bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Importance of cytolytic activity and dietary iodine in the pathogenesis of postpartum thyroiditis
Authors: Bech K.
Published: May 2007

The incidence of lymphocytic thyroiditis (LT) has increased since the introduction of iodine prophylaxis, and LT is claimed to represent an adverse reaction to iodine. This theory is supported by animal studies as well as experimental studies in humans. In pregnancy iodine turnover is increased. During the immunological rebound period occurring postpartum the thyroid autoantibodies increase, and may lead to postpartum thyroiditis (PPT). The iodine content within the gland may be important for this reaction. In vitro it has been shown that iodine inhibits the cAMP‐dependent events of the thyroid cell function, but iodine may also stimulate the intrathyroidal immuno‐competent cells leading to cytokine synthesis. Cytokines have been shown to interfer with the thyroid cell function. Iodine may thus trigger the autoreactive attack and enhance the local autoantibody production, which plays a primary pathogenic role for development of PPT.
Maxisorp
Authors: Poulsen L. K. , Pedersen M. F. , Malling H.‐J. , Søndergaard I. , Weeke B.
Published: May 2007

For determination of allergen‐specific IgE in cell culture supernatants and other highly diluted IgE preparations a radioallergosorbent test (RAST) based on high adsorption polystyrene test tubes has been developed (“Maxisorp RAST”). Cladosporium herbarum extract was used as a model allergen but timothy grass pollen, house dust mite and dog dander showed similar results. The test showed specificities of both allergen and immunoglobulin isotype and significant correlations (r= 0.67–0.88) with established RAST procedures were found. Based on immunosorbent‐purified allergen‐specific IgE the estimated sensitivity was within the order of 150‐300 pg allergen‐specific IgE per ml. The within‐assay variation was 4‐9% and the inter‐assay‐variation 17–29%. The Maxisorp RAST is useful as an inhibition assay for quantitating allergenic activity down to 0.1 biological units/ml of allergen extracts.
Basophil histamine release and lymphocyte proliferation tests in latex contact urticaria
Authors: Turjanmaa K. , Räsänen L. , Lehto M. , Mäkinen‐Kiljunen S. , Reunala T.
Published: May 2007

Basophil histamine release and lymphocyte proliferation tests were examined with latex allergen prepared from surgical gloves in 15 patients with latex contact urticaria. The basophil histamine release test (BHRT) yielded positive results in 13/14 (93%) patients, whereas commercial latex RAST was positive in only 9/15 (60%) patients. Lymphocyte proliferation test (LPT) was positive in 3/15 (20%) patients, suggesting that cell‐mediated immune reactions may also occur in latex allergy. However, patch tests to latex were negative and neither were epidermal Langerhans cells able to present latex antigen to T lymphocytes in vitro.
Respiratory symptoms in damp homes
Authors: Waegemaekers M. , Wageningen N. van , Brunekreef B. , Boleij J. S. M.
Published: May 2007

The association between living in damp homes and the prevalence of health symptoms was investigated in a population of 519 occupants (adults and children) of 185 homes. Positive associations were found between the reporting of respiratory and some other health symptoms and living in a damp home. The concentration of vaiable mould spores in indoor air was measured, using modified Andersen samplers, in the living rooms of a sample of 36 homes. The results were compared with the occurrence of dampness characteristics in their homes as reported by the occupants. Homes with at least two dampness characteristics showed higher average spore counts and higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms.
Penicillin‐allergic patients react to penicillin‐modified “self”
Authors: Bell S. J. D. , Pichler W. J.
Published: May 2007

Penicillin G (PNG) has been demonstrated to elicit T‐cell responsiveness in vitro in allergic patients by means of a lymphocyte transformation test (LTT). As it was not clear how, or in what form, the stimulatory PNG determinants were inducing cellular proliferation, we compared the immune response elicited by different PNG preparations. Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of patients with proven PNG allergy were isolated, and proliferative responsiveness to soluble PNG alone, soluble PNG‐protein conjugates (BPO‐HSA, BPO‐PL, BPO‐HEX), and non‐reactive penicilloate salts, was evaluated. An autologous mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) using penicilloylated stimulator cells, was used to test responsiveness to membrane‐bound PNG. We found that the addition of either 1000 μg/ml of potentially‐reactive PNG to cell cultures, or of penicilloylated autologous cells was stimulatory, whereas non‐reactive PNG salt, and soluble PNG conjugates were not stimulatory. Considering current and earlier findings, it appears that T cell immunity in these patients is directed towards PNG‐modified “self”, as PNG‐modified autologous cells are potent stimulators in PNG‐allergic individuals.
The effect of astemizole on bronchial hyperresponsiveness and exercise‐induced asthma in children
Authors: Backer V. , Bach‐Mortensen N. , Becker U. , Brink L. , Howitz P. , Hansen K. Kaae , Jensen D. Wendelboe , Laursen E. Mosfeldt
Published: May 2007

The ability of the new generation H1‐receptor antagonist, astemizole, to prevent histamine‐induced airway obstruction and exercise‐induced asthma (EIA) was studied in 20 children with asthma. The study was a randomised clinically controlled trial of oral astemizole versus placebo in a cross‐over study. In each of the two treatment periods the children were tested at days 0, 6, 15 and 22 of therapy. The two treatment periods were separated by a washout period of 50 days, and at each visit a bronchial challenge with increasing concentrations of histamine followed by an exercise test was performed, and peak flow and asthmatic symptom score were recorded daily. The children tolerated significantly higher mean concentrations of histamine when treated with astemizole compared with placebo (P < 0.001). Astemizole postponed the response to exercise, but no change in the maximal response was found. No differences between the treatment periods were found regarding frequency of asthmatic symptoms or the daily recording of peak flow.
Changes in protein kinase C activity during histamine release from activated rat mast cells
Authors: Kurosawa M. , Kobayashi S.
Published: May 2007

