bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitization to Blomia kulagini in a general population of a subtropical region of Spain (Canary Islands)
Authors: Garcia‐Robaina J. C. , Eraso E. , Martinez J. , Martinez A. , de la Torre Morin F. , Hernandez‐Nieto L. , Pineda‐Algorta J. , Guisantes J.
Published: May 2007

García‐Robaina JC, Eraso E, Martínez J, Martinez A, de la Torre Morin F, Hernández‐Nieto L, Pineda‐Algorta J, Guisantes J. Sensitization to Blomia kulagini in a general population of a subtropical region of Spain (Canary Islands). Allergy 1997; 52: 727–731.

The Blomia genus has been described as allergenic in man. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of B. kulagini sensitization in a large population of allergic subjects without occupational exposure in a subtropical region (Canary Islands, Spain). Secondarily, a new standardized B. kulagini extract was evaluated. The study population comprised 207 patients. RAST for B. kulagini was positive in 76.2% of patients, and 47 of them were selected for the biologic standardization. When the prick test was performed with the nonstandardized extracts, results were positive in 76.6%, whereas when the test was repeated with the standardized extract, sensitivity rose to 95.7%. The conjunctival provocation test was positive in 78.3% of 46 evaluated patients. The bronchial provocation test was positive in 18 sensitized patients and negative in five controls. In conclusion, B. kulagini is an important cause of sensitization among the occupationally unexposed population of the studied area and should be included in allergy diagnostic tests. For reliable prick tests, the use of standardized extracts is mandatory.
Cetirizine treatment of allergic cough in children with pollen allergy
Authors: Ciprandi G. , Tosca M. , Ricca V. , Passalacqua G. , Fregonese L. , Fasce L. , Canonica G. W.
Published: May 2007

Cetirizine, an antihistamine widely used in the treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, also has antiallergic activity. The present study aimed to evaluate cetirizine as a treatment for children with allergic cough due to pollen allergy. This was a parallel‐group, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized study. Twenty children with pollinosis were enrolled: they were subdivided into two groups receiving a 1‐month treatment during the pollen season. The following variables were monitored: 1) clinical symptoms and respiratory data (spirometry and PEF) evaluated at baseline and at the end of the study by allergists and by a daily diary card, and 2) pollen count. This study shows that cetirizine treatment reduces cough intensity (P < 0.05) and frequency (p < 0.01). In conclusion, cetirizine does clinically improve cough due to pollen allergy.
Nasal metachromatic cells in infancy in relation to the appearance of atopic disease during the first 6 years of life
Authors: Borres M. P. , Irander K. , Björkstén B.
Published: May 2007

The relationship between the appearance of nasal metachromatic cells (basophils and mast cells) during the first 18 months of life and the development of respiratory and other allergic diseases up to 6 years of age was studied prospectively in 67 children. Follow‐up was done at 3, 6, 9, and 18 months and 6 years. Of the 31 children who had detectable metachromatic cells in the nasal mucosa during infancy, 18 had atopic manifestations at 6 years (58%), two were probably atopic (6%), and 11 (36%) were nonatopic. The corresponding numbers for the 33 children without detectable metachromatic cells during infancy were 10 atopic (30%), two probably atopic (6%), and 21 nonatopic (64%) at 6 years (P<0.05). Children having detectable nasal metachromatic cells at every examination were more often allergic than children with no detectable cells at any time during the 6‐year follow‐up period (P<0.05). In contrast, nasal metachromatic cells were equally commonly demonstrated at 6 years in children with and without current atopic manifestations. We conclude that metachromatic cells appear at an earlier age in the nasal mucosa of atopic than nonatopic infants. The observation further supports the existence of a primary immunologic abnormality in atopic patients as related to allergic inflammatory responses. The diagnostic efficacy of this marker was too low, however, to be clinically useful as a predictor of allergy.
Use of nasal peak flow to assess nasal patency
Authors: Phagoo S. B. , Watson R. A. , Pride N. B.
Published: May 2007

Nasal patency is usually assessed in the laboratory by measuring nasal airflow conductance (Gnaw); peak inspiratory and/or expiratory flow measurements via the nose (PIFna, PEFna) have been proposed as simple alternatives suitable for home monitoring of rhinitis. We have compared the scale of changes in PIFna and PEFna (measured with a pneumotachograph) with changes in Gnaw (measured by the forced‐oscillation technique) when nasal patency was increased by a topical α‐adrenergic agonist, xylometazoline (five control subjects, seven with seasonal rhinitis, studied when asymptomatic) or decreased by topical histamine (eight control subjects). In further experiments, we altered intrapulmonary airway calibre by having subjects inhale histamine or salbutamol aerosols and examined effects on the configuration of nasal flow‐volume curves (six subjects with rhinitis and mild asthma). After topical xylometazoline, there was a mean 283% increase in Gnaw 80% increase in PEFna, and 63% increase in PIFna. After topical histamine, there was a mean 72% decrease in Gnaw, 38% decrease in PEFna, and 39% decrease in PIFna. Inducing intrapulmonary airway obstruction sometimes obscured changes in nasal patency by removing the effects of added nasal resistance on expiration and preventing development of flow limitation in the nose on inspiration. Thus, after topical drug treatment to the nose, changes in Gnaw were considerably larger than in PEFna or PIFna, which were proportionately similar. Because PIFna is usually restricted by nasal flow limitation, it is probably superior to PEFna for assessing nasal patency. When effort is submaximal, intrapulmonary dynamic resistance is increased, or nasal dynamic resistance is low, PEFna and PIFna can give a misleading impression of nasal patency. These errors can be avoided by comparisons with mouth PEF and/or PIF, suggesting that nasal and mouth peak flow should both be measured during home monitoring.
N‐acetylcysteine attenuates TNF‐α‐dependent reduction of IL‐4‐induced Fcɛ RII expression in human monocytes
Authors: Hashimoto S. , Gon Y. , Nakayama T. , Yoshida S. , Hayashi S. , Maruoka S. , Yodoi J. , Horie T. , Hashimoto Shu
Published: May 2007

