are predominant. The distribution of the other major neutral protease, chymase, allows human mast cell subpopulations to be subdivided immunocytochemically. All human mast cells respond to IgE‐dependent stimulation with the secretion of the preformed mediator, histamine, and the newly generated lipid‐derived eicosanoids PGD2 and LTC4. Although amounts of these products vary between mast cells dispersed from different tissues, it is uncertain whether this reflects true heterogeneity. Mast cells of the human skin, but not those of other tissues, are sensitive to stimulation by substance P, compound 48/80 and other basic non‐immunological stimuli. The mechanism of mediator secretion induced by these agents is distinct from that induced by IgE‐dependent stimulation. However, the morphological characteristics of degranulation are similar, suggesting that the distinct biochemical pathways merge into a common pathway before effecting degranulation.
Evaluation of a multiple food specific IgE antibody test compared to parental perception, allergy skin tests and RAST
Authors: ADLER B. R. , ASSADULLAHI T. , WARNER J. A. , WARNER J. O.
Published: April 2006

This study was set up to evaluate the food panel of a multiple specific IgE antibody assay in 67 atopic asthmatic children by comparing it to the conventional radioallergosorbent test (RAST) and skin‐prick tests (SPT) and then comparing the results of these investigations with the parents perceptions of food related problems.

Fifteen food specific IgE antibodies were measured using the multiple chemiluminescence assay (MAST‐CLA). IgE antibodies to five of these food allergens were also measured by conventional RAST and SPTs were performed in 43 using 11 standardized food extracts matched to the multiple allergosorbent chemiluminescent assay (MASTCLA) profile. SPT and MAST‐CLA results showed good agreement with one another, range 688‐96.7% (average 87%), with significant correlation for most allergens tested. MAST‐CLA was discrepant with RAST and/or SPTs in 58/210 (27 6%).

A questionnaire was sent to the parents to determine their perception of food related symptoms. Sixty‐two (92%) questionnaire replies were received, of which 56% reported symptoms with food. The most frequent symptom perceived to be due to food intolerance was behavioural disturbance. The commonest foods implicated were additives (39%), egg (27%), milk (26%), chocolate (23%) and orange (15%). History, SPT, MAST‐CLA and RAST were compared for live allergens in 42 patients (210 values). In 14/210 (6·7%), all the tests were negative despite reported symptoms. Conversely in 49/210 (23·3%) at least one test was positive without symptoms.

This study did not support a benefit of multiple antibody testing instead of individually selected RASTs or SPTs. The frequent perception of food related symptoms in these asthmatic children was often not supported by SPT, RAST and/or MAST‐CLA. This may be a reflection of the current public concern about food, or of non‐IgE mechanisms. These uncertainties can only be resolved by double blind placebo controlled food challenge. The inclusion of food specific IgE antibodies together with inhalant antibodies in a multiple test system for use in atopic asthmatics may be misleading.
Eosinophils, secretory responsiveness and glucocorticoid‐induced effects on the nasal mucosa during a weak pollen season
Authors: KLEMENTSSON H. , SVENSSON C. , ANDERSSON M. , VENGE P. , PIPKORN U. , PERSSON C. G. A.
Published: April 2006

This study examined the seasonal effects on eosinophils and secretory responsiveness of the nasal mucosa in 22 patients with allergic rhinitis due to birch pollen (11 patients received placebo and 11 budesonide. 200 μg once daily in each nostril). The pollen counts during the study season were too low to produce a significant symptomatology. Hence, our findings demonstrate threshold alterations of the airway mucosa in allergic rhinitis and their inhibition by anti‐inflammatory drug intervention. The patients were monitored for 8 weeks with daily recordings of pollen counts and symptom scores. Once every week a series of laboratory tests was carried out: the local eosinophil influx was determined using a Rhinobrush technique; the levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) were analysed in nasal lavage fluids: and the secretory response to intranasal methacholine was measured. Treatments started after a 2‐week run‐in period. The proportion of eosinophils increased markedly in the placebo group and was elevated also during the last two study weeks when the pollen counts were practically nil. The secretory responsiveness to methacholine increased during the pollen season and returned to baseline towards the end of the study period. The topical glucocorticoid treatment reduced the proportion of eosinophils. the ECP levels, and the secretory response to methacholine compared to placebo.

We conclude that the increased traffic and activity of eosinophils and less conspicuously the increased secretory responsiveness are expressions of the mucosal inflammation that precede the development of symptoms in seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Efficacy of liposome entrapped allergen in down regulation of IgE response in mice
Authors: ARORA N. , GANGAL S. V.
Published: April 2006

The effect of liposome entrapped allergen on primary, secondary and ongoing IgE response was studied in mice. It was observed that mice primed with liposome entrapped allergen maintained significantly lower levels of serum specific IgE as compared to that of controls primed with allergen. Although alum adsorbed allergen could induce IgE synthesis in mice primed with liposome entrapped allergen the increase in serum specific IgE levels was lower than the animals primed and challenged with alum adsorbed allergen. On the contrary when BALB/c mice were primed with alum adsorbed allergen to induce IgE synthesis subsequent challenge by liposome entrapped allergen could down regulate the serum specific IgE response. Serum specific IgG response did not show any significant difference between the two groups. There was an increase in T suppressor cell subpopulation as measured by immunofluoresence technique in mice injected liposome entrapped allergen as compared to that in controls. The results indicate that liposome entrapped allergens may prove to be safe and effective in immunotherapy by reducing the allergenic response of the allergen at the same time increasing the antigenicity.
IgG and IgE antibody responses to cow dander and urine in farmers with cow‐induced asthma
Authors: YLÖNEN JAANA , MÄNTYJÄRVI R. , TAIVAINEN A. , VIRTANEN T.
Published: April 2006

