bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Baker's asthma
Authors: BLOCK G. , TSE K. S. , KIJEK K. , CHAN H. , CHAN‐YEUNG M.
Published: April 2006

Specific IgE antibodies were demonstrated in the sera of six bakers with respiratory symptoms of asthma or bronchitis by the radioallergosorbent (RAST) assay. The specificity of the antibodies was found to be directed not only against the common flours (rye, wheat) used in the bakeries but also against triticale, barley, oat. corn and rice in some of the bakers. By using the RAST inhibition tests, cross‐antigenicity was shown to exist between different cereal grains. The degree of cross‐reactivity closely paralleled their taxonomic relationship and appeared to be in the following order of decreasing closeness: wheat, triticale, rye. barley, oat. rice and corn. The allergenic activity in the rye and wheat extracts was found to be distributed among various fractions of different molecular weights.
Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of changes in specific IgG antibodies to five venoms during venom immunotherapy
Authors: HUNT KEVIN J. , ASKENASE PHILIP W.
Published: April 2006

An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed that could measure titres of human IgG antibodies to five different venoms (honeybee, yellow jacket, yellow hornet, white‐faced hornet, and wasp), and to honeybee phospholipase A. Changes in specific IgG anti‐venom titres were measured in twenty patients that had systemic anaphylactic reactions to insect stings, and ten non‐allergic controls. After being stung and prior to treatment all patients had anti‐venom IgG titres greater than controls. Treatment with small doses of venom over 1–2 months resulted in prompt rises in anti‐venom IgG titres that may represent secondary anemnestic responses primed by prior slings. All patients undergoing venom immunotherapy showed at least 2‐fold increases in IgG antibody lo the venoms they were treated with by the time maintenance doses of 100 meg were achieved, with one exception. Significant cross‐reactive increases in anti‐vespid IgG antibodies to venoms not used for treatment occurred in nine of eighteen treated patients. Overall, ELISA of IgG antibodies lo five venoms allowed clear evaluation of the considerable variation of IgG responses among different patients. We conclude that serial determination of venom‐specific IgG titres by ELISA offers an important adjunct to evaluating the results of venom immunotherapy.
Allergy to gerbils
Authors: McGIVERN D. , LONGBOTTOM JOAN , DAVIES D.
Published: April 2006

Pet gerbils were identified as the cause of asthma or rhinitis in three out‐patients seen over a period of eighteen months. Allergy to gerbils was confirmed by skin tests, RAST and the clinical course. Gerbils are popular household pets and allergy to gerbils may be commoner than recognized.
Atopy and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: O'DRISCOLL B. R. C. , MILBURN H. J. , KEMENY D. M. , COCHRANE G. M. , PANAYI G. S.
Published: April 2006

The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was studied among 266 atopic patients attending an allergy clinic. Two patients had definite RA, a prevalence similar to that seen in the general population.

We also studied the prevalence of atopy (positive skin‐prick tests) and diseases associated with atopy among forty patients with RA and forty age‐ and sex‐matched controls. The two groups had a similar prevalence of atopy (5 RA patients, nine controls) and atopic diseases (fourteen RA patients, fourteen controls) and they did not differ with respect to blood eosinophil counts or total serum IgE. Positive RAST tests to inhaled allergens were found in three RA patients and five controls and all patients had negative RAST tests to milk and egg.

It was concluded that patients with rheumatoid arthritis have a normal prevalence of atopy and atopic diseases and we found no evidence that allergic factors contributed to the arthritis of the forty RA patients in the study.
Skin reactivity and specific IgE levels in the evaluation of allergic sensitivity to common allergens for epidemiological purposes
Authors: PAGGIARO P. L. , BACCI E. , AMRAM D. L. , ROSSI O. , TALINI D
Published: April 2006

An investigation was conducted to test the validity of the skin‐prick test (SPT) with eleven common allergens (Lofarma series proposed by Italian National Research Council for epidemiological studies) as a method for predicting the presence of specific antibodies in serum. The relationship between SPT, evaluated by two different methods (MWD = mean weal diameter, AHWR = allergen histamine weal ratio), and specific IgE levels (RAST) has been investigated in 101 patients tested consecutively for suspected allergic disease. Sensitivity, specificity and overall efficiency were assessed for different criteria of SPT positivity (≥4 mm or ≥5 mm using MWD; ++ or +++ using AHWR). For pollens and moulds, a weal diameter ≥5 mm gave better results than 4 mm, whereas for mites a MWD ≥4 mm showed a better sensitivity and overall efficiency than 5 mm. Danders showed low sensitivity when either 5 or 4 mm criterion was considered. AHWR evaluation gave no better results, except for animal danders. Correlation coefficients between weal size and RAST class showed a good relationship for mites and pollens using both methods of SPT evaluation; a moderate relationship was observed with MWD criterion for moulds and with AHWR for danders.