We have previously shown that tumor necrosis factor‐a (TNF‐α) reduces interleukin‐4 (IL‐4)‐induced Fce RII expression in human monocytes. It has been shown that TNF‐α activates nuclear transcriptional factors through the generation of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROIs), and antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) inhibits TNF‐α‐induced activation of nuclear transcriptional factors. Therefore, we hypothesized that TNF‐α‐dependent reduction of IL‐4‐induced Fce RII expression in monocytes might be mediated through the ROIs‐activated mechanism. In the present study, to test our hypothesis, we examined the effect of NAC on TNF‐α‐dependent reduction of IL‐4‐induced FcɛRII expression in human monocytes. NAC attenuated TNF‐α‐dependent reduction of IL‐4‐induced Fcɛ RII expression by attenuating TNF‐a‐dependent reduction of Fcɛ RII mRNA expression. Similarly, the structurally unrelated antioxidant, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), also effectively attenuated this reduction. These results indicate that an ROIs‐activated and antioxidant‐sensitive mechanism might be involved in TNF‐α‐dependent reduction of IL‐4‐induced FcɛRII expression in monocytes.
Multiple IgE‐mediated sensitizations to enzymes after occupational exposure: evaluation by skin prick test, RAST, and immunoblot
Authors: Zentner A. , Jeep S. , Wahl R. , Kunkel G. , Kleine‐Tebbe J.
Published: May 2007

We investigated 10 sensitized and 10 nonsensitized workers from a pharmaceutic factory who had been exposed to powdered trypsin, chymotrypsin, bromclain, papain, amylase, and lipase. Ten nonallergic subjects served as a control group. Titrated skin prick tests (SPT), RAST, and immunoblot studies were performed with all six enzymes. SPT reactivity revealed multiple sensitizations to proteolytic enzymes, i.e., papain (specifically sensitized/total number of sensitizations: 9/10), trypsin (8/10), chymotrypsin (8/10), and bromelain (7/10) and appeared to be more frequent and more pronounced than sensitizations to amylase (3/10) or lipase (3/10). The low molecular weight of proteolytic enzymes (20–30 kDa) and their biologic activity might facilitate mucosal penetration more easily and thus ‐ compared to amylase and lipase ‐ permit an immune response and induction of allergic hypersensitivity. Immunoblot studies demonstrated IgG‐binding bands in both SPT‐positive and ‐negative workers, indicating exposure to the enzymes, but not in 10 unexposed control subjects. IgE‐binding bands of the enzymes were detected only in workers with a positive SPT reaction and/or a positive RAST result. IgG bands were more frequent and the IgG/IgE ratio was increased in workers without allergic complaints compared to symptomatic workers. This might indicate that high levels of specific IgG antibodies to enzymes arc associated with an immune response lacking allergic manifestations in spite of IgE‐mediated sensitizations to the enzymes. Atopic subjects were at greater risk of developing IgE‐mediated sensitization (7/10) and allergic symptoms to enzymes (5/7). However, even without risk of atopy, IgE‐mediated hypersensitivity occurred in a few subjects (3/13) exposed to enzymes by inhalation for prolonged periods of time.
Inhibition of adhesion molecules by budesonide on a human epithelial cell line (lung carcinoma)
Authors: Paolieri F. , Battifora M. , Riccio A. M. , Ciprandi G. , Scordamaglia A. , Morelli C. , Bagnasco M. , Canonica G. W. , Canonica G.W.
Published: May 2007

Inhaled corticosteroids in the treatment of asthma have been shown to produce marked reductions in the number of inflammatory cells (mainly mast cells and eosinophils) and their products at bronchial level (such as cytokines). Recently, it has been demonstrated that epithelial cells express ICAM‐1/CD54 in allergic patients both during natural allergen exposure and after allergen challenge. We have previously demonstrated that deflazacort (a systemic steroid) reduces the expression of ICAM‐1 on conjunctival epithelial cells. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects exerted by budesonide on adhesion molecule expression by a human epithelial cell line (lung carcinoma: DM) and on soluble ICAM‐1. Budesonide was added at concentrations corresponding to 10−8, 10−7, and 10−6 mol/1 in cultured epithelial cells, either in the absence of any stimulus or in the presence of interferon‐gamma (IFN‐y) at 500 U/ml. After 24 h of incubation, cytofluorometric analysis was performed for ICAM‐1 and CD29/VLAP1. The 24–h supernatants of the same cultures were collected and then evaluated for soluble ICAM‐1 (sICAM‐1). The results showed that budesonide inhibits ICAM‐1 and CD29 basal expression on the cells studied (P<0.05): budesonide was effective in a dose‐dependent manner. In addition, budesonide reduced surface ICAM‐1 upregulation induced by IFN‐γ at 500 U/ml (p<0.05). Finally, cell cultures with budesonide showed decreased levels of soluble ICAM‐1 in basal condition, but not after IFN‐γ stimulation.
Cross‐reactivity of Olea europaea with other Oleaceae species in allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma
Authors: Pajarón M. J. , Vila L. , Prieto I. , Resano A. , Sanz M. L. , Oehling A. K.
Published: May 2007