Cow‐asthmatic farmers ‘and negative control subjects’ IgG and IgE antibody responses to bovine epithelial antigen (BEA) and urinary antigen (BUA) were studied by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting. The anti‐BEA IgE responses of 10 highly reactive sera were also studied by crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis (CRIE). The relative amount of allergens common to both BEA and BUA was measured by IgE ELISA inhibition and found to be 3%. In immunoblotting the IgG reactivity of the asthmatic farmers to BEA and BUA declined along their anti‐BEA IgE ELISA titres. Control subjects had IgG antibodies mainly to high molecular weight components (50–70 kD) but lacked detectable IgE responses. The IgE reactivity of the asthmatic farmers was directed to only a few components. A total of two main allergens were found in cow dander (20 and 22 kD) and one in cow urine (20 kD). The 20 kD component was shown to be the most important allergen in cow antigen extracts. In CRIE, seven reactive arcs were detected. Arcs 1, 2 and 5 were detected by all 10 sera and are 3 by six and arc 7 by seven sera.
IgE binding inhibits arachidonic acid‐induced chemiluminescence of human platelets
Authors: RIO P. , TUNON DE LARA J. M. , MARTHAN R. , TAYTARD A.
Published: April 2006

Arachidonic acid (AA)‐induced chemiluminescence (CHL) was studied in vitro by means of a luminometer in platelets from nine healthy volunteers and six allergic patients. The amplitude of the CHL signal increased with AA concentration from 250 μM to 7 mm. At a low AA concentration (250 μm), the CHL signal consisted of two peaks. The first one occurred at 6±3 sec and the second one at 90±15 sec (n= 9). The mean amplitude of these peaks was 1.95±0.61 mV/sec and 0.82±0.22 mV/sec for normal subjects, and 2.35±0.62 mV/sec and 0.78±0.26 mV/sec for allergic patients, respectively. Aspirin (a cycloxygenase inhibitor) and baicalein (a lipoxygenase inhibitor) reduced in a concentration‐dependent manner, the first and second peak, respectively. The binding of immunoglobulin E (IgE) alone to platelets from both normal and allergic subjects inhibited both the first and second peak of AA‐induced CHL. This inhibitory effect was specifically due to the action of IgE as it was (i) concentration‐dependent and (ii) not observed when immunoglobulin G (IgG) was substituted for IgE. It is concluded that in normal subjects, as well as in allergic patients, the binding of IgE alone to its specific receptor on human platelets could alter arachidonate metabolism that probably involves cycloxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways.
Occupational asthma induced by tall oil in the rubber tyre industry
Authors: TARLO S. M.
Published: April 2006

A worker in the rubber tyre industry is described with occupational asthma from exposure to a solution of tall oil, a pine resin, confirmed by specific inhalation challenge. This supports studies of contact dermatitis which have suggested abietic and dehydroabietic acid oxidants to be the cause of colophony induced allergic reactions.
A double‐blind controlled trial of hyposensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in children with atopic eczema
Authors: GLOVER M. T. , ATHERTON D. J.
Published: April 2006

A double‐blind controlled trial of hyposensitization with tyrosine‐adsorbed Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus vaccine in 24 children with atopic eczema and immediate hypersensitivity to D. pteronyssinus failed to demonstrate superiority over placebo after a standard 8 month course of treatment.

In a second phase, children initially administered active treatment were randomly allocated to continue with active treatment or switched to placebo for a further 6 months. The clinical scores suggest that prolonged hyposensitization may be more effective than placebo but the numbers were too small to permit confident conclusions. A dramatic placebo effect may have served to conceal any additional therapeutic effect from active treatment.
Crossreacting IgE antibodies to Pityrosporum ovale and Candida albicans in atopic children
Authors: SAVOLAINEN J. , BROBERG A.
Published: April 2006

Sera from 13 patients with positive Pityrosporum ovale skin prick test were analysed with IgE immunoblotting. Both P. ovale and Candida albicans antigens were used to reveal possible crossreactivity of these yeasts. Of the 13 sera, eight sera showed IgE binding to P. ovale and six sera to C. albicans. Simultaneous IgE‐binding to both C. albicans and P. Ovale was observed in five of these sera. The most common IgE‐binding band pairs were, a 23 kD band of P. ovale and a 27 kD band of C. albicans, as one pair, and a 26 kD band and a 13 kD band, respectively, as another pair. In addition to these protein bands, simultaneous reactivity was observed to C. albicans mannan, a polysaccharide, and to a diffuse high molecular weight component of P. ovale, possibly also a polysaccharide. The five sera with simultaneous IgE‐binding were analysed with RAST‐inhibition, which revealed presence of crossreacting IgE‐antibodies to P. ovale and C. albicans in two of these sera. Crossreacting epitopes were suggested to be located in the mannan polysaccharide of C. albicans and high molecular weight diffuse stain of P. ovale, based on the immunoblotting and RAST‐inhibition patterns of the studied sera. Crossreacting sera were pooled and used as an IgE probe in CRIE and Tandem‐CRIE. These experiments revealed a fused precipitin line indicating presence of a common structure of P. ovale and C. albicans.