Rat mast cells were challenged with compound 48/80 or calcium ionophore A23187, and protein kinase C activity in the cell pellets and the amount of histamine release into the supernatant were measured. After stopping the reaction, rat mast cells were lysed in a medium which prevents alterations in phosphorylation and dephosphorylation during sample processing. Histamine was significantly released from compound 4–8/80‐stimulated mast cells at 30 s after the stimulation. In parallel with this, protein kinase C activity in the cell pellets increased at 30 s and 1 min and returned to basal value 3 min after the stimulation. When mast cells were incubated with various concentrations of 48/80 for 30 s, the amount of histamine release and protein kinase C activity increased dependently on the concentration of 48/80. Significant histamine release from A23187‐stimulated mast cells was found at 1 min after the stimulation. Also protein kinase C activity in the cell pellets increased at 1 min and returned to basal value 5 min after the stimulation. A reduction of cytosolic protein kinase C activity was observed upon 48/80 treatment in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner. Further, staurosporine, a potent inhibitor of protein kinase C, inhibited 48/80‐induced histamine release in parallel with the inhibition of protein kinase C activity. These findings suggest that transient increase of protein kinase C activity may be involved in the mast cell activation process.
Comparison of histamine assay methods in measuring in vitro‐induced histamine release in patients with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Harvima R. J. , Harvima I. T. , Tuomisto L. , Horsmanheimo M. , Fräki J. E.
Published: May 2007

histamine release tests using whole blood were applied in testing in vitro Type I birch allergic reaction in two patients with allergic rhinitis. Heparinized blood was incubated with varying dilutions of allergen for 30 min at + 37°C. After centrifugation of the blood, plasma was separated and the liberated histamine was analysed by histamine radio enzyme assay (REA), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with postcolumn derivatization system or radio immuno assay (RIA), and the results obtained by these methods were compared. REA and HPLC gave similar results, while RIA gave somewhat higher values, but was less sensitive.
IgE and IgG antibodies of patients with allergy to birch pollen as tools to define the allergen profile of Betula verrucosa*
Authors: JAROLIM E. , RUMPOLD H. , ENDLER A. T. , EBNER H. , BREITENBACH M. , SCHEINER O. , KRAFT D.
Published: May 2007

IgE and IgG antibody responses to birch pollen antigens were studied by means of immunoblotting experiments testing 58 sera from patients with Type I allergy to birch pollen. 56/58 patients showed IgE antibodies reactive with Bet v I, a 17 kilodalton (kD) pollen protein. 2D‐electrophoresis/immunoblot revealed a heterogeneity of that protein. Ten spots (pH 4.9–5.9) could be detected, presumably representing differentially glycosylated isoallergens. In 33/58 patients, there was no evidence of IgE antibodies directed against allergens other than Bet v I. However, in 25/58 of patients' sera, 11 minor allergens (13, 15, 18, 27, 29, 32, 36, 39, 44, 57, and 68 kD) with individual incidences from 1.7% to 17.2%, were identified. All proteins were also recognized by the patients' IgG antibodies: in the case of Bet v I recognition was weak, whereas the IgG response to the minor allergens was pronounced. Sera from healthy individuals showed similar IgG antibody responses, but no IgG to the 15, 27, and 29 kD proteins. Our results suggest that IgG directed against minor allergens may function as trapping antibodies in healthy individuals. Too low or lacking amounts of anti‐Bet v I IgG may facilitate an allergic reaction.
Dust from carpeted and smooth floors
Authors: DYBENDAL T. , VIK H. , ELSAYED S.
Published: May 2007

Dust samples were collected twice from smooth and carpeted floors in 10 Norwegian schools. The content of antigens and allergens of alder (Alnus incana), birch (Betula verrucosa), timothy (Phleum pratense), cat and dog dander, house dust mite (Dermatophagoides farinae), mould (Cladosporium herbarum), hen egg white and codfish (DIII) were investigated by crossed immunoelectrophoresis (CIE), crossed radio immunoelectrophoresis (CRIE), radio allergosorbent test (RAST) inhibition and quantitative precipitation inhibition analysis by laser nephelometry. Antigens and allergens of cat and dog dander and hen egg white were most prevalent in the dust samples investigated. With the exception of hen egg white and codfish allergens, no statistically significant differences in mean allergen content were shown in identical quantities of freeze‐dried dust extracts from carpeted and smooth floors. RAST‐inhibition analyses of identical amounts of dust from either floors showed higher content of allergens of cat, dog, hen egg white, codfish, mould and timothy pollen in classrooms with carpets.
Predictive value of venom‐specific IgE, IgG and IgG subclass antibodies in patients on immunotherapy with honey bee venom
Authors: MÜLLER U. , HELBLING A. , BISCHOF M.
Published: May 2007