We conclude that a weal diameter ≥5 mm can be assumed to predict RAST positivity for pollens and moulds, and for mites, a weal ≥4 mm can be a more accurate criterion. The poor correlation between weal diameter and RAST positivity for such allergens as animal danders and moulds suggests that in these cases SPT should be associated to specific serum IgE evaluation to prove allergic sensitivity.
Effect of disodium cromoglycate on activation of human eosinophils and neutrophils following reversed (anti‐IgE) anaphylaxis
Authors: MOQBEL R. , WALSH G. M. , MACDONALD A. J. , KAY B.
Published: April 2006

Immunological release of histamine and lipid mediators is known to occur when basophils, contained in whole blood human leucocytes, are incubated with anti‐IgE (reversed anaphylaxis). In the present study we show that IgE‐dependent stimulation of basophils was associated with activation of bystander eosinophils and neutrophils, as assessed by enhanced complement (C3b) and IgG (Fc) rosettes, and increased cytotoxicity for complement‐coated schistosomula of Schistosoma mansoni. These changes in eosinophil and neutrophil function were totally inhibited in a dose‐dependent fashion by prior incubation with disodium cromoglycate (DSCG). In all in vitro systems examined, complete inhibition of enhancement was observed with concentrations as low as 10‐7 moles/1. In contrast, DSCG had no effect on histamine release, or the percentage of rosettes or cytotoxicity prior to anti‐IgE stimulation. These results suggest that DSCG inhibits activation of inflammatory cells consequent to an IgE‐dependent stimulus.
Potentiation of IgE production to common environmental allergens by storage house dust mite Dermatophagoides farinae
Authors: SHIBASAKI M. , SUMAZAKI R. , TAKITA H.
Published: April 2006

Total scrum IgE and IgE antibodies against ten common antigens, including Dermatophagoides farinae (D.f.), moth, ragweed, orchard grass, cryptomeria, alternaria, aspergillus, dog dander, cat dander and tetanus toxoid, were determined using the PRIST and the Sepharose‐RAST, respectively, in 100 clinically non‐allergic Japanese subjects and interrelations of IgE responses to these antigens were investigated. We obtained following results. (1) The number of positive RAST antigens, to which the subjects responded, increased in parallel to their total serum IgE levels. (2) Among ten antigens, D.f. and moth antigens contributed a great deal to the elevation of total serum IgE level as compared with other antigens. (3) When the relationship between IgE response to D.f. and similar responses to the other nine antigens was investigated, positive RAST responses to various antigens occurred selectively in the subjects with positive RAST for D.f., and the number of positive RAST antigens to which the subjects responded increased depending upon their D.f. specific RAST levels. (4) Such an association was not found between IgE response to moth and the other nine antigens. These findings suggest that non‐specific activation of IgE‐producing B cells occurs as a result of continuing stimulation by D.f.
Enzyme‐linked immunofiltration assay (ELIFA) for the detection of specific antibodies (IgG‐IgM‐IgA‐IgE) in farmer's lung disease
Authors: GARI MARTINE , PINON J. M. , POIRRIEZ J. , BOULANT JOCELYNE , GEERS RÉGINE , THOANNES H.
Published: April 2006