This suggested crossreactivity may imply an interesting phenomenon in atopics who are sensitized by C. albicans growth in the gastrointestinal tract and get exposed by P. ovale growing on the skin. Further studies are thus needed to clarify the clinical significance of these preliminary findings.
The house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus is the most important allergen on the island of Mauritius
Authors: GUERIN B. , LEVY D. A. , LEMAO J. , LEYNADIER F. , BALIGADOO G. , FAIN A. , DRY J.
Published: April 2006

To determine the relative importance of mites as a cause of allergic sensitivity and asthma on the western Indian Ocean island of Mauritius, we measured specific IgE antibodies to common inhalant allergens in sera from Mauritians claiming to have allergic symptoms and we examined house dust samples for evidence of mites and their allergens. Seventy‐two of the 110 sera tested (65%) contained detectable IgE antibody to at least one mite, mould or pollen allergenic extract. By far the most prevalent was antibody to one or both of the common house dust mites, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae, being present in 67(61%) of the 110 sera. Allergy to pollens, including the locally prevalent Bermuda grass and sugar cane, was infrequent. Antibody to a limited number of moulds was detected in 22% of the sera tested. Of 81 subjects whose clinical history was known, 60 were asthmatic, and 75% of these asthmatic individuals had IgE antibody to mites. In contrast, only 35% of the subjects with rhinitis without asthma were sensitive to mites. Different mite species, including D. pteronyssinus but not D. farinae, were identified microscopically in samples of local house dust. Mite antigen Der p I but not antigen Der f I was detected with specific monoclonal antibodies in extracts of these dust samples. On the bases of this serological and environmental survey, we conclude that our data support the hypothesis that the house dust mite D. pteronyssinus is the principal cause of allergic sensitivity and asthma in that tropical environment.
The effect of intranasal azelastine, Rhinolast®, on nasal airways obstruction and sneezing following provocation testing with histamine and allergen
Authors: THOMAS K. E. , OLLIER S. , FERGUSON H. , DAVIES R. J.
Published: April 2006

The effect of single dose topical nasal therapy with azelastine hydrochloride (azelastine) on the response of nasal airways resistance (NAR) to provocation testing was studied in 36 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Nasal provocation testing (NPT) with histamine or grass pollen was performed after a single dose of azelastine, 0.28 mg to each nostril, or placebo. NAR was assessed by rhinomanometry for 10 hr following NPT. Compared to placebo the NAR response to histamine was inhibited at both 1 and 2 hr following azelastine administration, significant at 1 hr (P < 0.02) and 2 hr (P < 0.0001). No such effect was observed in relation to allergen‐induced changes in NAR. Azelastine also inhibited numbers of sneezes for up to 10 hr following both histamine NPT (P < 0.02) and allergen NPT (P < 0.05), when compared to placebo. Forty‐seven per cent of participants experienced bitter or unpleasant taste sensations after azelastine administration but no other unwanted effects were clearly related to azelastine therapy.
Low dose fenoterol aerosol protects against histamine‐induced bronchoconstriction in mild asthmatics: a dose response study
Authors: MAGNUSSEN H. , RABE K. F.
Published: April 2006

Sixteen subjects with mild stable asthma participated in a randomized double blind study on the effects of low dose fenoterol against histamine induced bronchoconstriction. Fenoterol aerosol at concentrations of 10, 50 and 200 μg and placebo were delivered at random through a metered dose inhaler as a single dose 30 min before histamine challenges on four separate occasions. Compared to placebo a fenoterol dose of 10 μg provided significant bronchodilatation (sRaw [s.d.] 8.3 [2.73] vs 6.3 [1.74] cm H20 * s [P<0.05]) and protection (PC100 sRaw [s.e.m.] 0.72 (1.31) vs 1.45 (1.39) mg/ml). The bronchodilatory and protective actions of fenoterol were more pronounced after the inhalation of 200 μg (P < 0.05) with no difference between 10 and 50 μg fenoterol aerosol. The magnitude of bronchodilatation and protection was not correlated (r= 0.15). The results from this acute study may suggest that fenoterol at doses up to 20 times lower than routinely recommended may be an effective treatment in mild asthmatics.
Longitudinal changes in skin‐prick test reactivity over 2 years in a population of schoolchildren with respiratory symptoms
Authors: JOHNSTON S. L. , CLOUGH J. B. , PATTEMORE P. K. , SMITH S. , HOLGATE S. T.
Published: April 2006