Sixty‐seven patients with a history of severe systemic reactions following honey bee stings were treated by immunotherapy (IT) with honey bee venom. During maintenance therapy all were submitted to a sting challenge under clinical conditions. 15 developed mostly minor symptoms of a systemic reaction while 52 showed only a local swelling at the sting site. Phospholipase A2‐specific IgE, IgG and IgG subclass serum antibodies were estimated in samples obtained before IT and immediately before the challenge. Specific IgE decreased in reactors and in non‐reactors. There was no difference between the two groups at any time. Specific total IgG, IgG1 and IgG4 increased in both reactors and non‐reactors during IT. An early increase of specific IgG1, was observed while specific IgG4 remained elevated throughout the treatment. Specific total IgG was higher in reactors than non‐reactors before the challenge, specific IgG1 higher in reactors before treatment and specific IgG4 higher in reactors than non‐reactors both before treatment and before challenge. In the individual patient, no single antibody estimation or combination of various antibodies was predictive of the outcome of a sting challenge.
Determination of IgG subclass antibodies against wheat flour antigens by an ELISA technique
Authors: TIIKKAINEN U. , KLOCKARS M.
Published: May 2007

We describe the assay conditions for an enzyme‐linked immunoassay for the determination of IgG and IgG subclass antibodies in serum to water‐soluble wheat flour antigens. The optimal antigen coating concentration was 5 μg/ml for total IgG, IgG1, IgG4 and 100 μg/ml for IgG2. Serial dilutions of test sera were used and commercially available monoclonal mouse anti‐human IgG isotype antibodies (as ascites fluid) were diluted 1:500–1:1000. Specific wheat flour antibodies belonging to the IgG1, IgG2 and IgG4 subclasses were detected. Despite the lack of standardized isotype‐specific second mouse monoclonal antibodies, the subclass antibody levels between flour‐exposed bakers and controls could be compared. We observed significantly higher IgG1, IgG2 and IgG4 subclass antibodies among 23 bakers than among 12 non‐exposed controls, but no IgG3 antibodies were detected. The differences in biological activities of the IgG subclass antibodies may explain the clinical and pathophysiological features for flour‐induced occupational allergic diseases among bakers.
Blocking activity of mite‐specific IgG antibodies studied by skin tests
Authors: PECQUET G. , MURRIETA M. , MICHELEN V. , LEYNADIER F. , DRY J. , ALLARY M. , FABRE G. , SAINT‐BLANCARD J.
Published: May 2007

The aim of the study was to determine whether IgG antibodies from patients on specific immunotherapy could inhibit skin test reactivity of allergens when mixed with them prior to testing. In a preliminary double‐blind study, mite extracts were incubated with glycero‐saline solution or non‐specific IgG and used in testing 15 patients. Wheal and flare diameters produced with the two mite extracts did not differ significantly. In a second double‐blind study with 15 other patients, skin tests using mite extracts incubated with either non‐specific IgG or specific IgG showed significantly decreased diameters when mite extracts were preincubated with specific IgG. This result, in vivo, confirms the antigen neutralizing capacity of specific IgG demonstrated in vitro.
Efficacy and safety of loratadine suspension in the treatment of children with allergic rhinitis
Authors: BONER A. L. , MIGLIORANZI P. , RICHELLI C. , MARCHESI E. , ANDREOLI A.
Published: May 2007

The safety and efficacy of loratadine was compared with that of dexchlorpheniramine in children with allergic rhinitis. Twenty‐one children received loratadine 0.11–0.24 mg/kg ideal body weight once daily and 19 dexchlorpheniramine 0.10–0.23 mg/kg every 8 h (0.30–0.69 mg/24 h) for 14 consecutive days. Both loratadine and dexchlorpheniramine were effective in reducing nasal and ocular symptoms in allergic children. Substantial improvement in allergy symptoms was observed at the first evaluation (day 3 of treatment) and was maintained for the study duration. No significant trend of abnormality in laboratory parameters was observed. Drowsiness was present only in the dexchlorpheniramine‐treated group. Loratadine appears to be a simple, effective and safe therapy for seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Relevance of basophil histamine release changes during venom immunotherapy
Authors: STEPHAN V. , KÜHR J. , URBANEK R.
Published: May 2007

We investigated the effect of rush and long‐term venom immunotherapy on histamine release parameters in bee venom allergic patients. Ten patients received rush venom immunotherapy, and histamine release data were obtained immediately before and after treatment. 17 patients were assessed by histamine release 24 to 63 months after termination of long‐term venom immunotherapy. A control group of 10 non‐allergic subjects was included in this study. Histamine released from whole blood was determined in a sensitive radio‐enzymatic assay using a single isotope technique. Bee venom phospholipase A‐induced histamine release from whole blood proved to be a test procedure of high specificity and sensitivity. Eight of 10 untreated patients and no control subject showed significant antigen‐induced histamine release. Results obtained from patients immediately after successful rush venom immunotherapy showed an important decrease (mean 45.9%) of total histamine content of basophil leukocytes in all patients. Antigen‐induced maximum histamine release was found to be increased in one, decreased in two and unchanged in seven patients. In patients who received long‐term immunotherapy cell sensitivity to phosopholipase A was significantly lower than in a group of untreated patients (P≤ 0.002). These results suggest that even years after discontinuation of immunotherapy, histamine release parameters reflect patients' protection from systemic sting reactions as assessed by sting challenges. Histamine depletion of basophils induced by rush immunotherapy may play an important role in patients' protection immediately after termination of the rush regimen.
Determination of immunoglobulins responsible for histamine release induced by microbial antigens in AIDS patients
Authors: PEDERSEN M. , PERMIN H. , NORN S. , SKOV P. STAHL
Published: May 2007