Cross‐reactivity between pollen extracts of four species of Oleaceae was studied: olive (Olea europaea), ash (Fraxinus excelsior), privet (Ligustrum vulgare), and lilac (Syringa vulgaris). Thus, 51 patients and 13 atopic controls were studied, by means of intracutaneous skin tests, histamine‐release tests against the four extracts, and specific IgE to O. europaea. The proteic content of the four extracts was assessed by SDS‐PAGE and immunoblotting, and similarity of all the extracts studied was observed after electrophoresis and immunodetection. Six common bands were found to be responsible for the cross‐reactivity, with apparent molecular weights of 49.6, 40, 36.7, 19.7, 16.7, and 14 kDa, respectively. The cross‐reactivity was also corroborated by immunoblotting inhibition and FEIA inhibition. The patients had a similar response to the four allergenic extracts used, although the response to Olea was greatest. When the patients were compared by their geographic origin (northern or southern Spain, according to the distribution of areas of olive pollen influence), there were no significant differences between the two groups in skin reactivity, but a higher histamine release was observed for the four extracts in the southern group, although it was significant only for Fraxinus and Ligustrum. This work corroborated the practicality of the diagnostic methods used and the cross‐reactivity between the four species studied, as demonstrated by the different methods used. Therefore, we suggest that only O. europaea extract be used in diagnosis and immunotherapy in Oleaceae pollen allergy.
Quality of life in adults and children with asthma and rhinitis
Authors: Juniper E. F.
Published: May 2007

Many clinicians now recognize the importance of incorporating an assessment of health‐related quality of life (HRQL) into their clinical studies and practice. Conventional clinical measures provide valuable information about the status of the affected organ system, but they rarely capture the functional impairments (physical, emotional, and social) that are important to the patients in their everyday lives. In order to obtain a complete picture of a patient's health status, both the conventional clinical indices and the patient's HRQL must be measured. Both adults and children with asthma and rhinitis are distressed by the symptoms, and they are limited in their day‐to‐day activities such as sports, work or school work, and participation in other activities with friends. In addition, both adults and children experience emotional strain as a result of both conditions. Disease‐specific HRQL questionnaires have been developed and validated for both adults and children with asthma and rhinitis. These questionnaires have good measurement properties and validity and can be used in both clinical trials and clinical practice to assess the impact of the condition on a patient's life. Since one of the aims of treatment is to ensure that patients benefit from it, an essential component of clinical assessment should be an evaluation of HRQL.
Reduction of soluble ICAM‐1 levels in nasal secretion by H1‐blockers in seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: Campbell A. , Chanal I. , Czarlewski W. , Michel F.‐B. , Bousquet J.
Published: May 2007

ICAM‐1, a transmembrane glycoprotein promoting adhesion in immunologic and inflammatory reactions, was found to be increased on nasal epithelial cells of patients with allergic rhinitis. Loratadinae, an H1‐Mocker, was found to reduce in vitro the expression of ICAM‐1 on nasal epithelial cells. A double‐blind, parallel‐group study was carried out during the pollen season to compare the effect of two H1‐blockers, cetiraizine (10 mg OD) and loratadine (10 mg OD), on the release of soluble ICAM‐1 in nasal secretions. A group of untreated patients was used as a control group. sICAM‐1 was measured by enzyme immunoassay before and after 2 weeks of treatment. Symptoms were significantly decreased in the actively treated groups. sICAM‐1 levels were unchanged in the control group but were significantly reduced in the two treated groups (P<0.015, Wilcoxon's W test). This study shows that two H1‐blockers, loratadine and cetirizinae, have a similar effect on sICAM‐1 released in nasal secretions during the pollen season.
Anti‐interleukin (IL)‐4 and ‐IL‐5 antibodies downregulate IgE and eosinophilia in mice exposed to Aspergillus antigens
Authors: Kurup V.P. , Murali P. S. , Guo J. , Choi H. , Banerjee B. , Fink J. N. , Coffman R. L.
Published: May 2007

The effect of multiple divided doses compared with single‐dose injections of antibodies to murine interleukin (IL)‐4 and IL‐5 in their respective downregulation of IgE and eosinophilia developing in a model of allergic aspergillosis is investigated. BALB/c mice were exposed to Aspergillus fumigatus antigens (Af) before and along with anticytokine antibodies. The kinetics of blood eosinophils, eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) in bone‐marrow cells, scrum levels of IgE and Af‐specific antibodies, Af‐induced cytokine production and mRNA, and lung histology were studied. The results indicate that only multiple anti‐IL‐5 antibodies were effective in maintaining baseline levels of blood eosinophils. Multiple anti‐IL‐4 antibodies also downregulated eosinophils in the bone marrow, lung, and peripheral blood, although to a lesser extent than in anti‐IL‐5 antibody‐injected mice. Significant correlation between the EPO activity and the eosinophil numbers in anticytokine antibody‐treated mice was observed. The different anti‐IL‐4 antibody treatments downregulated IgE to the same extent. We conclude that multiple divided doses of anti‐IL‐5 antibodies arc required to sustain normal eosinophil levels in murine allergic aspergillosis. This information may be significant in the therapy of pulmonary allergic diseases.
Anaphylactic bronchoconstriction in immunized guinea pigs provoked by inhalation and intravenous administration of hexahydrophthalic anhydride and methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride
Authors: Zhao H. , Zhang X.‐D. , Welinder H. , Jonson B.
Published: May 2007