Abstract. Until now the detection of chymotrypsic or polysaccharidic arcs among precipitating systems indicated a positive diagnosis of Farmer's lung disease (FLD). It was shown that the occurrence of chymotrypsic activity is not absolutely correlated with the presence of clinical disease. The presence of different classes of specific precipitating antibodies was looked for and correlated with clinical symptoms in an attempt to find additional positive criteria for the diagnosis of FLD. The enzyme‐linked immunofiltration assay (ELIFA) was adapted to detect the different specific antibody classes. 1400 serum samples were studied from 1350 farmers exposed to mouldy hay. Of 1358 samples examined from asymptomatic subjects tested as part of a systematic screening of the profession. 1356 had either no precipitins or have precipitins detected solely against non‐chymotrypsic and non‐polysaccharidic antigens. Ten specimens with precipitins joined the study. Only two serum samples from two symptomless individuals showed positive serological criteria for FLD as evidenced by the presence of a chymotrypsic band. The remaining forty‐two serum samples from twenty‐four patients with clinical signs of extrinsic allergic alveolitis had serological criteria for FLD as either chymotrypsic or polysaccharidic arcs. Only specific IgG in asymptomatic subjects was demonstrated, and when a supplementary class of specific antibody (IgM, IgA or IgE) was detected, there was clinical evidence of FLD in all except one case. Thus ELIFA could prove to be a useful tool for the positive diagnosis and prognosis of patients with FLD. In addition this method allows the recognition of a particular functional antigenic fraction of M. faeni by all classes of specific antibodies between different serum samples.
Early‐onset hay fever in Israeli children
Authors: GELLER‐BERNSTEIN C. , LEVIN S.
Published: April 2006

In order to investigate the influence of climate and vegetation on the age of onset and clinical picture of hay fever (HF), we examined 116 children with typical HF living in a single climatic area; fifty‐four were from rural farming settlements and sixty‐two from towns and cities. Overall age of onset was low; 72% of rural children developed HF between the ages of 2 years and 4 years compared to only 24% of urban children (P < 0.005). At the same time, 57% of rural children had positive skin tests to more than three pollen extracts out of nineteen allergens tested, compared to 19% of urban children (P < 0.005). There were no significant differences between the rural and urban groups with regard to the incidence of asthma as part of their HF, nor were there differences in total IgE levels. The results of this study suggest that Israeli children develop hay fever earlier than generally reported in the literature, and that this is most marked in the rural areas. This can be explained by their specific environment, which consists of a basically dry, desert‐like climate where lawns, crops and trees are extensively irrigated, leading to the dissemination into the environment of large amounts of pollen grains, which are not washed away because of the lack of rain.
Allergy to suxamethonium: persisting abnormalities in skin tests, specific IgE antibodies and leucocyte histamine release
Authors: DIDIER A. , BENZARTI M. , SENFT M. , CHARPIN D. , LAGIER F. , CHARPIN J. , VERVLOET D.
Published: April 2006

Twenty‐one patients, who had previously experienced an anaphylactic reaction to suxamethonium during general anaesthesia, were selected for this study. Initially, skin tests with muscle relaxants were carried out in the twenty‐one patients, detection of specific anti‐choline IgE in nineteen, and leucocyte histamine release in seventeen. These three tests were then repeated between 1 year and 4 years after the initial evaluation. In the majority of patients, sensitization to the muscle relaxants persisted for more than 1 year after the anaphylactic reaction. Only three patients out of twenty‐one (4%) had negative skin tests when retested 1–4 years later. A reduction in leucocyte histamine release was noticed in one of the seventeen retested patients (6%). Modifications of anti‐choline IgE were observed in five of nineteen patients (26%). The persistence of sensitization to suxamethonium may result from repeated stimulation by occasional contacts with quaternary ammonium compounds. This study demonstrates the reliability of skin tests, leucocyte histamine release and detection of anti‐choline IgE to diagnose allergic reactions to suxamethonium, even when they are performed a long time after the initial anaphylactic reaction.
Relationship between skin reactions to common allergens and non‐specific bronchial reactivity in young healthy subjects
Authors: CHARPIN D. , LUCENA G. , BADIER M. , HEMON Y. , LAGIER F. , VERVLOET D. , CHARPIN J.
Published: April 2006

In patients with respiratory symptoms, several studies have provided data supporting the hypothesis that there is a causal relationship between allergen exposure and variations in bronchial reactivity. In order to determine if this relationship holds when atopy is defined only on the basis of positive skin tests to common allergens, we compared bronchial reactivity in a group of twelve healthy subjects with positive skin tests and twenty‐eight healthy subjects with negative tests. The two groups were comparable in terms of gender, age, smoking habits and family history of atopic diseases. The slopes of the dose‐response curves, using airway conductance as an index of response, were similar in the two groups. Thus, in this healthy group of subjects, there was no relationship between skin and bronchial reactivity. It can be hypothesized that, if genetic factors determine bronchial reactivity, such reactivity might not be revealed until skin‐test positive subjects have received repeated bronchial stimulation through inhalant allergens.
Recovery of FEV1 after histamine challenge in asthmatic children
Authors: GERRITSEN J. , KOËTER G. H. , AKKERBOOM H. J. , KNOL K.
Published: April 2006