AIDS patients in contrast to healthy individuals show basophil histamine release by stimulation in vitro of their blood leukocytes with Candida albicans (CA) and Herpes simplex virus Type I (HSV‐I). Passive sensitization of cells from healthy individuals with the patient serum or surface immunoglobulins (Ig) derived from leukocytes of AIDS patients caused histamine release by the following stimulation of the cells with CA or HSV‐I. When IgE was removed from the surface Ig no response was obtained, whereas a removal of IgG did not diminish the response. In contrast, no passive sensitization was obtained by serum derived from healthy individuals. The results show that IgE is responsible for the histamine release caused by CA and HSV‐I in AIDS patients.
Frequency and intensity of late asthmatic reactions after bronchial allergen challenge in asthma and rhinitis
Authors: STEVENS W. J. , VAN BEVER H. P.
Published: May 2007

The occurrence of late asthmatic reactions after bronchial allergen challenge was studied in 50 house dust mite allergic patients subdivided in three groups: one group had asthma without nasal symptoms, another group had rhinitis without pulmonary symptoms and a third group had a combination of both asthma and rhinitis. Late asthmatic reactions were present in 80 % of asthmatic patients and in 18.7% of rhinitis patients. The degree of non‐specific bronchial reactivity to histamine (provocative dose 15 or PD15 histamine) and the degree of immediate reactivity to allergen (PD15 house dust mite) did not differ significantly between patients with and without late asthmatic reactions. These findings suggest that an important difference between asthma and rhinitis is the lack of late asthmatic reactions in rhinitis patients, whereas the degree of immediate bronchial reactivity to the allergen is similar in asthma and rhinitis.
Characterization of the natural killer cell activity in Hashimoto's and Graves' diseases
Authors: PEDERSEN B. K. , FELDT‐RASMUSSEN U. , BECH K. , PERRILD H. , KLARLUND K. , HØIER‐MADSEN M.
Published: May 2007

Natural killer (NK) cell activity and blood mononuclear cell subpopulations were characterized in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (n= 11), Graves' disease (n= 20), non‐toxic goitre (n= 10) and in normal controls (n= 22). NK cell activity against K 562 target cells and the capability of IFN‐α, Il‐2, and indomethacin to enhance NK cell activity in vitro did not differ significantly between the groups. The percentages of large granular lymphocytes, CD5 +, CD4 +, CD8 + and CD16 + cells were normal in patients with non‐toxic goitre, Hashimoto's and Graves' diseases. There was no correlation between NK cell activities and TgAb, MAb and TSAb. Although NK cell activity is suppressed in several autoimmune diseases, NK cell function is normal in patients with autoimmune thyroid disorders.
Chronic non‐asthmatic cough is not affected by inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate
Authors: EVALD T. , MUNCH E. P. , KOK‐JENSEN A.
Published: May 2007

Thirty‐one patients with a dry cough for at least 1 h duration in more than half of the last 30 days and with no recent respiratory infection participated in a clinical trial to evaluate the effect of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP). Lung function was normal and reversibility was excluded by spirometry before and after bronchodilator and by no diurnal variation in home peak flow monitoring. Only one had significant eosinophilia and only three were mildly hyperreactive by bronchial provocation with histamine. After a 1‐week run‐in period the patients were randomly allocated to receive either BDP 4 puffs of 50 μg b.i.d., or placebo. After 2 weeks the patients were crossed over and received the alternative treatment for another 2‐week period. The degree of cough, disturbance of night sleep and peak expiratory flow morning and evening were recorded daily in a diary. Spirometry was performed at each control visit. A significant period effect from run‐in to period 1 and/or from period 1 to period 2 was demonstrated for cough and disturbance at night but not for peak flow or spirometry. However, no significant treatment effect was found for any of the measured variables.
Treatment of asthma in pre‐school children with inhalation of terbutaline in Turbuhaler compared with Nebuhaler
Authors: AHLSTRÖM H. , SVENONIUS E. , SVENSSON M.
Published: May 2007

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety and preference of pre‐school children with regard to two different devices for treatment of bronchial asthma with terbutaline. Turbuhaler, a powder inhaler preloaded with pure terbutaline for inhalation, was compared with a pressurized metered dose inhaler, attached to a Nebuhaler. The study had an open, cross‐over randomized design. Each treatment period consisted of 2 weeks. Diary cards were filled in every morning and evening by the parents regarding PEF, asthma symptoms, extra inhalations of terbutaline, and side effects. Twenty‐one children (mean age 3.9 years) were included in the study. A highly significant (P < 0.001) increase in peak expiratory flow (PEF) was obtained after inhalation with both devices. The PEF values in the mornings after inhalation of terbutaline with Turbuhaler were significantly higher (P= 0.046) than those with Nebuhaler. Further, the PEF baseline values in the evenings before inhalation were also significantly higher (P= 0.03) with Turbuhaler. No difference was found in asthma symptoms and extra medication between the two devices. Side effects were mild and few with both devices. The parents found Turbuhaler easier to handle and 19 of 21 preferred this device for future use.
Reproducibility of the skin prick test
Authors: VOHLONEN I. , TERHO E. O. , KOIVIKKO A. , VANTO T. , HOLMÉN A. , HEINONEN O. P.
Published: May 2007