We established a guinea‐pig model of anaphylactic bronchoconstriction provoked in immunized animals by inhalation and intravenous administration of 4,4‐methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride (MTHPA) and hexahydrophthalic anhydride (HHPA). Guinea pigs were immunized intradermally with either MTHPA (n= 8) or HHPA (n= 8) suspended in olive oil. Control animals (n= 8) were injected with olive oil alone. After 4 weeks, the animals were challenged during mechanical ventilation by inhalation or intravenous administration of MTHPA or HHPA conjugated with guinea‐pig serum albumin (GPSA). Airway flow, and airway and esophageal pressures were measured. Resistance (R) and static compliance (Cst) of the respiratory system (rs), lung (1), and chest wall were studied with the flow‐interruption technique. After challenge with MTHPA‐GPSA or HHPA‐GPSA, R, rs and R, 1 increased dramatically while Cst, rs and Cst,1 decreased, and severe arterial hypoxia developed. The reaction occurred at a well‐defined dose of anhydride and lasted about 30 min. When the same dose was repeated after 30 min, the response was much attenuated. MTHPA and HHPA can induce asthma in guinea pigs. The dose‐response curve at antigen challenge is steep. Once a threshold dose is reached, a severe reaction occurs. The reactivity is then exhausted. This model may be suitable for assessing occupational asthma caused by acid anhydrides and possibly by other low‐molecular‐weight chemicals.
Latex allergy diagnosis: in vivo and in vitro standardization of a natural rubber latex extract
Authors: Turjanmaa K. , Palosuo T. , Alenius H. , Leynadier F. , Autegarden J.‐E. , André C. , Sicard H. , Hrabina M. , Tran T. X.
Published: May 2007

For the diagnosis of IgE‐mediated (immediate) hypersensitivity to natural rubber latex (NRL), skin prick testing with extracts of latex gloves has been widely used, but such extracts are difficult to standardize. The present study aimed to produce on an industrial scale an NRL extract from freshly collected NRL and to evaluate, calibrate, and standardize the extract by both in vivo and in vitro testing. The source material, latex of the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis (clone RRIM 600), was frozen immediately after collection in Malaysia and shipped in dry ice to Stallergènes SA, France. Protein and allergen profiles were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE), immunoblotting, isoelectric focusing (IEF), crossed immunoelectrophoresis (CIE), and crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis (CRIE). Allergen quantification was effected by RAST inhibition. The capacity of the preparation to elicit immediate hypersensitivity reactions in vivo was measured by skin prick testing in 46 latex‐allergic patients and 76 nonallergic control subjects. SDS‐PAGE and immunoblot profiles of the extract and an NRL standard (E8) provided by the US Food and Drug Administration were almost identical, disclosing several distinct IgE‐binding proteins with apparent molecular weights of 14, 20, 27, 30, and 45 kDa, conforming to reported molecular weights of several significant NRL allergens. An arbitrary index of reactivity (IR) of 100 was assigned to the extract at 1:200 dilution (w/v), having a protein content of 22 μg/ml. Skin prick testing of latex‐allergic patients and controls using the extract at 100 IR revealed 93% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% negative predictive value, and 96% positive predictive value. In conclusion, a skin prick test reagent for diagnosis of type I NRL allergy was successfully standardized. The reagent was demonstrated to contain most, if not all, of the currently known clinically significant NRL allergens, and it showed high sensitivity and specificity.
Immediate hypersensitivity to penicillins. Studies on Italian subjects
Authors: Romano A. , Blanca M. , Mayorga C. , Venuti A. , Gasbarrini G.
Published: May 2007

The IgE response, the involvement of the different penicillins available for therapeutic use, and the specificity of the IgE antibodies found in a group of penicillin‐allergic subjects from Italy were studied. Thirty subjects with a history of allergic reactions to penicillins were studied. In vivo and in vitro specific IgE antibodies were determined to different penicillin determinants. Fifteen subjects developed anaphylactic responses and the remainder urticaria and angioedema. The drug most frequently involved in the patients’ allergic reactions was ampicillin (AMP). The benzylpenicilloyl (BPO) skin test was positive in 16 (53.3%) patients, whereas 23 (76.6%) patients were positive to minor determinant mixture (MDM), benzylpenicillin (PG), AMP, or amoxicillin (AX). When classified according to initial reaction type, most anaphylactic patients (93.3%) were associated with minor determinant reactivity, whereas most urticaria patients (80%) reacted to BPO. RAST results for the anaphylactic and urticaria subgroups were similar. RAST inhibition showed that most sera contained highly cross‐reactive IgE antibodies. There was evidence of a specific response to AX and PG (one patient each). These data show that in a population of penicillin‐allergic patients from Italy, AMP was the main drug inducing the allergic reaction. In skin tests and RAST, patients exhibited heterogeneous IgE responses with little indication of specific reactivity to AMP.
Safety of Hymenoptera venom rush immunotherapy
Authors: Laurent J. , Smiejan J. M. , Bloch‐Morot E. , Herman D.
Published: May 2007