As part of a larger epidemiological study, 114 children with respiratory symptoms, born between 1978 and 1980, were skin‐prick tested to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP), mixed grass pollens (G) and cat dander (C), and to histamine and saline controls (Bencard, U.K.) using 1 mm prick‐lancets (Dome/Hollister‐Stier), between July and September 1987 and again in October 1989. A weal ≥ 2 mm to one or more allergens was regarded as a positive result. Each child was tested by the same investigator on each occasion, using similar techniques. Three children were excluded from analysis as they had failed to respond to histamine testing on one of the two occasions. In 1987, of the 111 children analysed, 58 (52%) children were skin‐test positive, and 53 (48%) skin‐test negative, while in 1989 62 (56%) were positive and 49 (44%) negative. Twelve children (11%) changed status from negative to positive, while eight (7%) changed from positive to negative. For the group as a whole the percentage agreement between the results obtained 2 years apart was 82%. In comparison to previous studies a greater number of subjects in this population than expected changed atopic status. We therefore further examined the data from those who had changed status and classified as borderline those subjects with no difference in weal size of greater than 2 mm for any allergen between 1987 and 1989. Only five children then changed status from negative to positive, none from positive to negative and 15 demonstrated only borderline changes. The coefficients of repeatability for the 106 children who did not change status were 3.37 mm, 2.80 mm and 2.33 mm for D. pteronyssinus, mixed grass pollens and cat dander respectively. The good short‐term repeatability of the testing method was demonstrated in a group of 29 similar children; the coefficients of repeatability were 0.38 mm for DP and G, and 0.72 mm for C. These data demonstrate that, in a population of children with respiratory symptoms, skin‐prick testing within individuals is highly repeatable over the short term, but poorly repeatable over a 2 year period. However, the percentage agreement in skin‐prick test status for the group as a whole was high (82%). While no child became unequivocally skin‐test negative having been previously positive, a small number of children changed status from negative to unequivocally positive, suggesting a genuine but small (4%) increase in the prevalence of skin‐test positivity in this population.
The antigenicity and allergenicity of microparticulated proteins: Simplesse®
Authors: SAMPSON H. A. , COOKE S.
Published: April 2006

New technologies are allowing the food industry to develop products from standard foods which may not be recognized in its modified form by food allergic patients. One such product, Simplesse, has been formulated by microparticulation of egg white and/or cows’ milk proteins and is used as a fat substitute in many fat‐laden foods. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the process of microparticulation altered the allergenicity/antigenicity of egg white and cows’ milk proteins compared to the starting materials.

Soluble protein fractions of Simplesse and its respective starting materials were compared to egg white, cows’ milk protein, an ultra‐filtered egg white/condensed milk mixture, and/or a whey concentrate by SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In addition, sera from 16 patients with documented egg and/or cows’ milk hypersensitivity and two controls who were not allergic to egg or milk were used to assess potential allergenicity/antigenicity of these products by immunoblot (Western blot) analysis. There were heterogeneous IgE and IgG binding patterns to the food fractions among these food allergic patients suggesting differing sensitivity patterns among the individuals tested. However, utilizing both SDS‐PAGE and immunoblot analyses, the major allergens in the microparticulated products were the same as those found in the starting materials, egg and cows’ milk. In addition, there was no evidence of‘novel’ protein fractions in the Simplesse test materials compared to the starting materials.
Purification and characterization of an allergen from celery immunochemically related to an allergen present in several other plant species. Identification as a profilin
Authors: VALLIER P. , DECHAMP C. , VALENTA R. , VIAL O. , DEVILLER P.
Published: April 2006

The purification of a 15 kD allergen from celery was obtained by a four step procedure. Evidence for at least two isoallergenic forms was obtained after analysis by two‐dimensional‐electrophoresis. A rabbit polyclonal antibody raised against this purified allergen allowed us to confirm our precedent results on the occurrence of allergenically and molecular mass‐related components in celery and birch and mugwort pollens. In addition such components were also present in numerous other species like Cynodon dactylon, Sorghum halopense, Poa pratensis, Ambrosia elatior and in apple and carrot. The 15 kD allergen was identified as profilin by use of a specific rabbit polyclonal antibody that recognized a recombinant birch profilin. In addition, the purified celery allergen binds IgE from sera of patients allergic to birch profilin. These results reinforce the concept of profilin as a panallergen responsible in some patients for cross‐allergic manifestations to various and unrelated species of grasses, weeds, trees, vegetables and fruits.
Urinary excretion of angiotensin I, II, arginine vasopressin and oxytocin in patients with anaphylactoid reactions
Authors: HERMANN K. , RITTWEGER R. , RING J.
Published: April 2006

Human urine samples, purified on octadecasilyl‐silica cartridges, contained immunoreactive angiotensin I, II, arginine vasopressin and oxytocin. The daily excretion of these peptides in healthy volunteers was 190.00±38.43 (n=12), 17.48±3.09 (n=12), 63.43±14.84 (n=8) and 13.52±1.42 (n=7) pmol/24 hr, respectively (mean±s.e.m.). Patients with a history of anaphylactoid reactions to drugs or food additives showed clinical symptoms such as urticaria, flush, nausea, dizziness and hypotension after oral provocation with cyanocobalamine, propyphenazone, acetylsalicylic acid and sodium benzoate. In five of the seven patients, angiotensin I and II were increased several fold in the urine fractions after symptoms were reported. The average increase in the urine concentration of both peptides was fourfold and 5.5‐fold. In three out of five patients, the mean excretion of arginine vasopressin and oxytocin immunoreactive material was also elevated by a factor of 5.7 and 4.4, respectively. Oral provocation with a placebo failed to elicit anaphylactoid symptoms or an increase in the urine levels of angiotensin I or angiotensin II. Angiotensin I and angiotensin II‐like immunoreactivity could be characterized on HPLC as Ile5‐angiotensin I, Ile5‐angiotensin II and angiotensin II metabolites. HPLC characterization of immunoreactive arginine vasopressin and oxytocin in two different gradient systems showed retention times different than the retention times of the corresponding synthetic standard peptides indicating that both peptides are not authentic AVP and OXT. These results suggest that angiotensin I and angiotensin II may be involved in the clinical events observed during some forms of anaphylactoid reactions.
Increased sensitivity to toluene diisocyanate (TDI) in airways previously exposed to low doses of TDI
Authors: ERJEFÄLT I. , PERSSON C. G. A.
Published: April 2006