Reproducibility of the skin prick method of testing for allergy was studied in 20 subjects examined by four nurses. Hypodermic needles were used for pricking and the test panel included a histamine control, a diluent control, and nine allergens. The reproducibility of the method was best when the size of the weal reaction caused by an allergen was expressed as the geometric area of the weal. When the weal reaction was expressed as the ratio of the weal reaction caused by an allergen to that caused by histamine, the reproducibility of the method was decreased considerably. When the ratios were further classified into three class ratings, reproducibility was very low. The reduction in reproducibility was due to the low reproducibility of histamine reactions. According to these results, at least in epidemiological studies the weal reactions should be expressed as geometric areas. In clinical practice it might also be preferable to express prick test results as the diameters of the weals without adjusting them by histamine reactions.
Housewives with raw potato‐induced bronchial asthma
Authors: QUIRCE S. , DÍEZ GÓMEZ M. L. , HINOJOSA M. , CUEVAS M. , UREÑA V. , RIVAS M. F. , PUYANA J. , CUESTA J. , LOSADA E.
Published: May 2007

Allergy to white potato has rarely been described. We report two cases of atopic patients, housewives, in whom peeling raw potatoes precipitated rhinoconjunctivitis and asthmatic attacks, and, in one of them, contact urticaria. Type I hypersensitivity to raw potato antigens was demonstrated by means of immediate skin test reactivity, specific IgE determination by RAST, basophil degranulation, histamine release test and an immediate bronchial provocation test response to raw potato extract. The controls did not react to any of these tests. Potato allergenic constituent is currently being investigated but, as far as we know, it is heat‐labile and has an MW of more than 10 Kd.
Modulation of Type I immediate and Type IV delayed immunoreactivity using direct suggestion and guided imagery during hypnosis
Authors: ZACHARIAE R. , BJERRING P. , ARENDT‐NIELSEN L.
Published: May 2007

Cutaneous reactivity against histamine skin prick test (Type I) and purified tuberculin protein derivative (Mantoux reaction, Type IV) was studied in eight volunteers under hypnosis. Types I and IV immunoreactivity were modulated by direct suggestion (Type I) and guided imagery (Type IV). The volunteers were highly susceptible subjects, selected by means of the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A. When the volunteers underwent hypnotic suggestion to decrease the cutaneous reaction to histamine prick test, a significant (P < 0.02) reduction of the flare reaction (area of erythema) was observed compared with control histamine skin prick tests. The wheal reaction did not respond to hypnotic suggestion. Neither wheal nor flare reaction could be increased in size by hypnotic suggestion compared with control histamine skin prick tests. A hypnotic suggestion of increasing the Type IV reaction on one arm and decreasing the reaction on the other revealed a significant difference in both erythema size (P < 0.02) and palpable induration (P < 0.01). In two cases the reactions were monitored by laser doppler blood flowmetry and skin thickness measurement by ultrasound. The difference between the suggested increased and decreased reaction was 19% for the laser doppler bloodflow (in favor of the augmented side), and 44% for the dermal infiltrate thickness. This study objectively supports the numerous uncontrolled case reports of modulation of immunoreactivity in allergic diseases involving both Type I and Type IV skin reactions following hypnotic suggestions.
Comparison of intestinal mast cell and basophil histamine release in children with food allergic reactions
Authors: NOLTE H. , SCHIØTZ P. O. , KRUSE A. , SKOV P. STAHL
Published: May 2007

The in vitro histamine release response of human intestinal mast cells and basophils challenged with anti‐IgE, Concanavalin A, ionophore A23187 and food extracts was compared with skin prick test, RAST analysis and open food challenge. It was not possible to perform food challenge in all patients; however, seven children underwent open food challenge and in five the clinical diagnosis of “true” food allergy was confirmed. The intestinal mast cells were pooled from enzymatically dispersed duodenal biopsies obtained by duodenoscopy from 15 selected children suspected of food allergy, and five age‐matched controls. In nine of 10 patients classified as “food allergic” intestinal mast cells released histamine to various food extracts in a dose‐dependent fashion. From the mast cells of the nine food‐allergic patients compared with non‐allergics, the anti‐IgE mediated mast cell histamine release was increased. Additionally, at 1000 U/ml anti‐IgE the mast cell histamine release was increased compared with their corresponding basophils. However, in non‐allergic subjects the histamine release of basophils was increased compared with their corresponding mast cells. Histamine release from basophils was positively correlated to the test scores of the RAST analysis, skin prick test, and food challenge. No apparent correlation between tests scores obtained from histamine release of intestinal mast cell and the other tests was demonstrated, except in children with diarrhoea as only symptom. However, the study gives evidence that duodenal mast cells actually are sensitized with specific IgE and thus may play a pathophysiological role in food hypersensitivity. In addition, the study shows that the ability of different stimuli, including food extracts, to trigger basophil histamine release does not correlate with their potency to induce histamine release from mast cells.
Effect of a non‐sedative antihistaminic (loratadine) in moderate asthma
Authors: DIRKSEN A. , ENGEL T. , FRØLUND L. , HEINIG J. H. , SVENDSEN U. G. , WEEKE B.
Published: May 2007

Seventeen patients with perennial asthma, stable on a moderate dose of inhaled steroid, participated in a crossover study comparing the clinical effect of a non‐sedative, potent and highly selective H1 antagonist (loratadine 10 mg) with placebo. Each treatment period began with 2 weeks run‐in followed by 8 weeks on either antihistamine or placebo. During the 8‐week periods inhaled steroid was gradually tapered according to a fixed scheme. One patient was withdrawn from active treatment and three from placebo periods because of decreasing lung function (P > 0.1). Among the remaining 13 patients there was a threefold (1.8–4.8) decrease in the bronchial sensitivity to histamine during treatment with antihistamine compared to placebo (P < 0.01). There was a trend in favour of active treatment with regard to changes in all symptom scores, lung function and use of escape medication, but these differences were not statistically significant. The increase in FEV, was < 5% of predicted normal (P < 0.05). We concluded that the bronchial response to histamine can be attenuated by loratadine, an oral H1 receptor antagonist, but further studies are necessary to assess the clinical usefulness and place of loratadine in the therapy of asthma.
Sensitization to aeroallergens depends on environmental factors
Authors: POPP W. , ZWICK H. , STEYRER K. , RAUSCHER H. , WANKE T.
Published: May 2007