We studied 97 consecutive patients who had received Hymenoptera venom rush immunotherapy in our department. There were 53 males and 44 females, whose mean age was 46 years (8–74 years). Most study patients had experienced severe anaphylaxis induced by a Hymenoptera sting: the reaction was Müller stage IV in 48 patients. Skin tests were positive for Vespula venom in 85 cases, Polistes venom in 23, and bee venom in 23. Radioallergosorbent test values exceeded 0.70 kIU/1 in 60 cases. Immunotherapy was performed with Vespula venom alone in 73 cases, bee venom alone in five cases, and both Vespula and bee venom in 19 cases. A cutaneous reaction was seen at the injection site in most patients. Four patients also had skin manifestations in areas remote from the injection site. Blood pressure elevation was seen in 11 patients, moderate hypotension in two, rhinitis in one, asthenia or headache in seven, visual disorders and vertigo in two, and transient dyspnea in two. Our protocol has proved very safe, epinephrine never being required in the 97 reported cases.
Intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 on cultured human epithelial cell lines: influence of proinflammatory cytokines
Authors: Paolieri F. , Battifora M. , Riccio A. M. , Pesce G. , Canonica G. W. , Bagnasco M.
Published: May 2007

Paolieri F, Battifora M, Riccio AM, Pesce G, Canonica GW, Bagnasco M. Intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 on cultured human epithelial cell lines: influence of proinflammatory cytokines.

The expression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 ‘CD54 or ICAM‐1’ on epithelial cells during acute or chronic inflammation may favor the interaction between epithelial cells and leukocytes expressing the natural ligands of ICAM‐1, LFA‐1 ‘CD11a/CD18’, and Mac‐1 ‘CD11b/CD18’. We have evaluated in vitro the expression of ICAM‐1 by a conjunctival ‘WK’ and an intestinal ‘1407’ human continuous epithelial cell line. Cells were cultured for 24 h in the presence or absence of IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, and TGF‐Jβ1. Both epithelial cell lines showed a constitutive expression of ICAM‐1. IFN‐γ at 500 U/ml and TNF‐α at 200 ng/ml upregulated ICAM‐1 expression; IL‐1β at 100 pg/ml upregulated ICAM‐1 on WK cells only. Cells cultured in the presence of both IFN‐γ and TNF‐α exhibited a mean fluorescence intensity far greater than those cultured with IFN‐γ or TNF‐α alone. 1407 and WK cells were able to release soluble ICAM‐1. IFN‐γ and TNF‐α enhanced the release of sICAM‐1. IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, and TGF‐β1 did not affect either ICAM‐1 expression or sICAM‐1 release. In conclusion, continuously cultured human epithelial cells may express ICAM‐1 on their surface and release it in culture medium. These phenomena are upregulated by proinflammatory cytokines.
Comparison of direct immunostaining and electroimmunoassay for analysis of airborne grass‐pollen antigens
Authors: Yli‐Panula E. , Takahashi Y. , Rantio‐Lehtimäki A.
Published: May 2007

Yli‐Panula E, Takahashi Y, Rantio‐Lehtimäki A. Comparison of direct immunostaining and electroimmunoassay for analysis of airborne grass‐pollen antigens.

Sensitive pollen‐allergic patients have been reported to show allergic symptoms not only during the pollen release of allergenic plants but also both before and after the pollen season. Symptoms before the season are evidently provoked by small‐sized particles originating partly from developing pollen grains, partly from other plant parts. After the pollen season, antigenic material settles on various surfaces, which thus form a new source of allergenic material. Measuring the allergen concentrations in indoor and outdoor environments demands an effective sampling method and a rapid and sensitive immunochemical analysis, especially for particles of small‐sized fractions which are not detected in microscopic analyses. The efficiency of an ELISA and an immunochemical staining method was tested with monoclonal IgG against Phl p 5, the main grass allergen. The Burkard trap and MPC impactor ‘Marple personal cascade impactor with six‐stage particle size fractionation’ were compared. The sampling was carried out in southwestern Finland in the summer of 1994. The number of grass‐pollen antigen spots greatly exceeded the simultaneous pollen count, indicating considerable antigen activity outside the pollen grains. The counts were especially high in small‐sized fractions after the pollen season, when hardly any airborne pollen was found. Spots and pollen divided according to size were highly intercorrelated, indicating that the threshold values used were appropriate.
Quantitative measurement of extracellular histamine concentrations in intact human skin in vivo by the microdialysis technique: methodological aspects
Authors: Petersen L. J.
Published: May 2007

Petersen LJ. Quantitative measurement of extracellular histamine concentrations in intact human skin in vivo by the microdialysis technique: methodological aspects.

Calculation of recovery is needed in microdialysis studies to calculate absolute concentrations of compounds in the extracellular water space. The purposes of this study were to determine the extracellular concentration of histamine in intact human skin in vivo and to study the validity of absolute histamine measurements during allergic skin reactions. A skin microdialysis technique and two calibration techniques, the no net flux method and the flow rate method, were used to quantify histamine concentrations in resting skin. To validate these techniques, skin glucose concentrations were analysed as well. In addition, the influence of vasodilation and plasma extravasation on recovery was followed after intradermal injection of codeine, a mast‐cell secretagogue. As expected, both calibration methods estimated skin glucose concentrations to be identical with venous blood glucose concentrations. However, skin histamine levels could not be calculated by the no net method, because the data did not meet the theoretic assumptions of this method. In contrast, histamine data fitted theoretically with the flow rate method, and skin histamine concentrations of 18.8±2.8 nM were found to be significantly greater than plasma histamine concentrations of 4.3±0.7 nM. Within minutes after intradermal injection of codeine, recovery increased significantly in a dose‐dependent fashion. Vasodilation per se did not influence recovery. In conclusion, absolute assessment of skin histamine concentrations can be made by microdialysis by the flow rate method. The validity of such an estimate and the theoretic prerequisites for the calculations are discussed. Quantitative measurement of skin histamine levels during allergic reactions cannot be performed since recovery is altered by plasma extravasation after skin challenge.
Urinary eosinophil protein X in relation to disease activity in childhood asthma
Authors: Lugosi E. , Halmerbauer G. , Frischer T. , Koller D. Y.
Published: May 2007