Repeated airway exposures to toluene diisocyanate (TDI) may cause sensitization and asthma. This study has examined the acute inflammatory response to TDI in guinea‐pig tracheobronchial airways, the development of increased sensitivity to TDI and the effects of xanthines and a glucocorticoid on these responses to TDI. A restricted surface area of the tracheobronchial mucosa of Ketalar‐Xylazin anaesthetized guinea‐pigs was exposed to TDI, dissolved in olive oil, by means of 1 min infusions through an oral catheter. The TDI‐induced inflammatory process was quantified by determination of airway luminal entry of plasma. Already 3 nl (∼20 pmol) of TDI produced a significant and sustained exudation response (P < 0.001 to P < 0.01, 5 and 17 hr after exposure). Pretreatment with intravenous enprofylline (25 μmol/kg) reduced (P < 0.05) the acute response measured at 5 hr whereas budesonide (116 μmol/kg intraperitoneally or 26 μmol/kg by tracheal superfusion) was without effect. Two repeated exposures to TDI 3 nl (on days 1 and 8) made the animals hyperresponsive to TDI so that on day 15 a previously subthreshold dose of TDI (0.3 nl) produced significant exudation both at 5 and 17 hr after exposure (P < 0.001 to P < 0.01). Similarly, two repeated dermal exposures to a large dose of TDI (20 μl) lowered the threshold for tracheal provocation with TDI. Budesonide (2.6 μmol/kg orally) given daily during the topical airway ‘sensitization’ regimen (days 1–14) significantly reduced the response to the subsequent 0.3 nl challenge dose of TDI (P < 0.05). The effects of daily treatments with either theophylline (100 μmol/kg) or enprofylline (50 μmol/kg) were not significant. We conclude that two separate airway exposures to a low inflammatory dose of TDI increased about tenfold the airway mucosal sensitivity to this agent. Only the acute inflammatory response was reduced by xanthines. The development of increased responsiveness but not the acute inflammatory response to TDI was reduced by glucocorticoid treatment.
‘Horoscope effect’ not only for seasonal but also for non‐seasonal allergens
Authors: AALBERSE R. C. , NIEUWENHUYS E. J. , HEY M. , STAPEL S. O.
Published: April 2006

We report on the relation between the month of birth and the chance of developing an IgE antibody response as found in a study sample of 150000 subjects. Our results confirm that for the three seasonal allergens birch pollen, grass pollen and house dust mite, an increased relative risk was found for subjects born up to 3 months before the main season for that allergen in The Netherlands. For cat and dog allergy an increased relative risk was found from November to January, perhaps reflecting increased exposure to these pets during the winter. Surprisingly, however, also for egg white and cow's milk a clearly increased relative risk was found from November to January and a decreased relative risk in May. These data support the hypothesis of a ‘sensitive’ period in the first months of life during which allergen exposure is more likely to prime for an allergy later in life. The results with the non‐seasonal allergens suggest that another seasonal factor exists which early in life assists (or prevents) priming by allergen.
Purification of human blood basophils using negative selection by flow cytometry
Authors: TANIMOTO Y. , TAKAHASHI K. , TAKATA M. , KAWATA N. , KIMURA I.
Published: April 2006

Basophils were purified from peripheral blood of normal donors using Percoll discontinuous gradients and negative selection by flow cytometry. The mean purity of basophils obtained was 84.77±4.1 (s.d.)% (range 77.3–90.0%, n= 13). The overall yield of these procedures was 16.0±2.6% (range 11.0–19.9%, n= 13), and cell viability of purified basophils exceeded 90%.

Properties of highly purified basophils obtained by flow cytometry did not differ from those of partially enriched basophil preparations from Percoll discontinuous gradients in respect of: (i) intracellular histamine content; (ii) percentage of spontaneous histamine release in buffer; and (iii) percentage of histamine release triggered by ionophore A 23187 or anti‐IgE. Moreover, purified basophils responded chemotactically to complement C5a in a dose‐dependent manner. These findings suggest that our procedure for purification of human basophils does not affect the functions of basophils and may be useful for in vitro studies on the role of basophils in hypersensitivity reactions such as bronchial asthma.
Comparative evaluation of RAST and MAST‐CLA for six allergens for the diagnosis of inhalant allergic disease in 232 patients
Authors: SCOLOZZI R. , VICENTINI L. , BOCCAFOGLI A. , CAMERANI A. , PRADELLA R. , CAVALLINI A. , BAGNI B.
Published: April 2006