Respiratory allergies and subclinical sensitization to aeroallergens were investigated in 129 rural and in 222 urban probands. The incidence of respiratory allergies was not significantly higher in the urban residents. Sensitization to aeroallergens was investigated with Phadezym RAST (house dust mite, Cladosporium, orchard grass, birch pollens) and the Phadiatop multi RAST and found to be significantly more frequent in polluted than in unpolluted areas. Allergen‐specific IgE was detected n 37.8% of urban probands and in 25.6% of rural probands with Phadezym RAST (P < 0.025) and a positive Phadiatop multi RAST was found in 43.7% versus 32.6 (P < 0.05).
Bronchial hyperresponsiveness in atopic dermatitis
Authors: CORBO G. M. , FERRANTE E. , MACCIOCCHI B. , FORESI A. , DE ANGELIS V. , FABRIZI G. , CIAPPI G.
Published: May 2007

We investigated the prevalence of bronchial asthma, immediate skin reactivity and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in 40 patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Eight patients reported to have asthma while 29 were found responders to methacholine test (PC20 Mch < 64 mg/ml) and 21 were skin reactors. The prevalence of skin positive reactions did not differ in responder and non‐responder (PC20 Mch > 64 mg/ml) groups. Males were more likely both to have bronchial asthma and be responders to methacholine test than females. Moreover, responders had an earlier age of onset of AD than the non‐responders. We suggest that bronchial responsiveness should be evaluated in children with AD.
Dietary manipulation for idiopathic nephrotic syndrome
Authors: LAURENT J. , LAGRUE G.
Published: May 2007

To evaluate the role of food antigens in idiopathic nephrotic syndromes, we used dietary manipulations in 26 cases in whom steroid therapy had failed. In the six reported, restricted diets according to clinical and biological data were followed by complete remissions, suggesting that food can be responsible for idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in selected cases, and leading to a new therapeutic approach. The mechanism by which such antigens can be implicated in the pathogenesis of this glomerular disease is discussed.
The Langerhans' cells*
Authors: Ruco Luigi P. , Uccini Stefania , Baroni Carlo D.
Published: May 2007

The morphological, enzymatical, immunocytochemical and functional properties of Langerhans' cells are briefly reviewed. Langerhans' cells are located mainly in the squamous stratified epithelia, but are also present in the thymus and in superficial lymphnodes. At the ultrastructural level, they are characterized by unique cytoplasmic organelles, the Birbeck granules, whose function is still unknown. Langerhans' cells possess strong ATPase activity and are weakly positive for alpha‐naphtyl acetate esterase and for acid phosphatase; they are immunoreactive for CD1a (T6), class II MHG antigens and S‐100 protein. In some pathological conditions, like dermatopathic lymphadenopathy and Langerhans' cell histocytosis, Langerhans' cells also are characterized by the expression of monocyte‐macrophage antigens. Langerhans' cells act as antigen‐presenting cells to T lymphocytes; their functional capacity is strictly dependent on the levels of expression of class II MHG antigens. Langerhans' cells are of bone marrow origin and are derived from a circulating precursor which is probably related to the monocyte.
Allergy to storage mites in asthmatic patients and its relation to damp housing conditions
Authors: Iversen M. , Dahl R.
Published: May 2007

The relation between allergy to house dust mites and allergy to storage mites was studied in 326 patients with bronchial asthma, A positive RAST to house dust mites was found in 24,5% and to storage mites in 7,4%, There was a close association between a positive RAST to house dust mites and a positive RAST to storage mites, and 91,6% had a positive RAST to both. Only 0,9% with a negative RAST to house dust mites had a positive RAST to storage mites, whereas the frequency was 27,5% in those with a positive RAST to house dust mites. Present occupation with exposure to storage mites was found in 20,8% with a positive RAST to storage mites, A positive RAST to both house dust mites and storage mites was significantly associated with anamnestic indicators of damp housing conditions. The close association between allergy to house dust mites and allergy to storage mites in this study is probably caused by a common environmental factor, i.e, damp housing conditions.
Treatment of hay fever with loratadine ‐ a new non‐sedating antihistamine
Authors: Irander K. , ÖDkvist L. M. , Ohlander B.
Published: May 2007

The efficacy and safety of loratadine, a new orally active specific H‐receptor blocking antihistamine with poor penetration into the CNS, was evaluated in a double blind comparative study. One hundred and seven hay fever patients, sensitive to birch pollen, were randomized into three parallel groups receiving loratadine 40 mg once daily, clemastine 1 mg twice daily, or placebo during the birch pollen season. Both active treatments showed reduction of symptoms in comparison with placebo, but the results were more pronounced with loratadine treatment, which significantly reduced the overall allergic condition as well as all separate allergic rhino‐conjunctivitis symptoms except nasal stuffiness. Compared with placebo the sedation rate was significantly higher with clemastine treatment (P < 0.05) but not with loratadine, Loratadine was thus concluded to be efficacious in hay fever treatment with a sedation rate not differing from placebo.
Spontaneous histamine release from washed leukocytes and whole blood in atopic and non‐atopic individuals
Authors: Wahn U. , Ernsting M. , Peterson J.
Published: May 2007