Lugosi E, Halmerbauer G, Frischer T, Koller DY. Urinary eosinophil protein X in relation to disease activity in childhood asthma.

The clinical use of urinary eosinophil protein X ‘U‐EPX’ measurements in monitoring inflammation in childhood asthma was investigated. U‐EPX and pulmonary function were assessed in 80 children with bronchial asthma and 24 healthy, age‐matched controls. In addition, 14 patients with asthma were re‐examined after 1–2 months. U‐EPX levels were increased in children with asthma compared with controls ‘median 68.4 vs 35.3 μg/mmol creatinine; P < 0·0001’. In addition, U‐EPX levels were higher in symptomatic than in asymptomatic patients ‘median 123.5 vs 48·9 μg/mmol creatinine; P < 0·0001’ independent of treatment modalities ‘i.e., inhaled steroids or disodium cromoglycate’ or atopy ‘median 65.1 vs 86·0 μg/mmol creatinine’. Furthermore, U‐EPX levels were significantly correlated with pulmonary function. During the follow‐up period, changes in U‐EPX values were significantly related to changes in pulmonary function. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that eosinophil activation can be measured in urine in childhood asthma. Concentrations of U‐EPX are related to disease activity and pulmonary function, as shown in both cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses, but are independent of atopy and treatment modalities. Measurement of U‐EPX may be useful in assessing the inflammatory process and therefore in the management of childhood asthma.
Responsiveness of human skin mast cells to repeated activation: an in vitro study
Authors: Rubinchik E. , Shalit M. , Levi‐Schaffer F.
Published: May 2007

To assess human mast‐cell (MC) behavior after repetitive activation, we cocultured human foreskin MC (SMC) with human foreskin fibroblasts (F). Under these conditions, we have previously demonstrated that SMC keep their viability and functional activity for up to 8 days. SMC were presensitized with atopic serum and repeatedly activated by consecutively increasing concentrations of anti‐IgE antibodies (α‐IgE, 0.0002–0.1). This treatment, which mimics the “rush desensitization” procedure, led to complete SMC unresponsiveness to activation by a‐IgE at optimal concentrations, as evaluated by histamine release. However, presensitization of SMC with IgE antibodies before exposure to α‐IgE restored their sensitivity to this stimulus. These data indicate that desensitization was probably due to lack of membrane‐bound IgE rather than to downregulation of intracellular mechanisms. In fact, SMC challenged by an optimal concentration of α‐lgE could release histamine upon a second activation by 2 h after the first activation, if the cells had been presensitized before the second challenge. SMC incubation with increasing concentrations of compound 48/80 (0.2–10μg/ml) led to MC unresponsiveness to an optimal concentration of this stimulus. Furthermore, SMC activated by an optimal concentration of compound 48/80 and rechallenged with the same agent were insensitive to the second activation for at least 24 h. In summary, we have shown that it is possible to induce “desensitization” in SMC to both IgEdependent and IgE‐independent stimuli by incubating the cultures with consecutively increasing concentrations of the activator. SMC can release histamine when reactivated with a‐IgE antibodies after presensitization by 2 h after the first challenge, while they reacquire their susceptibility to reactivation with compound 48/80 in only 2–3 days.
Relationship between IgG1 levels and airway responses in guinea pigs actively and passively sensitized to hexahydrophthalic anhydride
Authors: Zhang X.‐D. , Lötvalt J. , Arakawa H. , Welinder H. , Skerfving S.
Published: May 2007

Organic acid anhydrides (OAAs) are industrial chemicals that may cause induction of specific IgE and airway symptoms in exposed workers. They are a good model for studies of relationships between chemical structure and the sensitizing potential of reactive low‐molecular‐weight compounds. Hexahydrophthalic anhydride (HHPA) is such a compound. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between specific IgG1 levels and airway responses in a model to predict the sensitizing potential of OAAs. Guinea pigs were either actively or passively sensitized to HHPA. For active sensitization, guinea pigs were injected i.d. with 0.1 ml of olive oil (vehicle) or 0.05, 0.5, or 5% HHPA in olive oil. Passive sensitization was performed by i.p. injection of different volumes of antisera (0.75–6 ml, either unheated to keep IgE or heated to destroy IgE) taken form HHPA‐sensitized guinea pigs. Specific antibody levels were evaluated with ELISA and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. Animals were challenged 16–18 days after active sensitization, or 2 days after passive sensitization, by interatracheal instillation with HHPA conjungated to guinea pig serum albumin (HHPA‐GPSA; 0.05% in saline), and the immediate effects on lung resistance (R1), and plasma extravasation, measured as Evans blue dye extravasation, for up to 6 min were recorded. Active sensitization caused production of specific IgG1. Provocation with HHPA‐GPSA caused an increase of both (R1), and Evans blue dye extravasation, which was dependent upon the active sensitization dose. Challenge with HHPA‐GPSA in passively sensitized guinea pigs also produced an increase in both (R1), and Evans blue dy extravasation which was related to IgG1 level. In the guinea pig model of HHPA‐induced airway allergy, the airway responses are closely related to the serum levels of specific IgG1. Thus, the IgG1 levels induced by the immunization may reflect the sensitizing potential of HHPA.
Effect of continuous allergen challenge on clinical symptoms and mediator release in dust‐mite‐allergic patients
Authors: Horak F. , Toth J. , Hirschwehr R. , Marks B. , Stübner U. P. , Jäger S. , Berger U. , Schleinzer K. , Günczler P.
Published: May 2007