The aim of this study was to compare a recent multiple allergosorbent chemiluminescent assay (MAST‐CLA) with the RAST for the diagnosis of inhalant allergic disease in 232 patients with rhinitis and/or bronchial asthma. As judged by concordance of clinical history, skin prick tests to a range of six allergens common to our geographic area, and by nasal provocation tests, 70 patients were non‐allergic and 162 allergic: 70 to grasses, 46 to mites, four to mugwort, eight to pellitory, and 34 were sensitive to several allergens. In our patient sample that, among other things, comprises subjects with fairly rare monoallergies, MAST‐CLA testing gave results which closely corresponded to positive RAST for the allergens studied, and demonstrated a close correlation with the diagnosis of inhalant‐specific allergy. Our results showed that, for overall allergens, MAST‐CLA was lightly less sensitive and more specific than RAST (the two in vitro tests gave an identical overall efficiency).
Comparison of allergic responses to dust mites in U.K. bakery workers and Swedish farmers
Authors: TEE R. D. , GORDON D. J. , VAN HAGE‐HAMSTEN M. , GORDON S. , NUNN A. J. , JOHANSSON S. G. O. , TAYLOR A. J. NEWMAN
Published: April 2006

The IgE RAST response to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and four storage mites (Lepidoglyphus destructor, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Glycyphaghus domesticus, and Acarus siro) was examined in 251 U.K. bakery workers and compared with that previously found in 440 Swedish farmers. Storage mites are found commonly in stored hay and grain so both these groups potentially encounter them in their work. In neither group of workers was a positive RAST (≥0.35 PRU) to D. pteronyssinus correlated with a positive RAST to a single storage mite. As in the Swedish farmers, significant though not strong correlations were found in the U.K. bakers between positive RAST responses to G. domesticus and L. destructor and to T. putrescentiae and L. destructor (P < 0.05).

Homologous and heterologous RAST inhibition studies showed there was low cross‐reactivity between storage mites and D. pteronyssinus. L. destructor showed the least inhibition by the other antigens, suggesting it possessed the fewest common allergens.

The most important difference in the IgE responses between the two groups was the much higher response to D. pteronyssinus in the U.K. bakers, which was not found in the Swedish farmers whose highest IgE response was to L. destructor.
Haemopoietic growth factors induce human basophil migration in vitro
Authors: YAMAGUCHI M. , HIRAI K. , SHOJI S. , TAKAISHI T. , OHTA K. , MORITA Y. , SUZUKI S. , ITO K.
Published: April 2006

Accumulation of basophils in inflammatory sites is an important aspect of the late‐phase allergic reaction involving skin and upper and lower airways, suggesting the existence of mechanisms for basophil migration. Because haemopoietic growth factors have been shown to stimulate various functions of human basophils, we tested the ability of haemopoietic growth factors to migrate basophils in vitro. Both IL‐3 and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) induced migration of purified normal basophils (purity c. 80%) in a dose‐dependent fashion at picomolar concentrations, while granulocyte (G)‐CSF, macrophage (M)‐CSF, and IL‐4 had no effect at all. Chequerboard analyses indicate that migratory activity of both factors are chemokinetic. These results suggest that local production of both factors during allergic reactions might potentially play an initial role in the recruitment of basophils from the circulation to sites of inflammatory reactions.
A retrospective study on the safety of immunotherapy in pregnancy
Authors: SHAIKH W. A.
Published: April 2006

Eighty‐one Indian patients received immunotherapy for allergic diseases during 109 pregnancies. Their allergy clinic records were analysed retrospectively and this revealed an incidence similar to or less than the general population with regard to abortion, perinatal mortality, prematurity, toxaemia and congenital malformation. A control group of 60 contemporary Indian patients (82 pregnancies) who refused immunotherapy were also analysed retrospectively and this revealed a higher incidence of abortion, prematurity and toxaemia as compared with those treated with immunotherapy. It is concluded that immunotherapy for allergic diseases is safe in pregnancy. Immunotherapy is safe even when it is initiated for the first time in a pregnant patient, an aspect not reported in any study until now.
Atopy in childhood. III. Relationship with pulmonary function and airway responsiveness
Authors: SEARS M. R. , BURROWS B. , HERBISON G. P. , FLANNERY E. M. , HOLDAWAY M. D.
Published: April 2006