The ability of basophils from patients with allergic rhinitis, extrinsic asthma, chronic idiopathic urticaria and atopic dermatitis to release histamine spontaneously in vitro was studied. Spontaneous release in the presence and absence of 30% D2O was investigated from both washed leukocytes and whole blood. Compared with controls histamine release (HR) from washed leukocytes was significantly enhanced in allergic rhinitis patients only, whereas in the other groups only a certain percentage of patients was found to have high spontaneous HR. In whole blood experiments HR in all groups was within the normal range. Our data indicate that enhanced spontaneous mediator release from washed basophils in vitro does not necessarily prove this mechanism to be of patho‐physiological relevance in vivo.
Developmental change of chironomid allergen during metamorphosis
Authors: Matsuoka H. , Ishii A. , Kimura J. Y. , Noono S.
Published: May 2007

The development of allergen during metamorphosis of chironomids, Chironomus yoshimatsui and Tokunagayusurika akamusi, was studied by means of ELISA inhibition with pooled serum containing high titer of specific IgE to each adult midge. Extracts of C. yoshimatsui larvae and pupae did not inhibit the specific IgE antibody to adult C. yoshimatsui. Mature adult C. yoshimatsui extract had about 10 times more inhibitory substance than the young adult. Hemoglobin, however, was degraded during the metamorphosis as measured by spectrophotometry and HPLC. The inhibitory substance against specific IgE antibody to adult T. akamusi was identified as highest in female body, less in egg, and even less in wing, leg and male body. The size of the substance in egg and female body was estimated at > 500 kD of molecular weight.
Inhibition of histamine skin flare reaction following repeated topical applications of capsaicin
Authors: Bjerring P. , Arendt‐Nielsen L.
Published: May 2007

The intention was to clarify, experimentally, some of the clinical properties of capsaicin. The modulation of histamine‐induced immediate inflammatory responses following subsequent topical applications of capsaicin was studied. A gradusd dose‐dependent reduction of the acute inflammatory reaction was observed after daily epicutaneous application of 1% capsaicin for 6 days. The modulation suggests that the small nerve fibres responsible for the neurogenic spread of the flare gradually become less excitable. After termination of capsaicin applications the flare returned to its initial value after 9 days. The recovery phase was longer than the inhibition phase, probably due to slow repletion of neuropeptides in the cutaneous nerve endings.
Stinging insect allergy: sensitization to vespids in Madrid and surroundings
Authors: Puyana J. , Díez‐Gómez M. L. , Cuevas M. , Quirce S. , Rivas M. Fernandez , Hinojosa M.
Published: May 2007

The study comprised 28 patients from the centre of Spain (Madrid and surroundings) who had suffered systemic reactions when stung by vespids. Specific IgE antibodies to Vespula spp. and Polisies spp. venoms were measured by RAST. All patients had positive RAST to Vespula venom and half of them also had positive RAST to Polistes venom. A patient can be sensitive to both venoms due to either a clinical sensitization to both venoms, or common antigenic determinants. To differentiate these states we used a RAST inhibition assay. We could inhibit Polistes RAST with either Polisies or Vespula venom to a similar degree. Inhibition of Vespula RAST was possible with Vespula venom, but only to a limited degree with Polistes venom. Direct RAST and RAST inhibition studies indicate that in our geographic region sensitization to Vespula venom is more common than to Polistes venom and Polistes might have cross‐reactivity in our patients.
Hyposensitization in asthmatics with mPEG‐modified and unmodified house dust mite extract
Authors: Mosbech H. , Djurup R. , Dreborg S. , Poulsen L. Kærgaard , Skov P. Stahl , Steringer I.
Published: May 2007

Forty‐six adult asthmatics allergic to D. pteronyssinus (Dp) participated in a 2‐year study. Thirty‐one underwent hyposensitization (HS‐group). Fifteen were treated with Dp‐extract (Dp‐group), and 16 with a similar extract modified by monomethoxypolyethylene glycol with reduced allergenicity (mPEG‐Dp‐group). Fifteen patients served as controls. Dp‐specific antibodies and histamine release from blood basophils were determined and compared with Dp‐sensitivity in lungs and skin. In addition, IgG and IgE against the major allergen Der p I were followed in a subgroup. Dp‐specific IgG, IgG., and IgG4 increased significantly in both HS‐treated groups after 1 and 2 years (median; 2.5‐ to 11.6‐fold). IgG4 was not induced if maintenance dose during the first year was less than 20,000 BU. Median skin sensitivity decreased 4.4‐ to 8.2‐fold after 1 year and 7.4‐ to 21.4‐fold after 2 years. Der p I specific IgG response was unrelated to the occurrence or change in IgE with the same specificity. The mPEG‐Dp‐extract tended to have less effect on skin sensitivity and immunological parameters, differences reaching statistical significance for skin sensitivity only. In the HS‐group, the decrease in bronchial sensitivity was significantly correlated to a decrease in IgE (r = 0.36), IgG1/IgG4 (r = 0.49), Dp‐specific histamine release (r = 0.58), and to an increase in Dp‐specific IgG, (r =−0.36) and IgG4/IgE (r =−0.48). In patients improving clinically. Dp‐specific IgG4/IgE increased, and median Dp‐specific IgE was reduced to 80 % compared with an increase to 150–160% seen in the unchanged or deteriorated group (P < 0.05). Findings indicate an improvement of effect, if the allergen dose is sufficient to reduce specific IgE and/or induce an IgG and especially IgG4 response.
Hyposensitization in asthmatics with mPEG‐modified and unmodified house dust mite extract
Authors: Mosbech H. , Dirksen A. , Dreborg S. , Frølund L. , Heinig J. H. , Svendsen U. G. , Søborg M. , Taudore E. , Weeke B.
Published: May 2007