This study investigated the early, prolonged immediate, and late‐phase reactions of dust‐mite‐sensitive subjects undergoing long‐term challenge in the Vienna challenge chamber (VCC) in terms of clinical symptoms and inflammatory mediator level patterns in nasal lavage fluids. A concentration of 70 ng Der p 1/m3 of air (feces of Dermatopliagoides) was maintained over 8 h in the VCC. To show the clinical impact of this challenge model, the effect of a histamine H1‐receptor antagonist that also has some antiallergic properties (loratadine) was also investigated. The study followed a doubleblind, placebo‐controlled, crossover design. Medication was given orally over 7 days before the provocation at a dose of 10 mg once daily. All 12 patients, whose dust‐mite sensitivity was confirmed by disease history, skin prick test, and RAST, completed the challenge session. The documentation of the chosen parameters was performed every 30 min. Subjective nasal and ocular symptoms were assessed via a visual analog scale of 100 mm. nasal flow was recorded by active anterior rhinomanometry, and mediator release was evaluated with nasal lavages. Clinical aspect: the whole sample population showed a rise of nasal and ocular symptom severity and a nasal flow reduction, which were perceptibly, but not significantly attenuated by active drug treatment. Mediator pattern: in each patient, prostaglandin (PG)D2 and leukotriene (LT)C4 levels peaked within the first 2 h of provocation, PGD2 then moving toward baseline levels, and LTC4 then again rising continuously. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) exhibited a constant level increase over the whole provocation period, and tryptase levels did not change significantly. Whereas the area under the curve values of tryptase and ECP were higher in drug‐treated patients than the placebo group, the early PGD, peak occurring during the first two challenge hours seemed to be mitigated by loratadine. These results reveal that there is no link between the clinical symptoms, the drug efficacy, and the released mediators (LTC4, PGD2, ECP and tryptase).
Age‐dependent differences in the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and atopic sensitization between an eastern and a western German city
Authors: Heinrich J. , Nowalk D. , Wassmer G. , Jörres R. , Wjst M. , Berger J. , Magnussen H. , Wichmann H.‐E.
Published: May 2007

Recent studies have found a higher prevalence of allergic rhinitis and atopic sensitization among adults living in eastern than those living in western Germany. We hypothesize that prevalence rates were similar before Germany was divided and diverged after the division. Because there are no historical data comparing atopic status between the two parts of Germany, we tested this hypothesis by comparing the prevalence of atopy among persons who were born during different decades. As part of the EC Respiratory Health Survey, a respiratory health questionnaire was mailed to a population‐based sample of 8363 subjects aged 20–44 years from a city in the former West Germany (Hamburg) and a city in the former East Germany (Erfurt). Of the target population. 6428 (77%) subjects responded. Subsamples of 731 subjects from Erfurt and 1159 subjects from Hamburg participated in medical examinations, including skin prick tests and specific IgE measurements. Prevalence rates of allergic sensitization were similar in Hamburg and Erfurt for those born in the periods 1946–51 and 1952–61. respectively, but differed between Hamburg and Erfurt subjects born in the period 1962–71. After adjustment for several potential predictors, the younger subjects from Hamburg had a higher odds ratio (OR) of sensitization than those Hamburg subjects born before 1952 (skin prick test reactivity: OR 2.06. any specific IgE > 0.35 kU/1: OR 1.61). The younger subjects from Erfurt were not more frequently sensitized than the older subjects (skin prick test reactivity: OR 1.05. any specific IgE > 0.35 kU/1: OR 0.79). No single allergen could be identified as responsible for the observed difference. We conclude that factors related to a “Western lifestyle”, which were prevalent in the West German city during the 1960s and i970s. may be responsible for the higher prevalence of allergic sensitization observed in Hamburg.
Effect of bronchial allergen challenge on in vitro cytokine release by peripheral blood mononuclear cells of atopic patients
Authors: Abbal C. , Persi L. , Bousquet J. , Yssel H. , Pène J.
Published: May 2007

Background During the pollen season, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from allergic patients produce increased levels of Th2 cytokines after stimulation with allergen in vitro. We have studied the effect of a single bronchial provocation test (BPT) of allergic patients to determine whether allergen challenge in vivo modulates cytokine production by PBMC, after subsequent stimulation with the same allergen in vitro.

Methods Twelve atopic asthmatic patients were challenged with the relevant allergen, and their PBMC, isolated before (TO) or 6 (T6) or 24 h (T24) after BPT, respectively, were cultured for 120 h in the presence or absence of the same allergen, after which cytokine production was measured by ELISA. Results Allergen‐specific activation of the PBMC at TO resulted in interleukin (IL)‐5 and IL‐13 production, but not in detectable levels of interferon‐gamma and IL‐4. BPT did not induce the secretion of the latter cytokines. However, IL‐5 and lL‐13 production was significantly decreased at T24, as compared to TO. No statistically significant differences were found between the production of IL‐10 before and after BPT.