The relationship between atopy and pulmonary function in children, and how these relate directly or indirectly to airway hyperresponsivcness, is uncertain. We have examined these relationships in a sample of 13‐year‐old children. A questionnaire on respiratory symptoms, skin‐prick tests to 11 common allergens, spirometry and an abbreviated methacholine challenge test were completed by 662 members (341 boys) of a birth cohort of New Zealand children followed longitudinally to age 13. There was a significant relationship between the presence and degree of atopy, and baseline pulmonary function. Low FEV1/VC ratios were associated with a greater likelihood of airway responsiveness, not only in subjects with diagnosed asthma, but also in the full cohort and in the sub‐group of 426 children who denied asthma or current wheeze. The relationships between baseline FEV1/VC and airway responsiveness were stronger in atopic than in non‐atopic children, with the strongest relationships in children sensitive to house dust mite and/or cat dander. In the presence of atopy, progressively lower levels of lung function were strongly associated with a higher prevalence of airway responsiveness (P < 0.001). In non‐atopic subjects, only those with the most impaired lung function (FEV1/VC <75%) showed any substantive prevalence of airway responsiveness. The relationship between the degree of atopy and the FEV1/VC ratio, although significant in univariate analysis, became completely non‐significant after accounting for airway responsiveness. In 13‐year‐old children, atopy, especially to house dust mite and cat dander, was correlated with pulmonary function expressed as FEV1/VC ratio. Airway responsiveness likewise correlated with impaired baseline lung function. The apparent relationship of lung function to atopy occurred primarily as a result of the relationship between atopy and airway responsiveness. Atopy and impaired lung function were additive factors predicting airway responsiveness.
Effect of beclomethasone dipropionate nasal aerosol on serum markers of bone metabolism in children with seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: MARTINATI L. C. , SETTE L. , CHIOCCA E. , ZANINOTTO M. , PLEBANI M. , BONER A. L.
Published: April 2006

Thirty‐nine children with grass pollen hay fever were randomly treated with nasal inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) 200 or 400μg‘day or sodium cromoglycate (SCG) 30 ing/day for 2 months during the pollen season. Scrum osteocalcin (OC), parathyroid hormone (PTH). total alkaline phosphatase (AP). hone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and type I collagen telopcptide (ICTP) were measured immediately before, I and 2 months after treatment and 1 week after stopping the therapy. No significant changes in OC, PTH, AP, BAP and ICTP serum level occurred within each group. Minor and probably clinically insignificant between group differences were occasionally found. Our study shows that BDP nasal spray has no significant effect on common markers of bone metabolism.
Interleukin‐8 is a chemo‐attractant for eosinophils purified from subjects with a blood eosinophilia but not from normal healthy subjects
Authors: SEHMI R. , CROMWELL O. , WARDLAW A. J. , MOQBEL R. , KAY A. B.
Published: April 2006

Interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), a pro‐inflammatory cytokine with potent neutrophil chemotactic activity, was studied for its effect on eosinophil migration responses, in vitro. Normal density eosinophils were isolated from healthy, non‐atopic subjects <0.35 × 109 eosinophils/1) and individuals with various diseases associated with a blood eosinophilia (range 0.56 × 109‐12.2 × 109 eosinophils/1). IL‐8 prod need a dose‐dependent migrational response for eosinophils from subjects with an eosinophilia, optimal at 10−8m (P < 0.01) and the major component of the migrationsl response was chemokinesis. On a molar basis, FL‐8 (EC50∼ 10−10m) was 100‐fold more potent than platelet activating factor (PAF), although a comparison of the migrational responses showed that at optimal concentrations IL‐8 (10−8m) produced only 30% maximal responses stimulated by PAF (10−6m). In contrast, IL‐8 tested over a wide concentration range had a negligible effect on eosinophils from normal subjects. A direct correlation between the total blood eosinophil counts for all subjects and the absolute magnitude of the migrational response to IL‐8 (r= 0.727,P < 0.01 at 10−8m), PAF (r= 0.551, P < 0.03 at 10−6m) and N‐formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (fMLP) (r= 0.689. P < 0.02 at 10−8m), suggested that heightened eosinophil migrational responses in inflammatory mediators may arise as a consequence of in vitro priming mechanism(s) associated with the development of an eosinophilia. In this regard, eosinophils derived from human cord blood mononuclear cells cultured in the presence of eosinophilopoietic cytokines IL‐3 and IL‐5, produced migrational responses to IL‐8 and PA F. that were comparable with that of eosinophils from eosinophilic subjects. Furthermore, incubation of eosinophils from normal donors with IL‐5 (optimal concentration 10−9m), significantly enhanced the subsequent migrational responses to both IL‐8 (10−8m, P < 0.01)and PAF (10−8mP < 0.05). Therefore, the increased responsiveness of eosinophils from eosinophilic subjects may reflect in vivo priming by IL‐5 and this phenomenon may contribute partly to the mechanism(s) by which eosinophils preferentially accumulate at sites of allergic inflammation.
Sensitization to Chortoglyphus arcuatus and Aleuroglyphus ovatus in Dermatophagoides spp. allergic individuals
Authors: PUERTA L. , FERNÁNDEZ‐CALDAS E. , LOCKEY R. F. , CARABALLO L. R.
Published: April 2006

The prevalence of specific IgE to the storage mites Aleuroglyphus ovatus (Ao) and Chortoglyphus arcuatus (Ca) was studied in 77 individuals with allergic asthma and/or chronic allergic rhinitis. All these individuals had a positive skin test (weal ≥ 3 mm) to extracts of Dermatophagoides pteronyssimis (Dp) and/or Dermatophagoides farinac (Df). Sera from 29 non‐atopic individuals were used as controls. A RAST was considered positive when a serum bound ≥1% of the total counts added. The prevalence of a positive RAST to Dp was 75.3%, and to at least one of the two storage mites (Ao and Ca), 76.6%. Among patients with a positive RAST to Dp. 79.3% and 75.8% were RAST positive to Ao and Ca, respectively. RAST inhibition studies with a pool of sera from 13 subjects with high RAST binding to all three mites showed significant crossreactivity between Ao and Ca and minimal to moderate crossreactivity between Dp and Ao and Co, This study demonstrates that Sensitization to Ao and Ca is common in individuals with respiratory allergies in Cartagena, Colombia and suggests that Ao, Ca and Dp have unique and common allergenic determinants.
Atopic dermatitis: correlation of peripheral blood T cell activation, eosinophilia and serum factors with clinical severity
Authors: WALKER C. , KäGI M. K. , INGOLD P. , BRAUN P. , BLASER K. , BRUIJNZEEL‐KOOMEN C. A. F. M. , WÜTHRICH B.
Published: April 2006