A double‐blind study on hyposensitization (HS) with two extracts prepared from the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) was performed on a group of asthmatics with bronchial sensitivity to Dp. In 18 patients, aluminiumhydroxide was added to the Dp‐extract to give a depot effect (Dp‐group). Nineteen patients were treated with a similar extract in which allergenicity had been reduced by coupling to monomethoxy‐polyethylene glycol (mPEG‐Dp‐group). This extract had previously been shown to have less effect on clinical symptoms and skin sensitivity compared to the Dp‐extract. In the Dp‐ and mPEG‐Dp‐groups, 778 and 675 injections were administered. Fifteen and 12 patients in the Dp‐ and mPEG‐Dp‐groups had systemic reactions (P > 0.05). The frequency of injections giving systemic reactions was reduced in the mPEG‐Dp‐group: 5.1 % compared to 9.0% in the Dp‐group (P < 0.01). In the mPEG‐Dp‐group, reactions were mild to moderate, mainly late‐occurring asthma and urticaria, whereas two episodes of anaphylaxis and four of severe asthma occurred in the Dp‐group. The reduction in side effects seems promising, but a further dose increase in the mPEG‐Dp‐group would be necessary to compare the side effects of doses with equal therapeutic effectiveness. High frequency of late local reactions made dose increase impossible with the present slightly modified extract. The systemic side effects occurred more frequently in patients highly skin test‐sensitive to Dp prior to treatment. All patients skin test‐positive to: ≤ 100 BU had systemic reactions. Systemic side effects could not be predicted from the size of previous local reactions.
Sodium cromoglycate in the treatment of eosinophilic gastroenteritis
Authors: Di Gioacchino M. , Pizzicannella G. , Fini N. , Falasca F. , Antinucci R. , Masci S. , Mezzetti A. , Marzio L. , Cuccurullo F.
Published: May 2007

Two patients suffering from eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EG) were treated with sodium cromoglycate (SCG). Before treatment they showed enteric and cutaneous symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and recurrent urticaria and angioedema. The histological findings were a notable amount of eosinophilic infiltration in the lamina propria and gastric glands, a villous shortening and thickening and weak eosinophilic inflammation in the duodenum. The patients were treated with 300 mg SCG, 4 times daily, for 4/5 months. During treatment, the clinical symptoms disappeared and at the end of treatment a reduced inflammation with an almost complete decrease of eosinophilic infiltration was observed. The results provide evidence of SCG efficacy in the treatment of EG and suggest its employment as an alternative to the steroids commonly used in EG.
Contribution of histamine and prostanoids to bronchoconstriction provoked by inhaled bradykinin in atopic asthma
Authors: Polosa R. , Phillips G. D. , Lai C. K. W. , Holgate S. T.
Published: May 2007

Bradykinin, a nonapeptide cleavage product of high molecular weight kininogen, is a potent bronchoconstrictor agonist in asthma; however, its mechanism of action is not known. Since bradykinin has been shown to stimulate mediator release from mast cells and augment the release of prostanoids, we have examined the effect of a selective histamine H1 receptor antagonist, terfenadine and a potent cyclooxygenase inhibitor, flurbiprofen on bronchoconstriction provoked by inhaled bradykinin in asthma. As a bronchial provocation procedure bradykinin challenge was repeatable to within 1 doubling dilution. In nine atopic asthmatic subjects, terfenadine 180 mg, when compared to placebo, increased the geometric mean provocation concentration of inhaled agonist required to reduce FEV, by 20% of baseline (PC20) from 0.7 to > 22.9 mg/ml for histamine (P < 0.01) and 0.3 to 0.5 mg/ml for bradykinin (P < 0.01). In a further nine atopic asthmatics, flurbiprofen 150 mg when compared to placebo produced a small but significant protection of the airways against bradykinin. geometric mean PC20 increasing from 0.40 to 0.79 mg/ml (P < 0.05). We conclude that bradykinin is a potent bronchoconstrictor agonist in asthma, being approximately 9.5 times more potent than histamine in molar terms. Pharmacological intervention with terfenadine and flurbiprofen led to a significant protection of the airways against the constrictor effect of bradykinin but the effect in each case was small. Thus, while histamine and prostanoids may contribute as mediators of bradykinin‐induced bronchoconstriction, they are unlikely to account for the majority of the response.
Enhancement of basophil histamine release by a human basophil‐like cell promoting activity
Authors: Morita Y. , Hirai K. , Misaki Y. , Takaishi T. , Suzuki S. , Ito K. , Stadler B. M. , Miyamoto T.
Published: May 2007

A basophil‐like cell promoting activity (BaPA) is a lymphokine which has the ability to proliferate metachromatically staining cells in human bone marrow. We studied the effect of BaPA on histamine release from human peripheral basophils. BaPA did not directly induce histamine release from basophils. However BaPA ranging from 0.001 to 0.5 U/ml enhanced histamine release from basophils stimulated with anti‐IgE, calcium ionophore A23187 or FMLP in a dose‐dependent manner. On the basis of recent observations that in addition to their capacity for proliferating progenitor cells, colony‐stimulating factors are capable of regulating functions of end‐stage cells of the same lineage, this finding that BaPA is able to modulate a basophil function raises the possibility that BaPA also regulates progenitors of basophils.