Conclusions In contrast to the effects of natural challenge with allergen, a decrease in the production of some Th2 cytokines by peripheral blood T cells was observed 24 h after BPT, suggesting a concomitant decrease in the frequency of allergen‐specific T cells in the circulation.
Release of granule proteins from human eosinophils stimulated with mast‐cell mediators
Authors: Takafuji S. , Tadokoro K. , Ito K. , Nakagawa T.
Published: May 2007

Background It has been suggested that mast cells and eosinophils are major effector cells in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. However, the interaction of these cells has not been thoroughly elucidated. We examined eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) release and cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]) in human eosinophils induced by the major mast‐cell mediators including cytokines.

Methods Eosinophils from healthy donors were stimulated with the major mast‐cell mediators for 20 min after preincubation with cytochalasin B for 10 min. ECP in supernatants was measured by radioimmunoassay. Moreover, t o examine changes of [Ca2+]i in eosinophils, Fura‐2‐loaded eosinophils were monitored for fluorescence changes after stimulus addition.

Results Of the tested mediators (prostaglandin [PG]D2, leukotriene (LT)B4, platelet‐activating factor (PAF), histamine, LTQ, and eosinophil chemotactic factor of anaphylaxis [ECF‐A]), LTB4 and PAF induced ECP release from eosinophils. Any cytokines produced by human mast cells, i.e., interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5, IL‐8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), or granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), did not induce ECP release in our system. ECP release triggered with LTB4 and PAF occurred at concentrations of 10−8‐10−6 M concentration‐dependently. LTB4 and PAF also elicited a rise in [Ca2+]i in eosinophils. Neither PGDj, histamine, nor LTC4 induced ECP release, although they increased cytosolic calcium in eosinophils.

Conclusions Of mast‐cell mediators, LTB4 and PAF induced eosinophil degranulation. The contribution of LTB4 and PAF from mast cells to eosinophil degranulation may be important in the pathogenesis of allergic inflammatory diseases.
Lack of association between atopy and RsaI polymorphism within intron 2 of the PcεRI‐β gene in a Spanish population sample
Authors: Castro J. , Telleria J. J. , Blanco‐Quirós A. , Linares P. , Andion R.
Published: May 2007

Background The B genotype of RasI polymorphism located within intron 2 of the Fc‐lgE receptor I (Fc.Rl) gene was previously found to be increased in atopic patients from a Japanese population sample.

Methods We studied these A/B genotypes in 70 Spanish atopic patients, and the results were compared to those of 51 nonatopic controls. RasI polymorphisms were studied by specific digestion of polymerase chain reaction fragments followed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Results The polymorphism frequency (A/A: 25/70, A/B: 28/70, B/B: 17/70) found in patients did not differ from the frequency in nonatopic control subjects.

Conclusions We did not find RasI polymorphisms associated with atopic disease. The genetic findings in atopy and asthma may be very different according to ethnic and local characteristics, and they must be carefully verified in difFerent population samples.
Diagnostic tests in children with atopic dermatitis and food allergy
Authors: de Waard‐van der Spek F. B. , Elst E. F. , Mulder P. G. H. , Munte K. , Devillers A. C. A. , Oranje A. P.
Published: May 2007

Background Skin testing is a common diagnostic procedure in food allergy. The skin prick test is the test of first choice for investigating the immediate IgE‐mediated reaction, TTie skin application food test (SAFT) has been developed on the basis of the mechanism of the contact urticaria syndrome (CUS), Methods We studied the relevance of the SAFT in children younger than 4 years with atopic dermatitis and (suspected) food allergy as compared with the prick‐prick test, the radioallergosorbent test (RAST), and the oral challenge. In the skin tests, we used fresh food, in the same state as it was consumed.

Results There was a good agreement between the SAFT and the prick‐prick test. A moderate agreement was observed between the SAFT and the serologic test (RAST). Significantly more positive results in the RAST were observed than in the SAFT, There was very good agreement between the SAFT and the oral challenge (K = 0,86).

Conclusions The SAFT is a reliable and child‐friendly skin test for evaluating (suspected) food allergy in children younger than 4 years with atopic dermatitis. The very good correlation with the oral challenge indicates that one may probably consider the SAFT a “skin provocation” in children younger than 4 years.
Improvement with disodium cromoglycate of neutrophil phagocytosis and respiratory burst activity in a patient with hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome
Authors: Kojima K. , Inoue Y. , Katayama Y. , Kataoka M. , Sunami K. , Fukuda S. , Sezaki T. , Omoto E. , Harada M.
Published: May 2007

We report a case of hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome (HIE) complicated by neutrophil deficiency which was successfully treated with oral administration of disodium cromoglycate. A 48‐year‐old Japanese man with HIE developed Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis. Laboratory tests after the meningitis revealed persistent neutropenia (300‐800/mm3) and defects of phagocytosis and bacterial killing by neutrophils. Administration of disodium cromoglycate was started, and neutrophil counts gradually increased to 1200‐1600/mm3 TTie impaired neutrophil activities returned to normal. The patient improved clinically; during the 2‐year treatment, he had only two brief episodes of the common cold. Disodium cromoglycate may have potential clinical use in the treatment of cases of HIE even with neutrophil deficiency.