In the first part of this study peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations. Iheir activation slate and various serum parameters were measured in extrinsic and intrinsic atopic dermatitis (AD) patients compared to normal individuals. Beside the characteristic eosinophilia, significantly increased numbers of CD4+ T cells with increased expression of IL‐2 receptors (IL‐2R) and HLA‐DR were noted in the AD patients. In addition, extrinsic AD patients showed increased numbers of CD23+ B cells and decreased numbers of CD16+ natural killer cells. Moreover, increased serum levels of eosinophil canonic protein (ECP) and soluble 1L‐2R as well as soluble factors lhat prolong survival of eosinophils in vitro could be demonstrated. In the second section of this study we determine how these blood immunological parameters relate to the clinical severity of the skin lesions of AD, by weekly analysis of 12 AD patients attending a high altitude clinic for 3 to 6 weeks. The patients were divided into two groups on the basis of treatment with topical steroids, but during the observation period a significant improvement in clinical status was observed in all AD patients independent of topical steroid therapy. A progressive decrease in eosinophil and activated T cell numbers. soluble IL‐2R levels and serum eosinophil survival prolonging activity could be demonstrated, which closely correlated with the clinical severity of the AD.
Murine mast cells attach to and migrate on laminin‐, fibronectin‐, and matrigel‐coated surfaces in response to FcεRI‐mediated signals
Authors: THOMPSON H. L. , THOMAS L. , METCALFE D. D.
Published: April 2006

We have examined the possibility that mouse bone marrow‐derived cultured mast cells (BMCMC) have the capacity to attach to and migrate on extracellular matrix components in vitro through the use of time lapse videography. Unactivated mast cells did not display significant interaction with slide flasks coated with either 3% BSA or collagen IV, and FcεRI‐mediated activation of BMCMC did not appreciably increase their attachment and migratory characteristics. Both activated and unactivaled BMCMC adhered to surfaces coated with a synthetic IKVAV laminin polypeptide, but this association resulted in the immobilization of the cells to the substrate. BMCMC did not adhere to surfaces coated with laminin, fibronectin or matrigel until Fcε RI‐mediated activation, after which they displayed rapid, random movement on these surfaces. Cells continually interacted with laminin. fibronectin or matrigcl by flattening, interspaced by periods of movement as rounded cells with small pseudopodia. The mean velocity of BMCMC on laminin, fibronectin or matrigel was similar and averaged approximately 180 μm/hr. The mean velocity of BMCMC on these three substrates was not significantly different from the mean velocity of monocytes on laminin. The movement of BMCMC on these substrates demonstrated a directional tendency. In summary. these results demonstrate that mast cells activated through FcεRI are capable of attachment to and motion on components of extracellular matrix, and demonstrate one mechanism by which mast cells may migrate to areas of inflammation and wound repair.
Bovine β‐lactoglobulin levels in hydrolysed protein formulas for infant feeding
Authors: MÄKINEN‐KILJUNEN S. , SORVA R.
Published: April 2006

A bovine milk protein, β‐lactoglobulin (βLG), was measured by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in seven different infant formulas based on protein hydrolysates from cows' milk whey or casein, and from bovine collagen and soy. βLG levels in the formulas were 1/100 to 1/4800 000 lower than in cows' milk (CM). There was a great difference in the βLG level between the partly and the extensively hydrolysed formulas; the amount of βLG was 40 000‐fold higher in the partial hydrolysates vs the extensively hydrolysed formulas. Residual βLG may have been responsible for the allergic reactions described in some children with cows' milk allergy (CMA) receiving these formulas.
Allergens from Dermatophagoides mites with chymotryptic activity
Authors: YASUEDA H. , MITA H. , AKIYAMA K. , SHIDA T. , ANDO T. , SUGIYAMA S. , YAMAKAWA H.
Published: April 2006

A new set of allergens from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and D. farinae (provisionally named DPS and DF5, respectively) was isolated from the whole culture of mites. The apparent molecular weights of both allergens were shown to be 25000 on SDS‐PAGE under a reducing condition and 27000 on Sephadex G‐75 gel nitration chromatography. Both DP5 and DF5, as well as Der f III, possessed proteolytic activity. The results of substrate specificity and susceptibility to various protease inhibitors of DP5 and DF5 strongly suggested that they belonged to the chymotrypsin‐like serine protease family. In sera from 88 mite‐allergic patients, specific IgE antibodies to DP5 and/or DF5 were detected in only 41% of the sera by radio‐allergosorbent test, while 90% and 93% had specific IgE antibodies to Der p I and/or Der f I and Der p II and/or Der f II, respecti vely.