Factors that influence the time necessary for complete recovery of FEV1 after inhaling histamine were analysed in forty‐five children with asthma. These included the initial bronchial obstruction (baseline FEV1), the provocation dose of histamine producing a 20% fall in FEV1 (PD20) and the fall in FEV1 after the histamine challenge. In addition it was also investigated whether a second challenge carried out after complete recovery of FEV1 would produce a reproducible PD20‐histamine value. The time for complete recovery varied widely from 15 to more than 75 min. The time needed for complete recovery of FEV1 after the histamine challenge seems to be mainly determined by the PD20 value. The other factors such as initial bronchial obstruction and the fall in FEV1 after the challenge showed no significant relationship with the recovery time. A second challenge with histamine resulted in a highly reproducible PD20 value. The clinical implication of this study is that other tests can only be performed when FEV1 has returned to 95% of baseline.
Fusarium solani: Evidence for common antigenic/allergenic determinants with other Fungi Imperfecti
Authors: O'NEIL CAROL E. , REED MARGARET A. , HUGHES JANET M. , BUTCHER B. T. , LEHRER S. B.
Published: April 2006

Aqueous extracts of Fusarium solani and other members of the Fungi Imperfecti were evaluated for the presence of common antigenic/allergenic determinants using skin‐prick testing, radio‐allergo‐sorbent test (RAST) inhibition, and immunoelectrophoretic methods. Prevalence of skin reactivity in forty‐four atopic individuals, tested with commercially available fungal extracts, ranged from 27.3% for Alternaria tenuis to 6.8% for Penicillium notatum. No specific patterns of reactivity emerged from statistical analyses of skin test data. In contrast, RAST inhibition demonstrated common allergenic determinants. P. notatum and Aspergillus glaucus inhibited F. solani RAST by 79% and 84%, respectively. This was supported by crossed line immunoelectrophoresis; both P. notatum and A. glaucus had antigenic determinants in common with F. solani. Collectively, these studies suggest that F. solani, P. notatum, and A. glaucus have several common antigenic/allergenic determinants.
IgE and IgG antibody response to purified bee‐venom antigens and peptides in four patients who had adverse reactions to immunotherapy
Authors: KEMENY D. M. , KAGEY‐SOBOTKA A. , LICHTENSTEIN L. M. , LESSOF M. H.
Published: April 2006

The immunological response to individual bee‐venom allergens was studied in blood samples collected at frequent intervals from four bee‐venom allergic patients who had suffered systemic allergic reactions to injections of bee venom during immunotherapy. All had high IgE antibody levels, at the upper end of the range found in bee‐sting allergic patients, and all had antibodies to the minor allergens at the time of the reactions. These did not, however, provide a simple explanation for the reactions that occurred. We were able to observe two interesting phenomena — in one patient IgE antibodies to the individual venom antigens appeared to be ‘switched off’ sequentially. In another, IgE antibodies to hyaluronidase rose substantially after 4 years of therapy. We believe that these results provide evidence to support the view that the regulation of IgE antibodies is controlled by mechanisms that are both isotype‐ and antigen‐specific.
Evidence of allergic hypersensitivity to chironomid midges in an English village community
Authors: McHUGH S. M. , CREDLAND P. F. , TEE ROSEMARY D. , CRANSTON P. S.
Published: April 2006

Some chironomid (non‐biting) midges contain potent human allergens, principally in the form of insect haemoglobins. In view of previously demonstrated immunological cross‐reactivity between some different midge species, the possible role of British midges in allergic disease was studied. The chosen site, Farmoor near Oxford, is a village that has been subject to several annual nuisance midge swarms since the construction of an adjacent water‐supply reservoir in 1964, which was extended in 1975. The incidence and severity of hypersensitivity in the community was assessed by questionnaire survey, skin‐prick testing, radio‐allergosorbent tests (RAST) and RAST inhibition, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and ELISA inhibition, using extracts of locally caught adult midges (Tanytarsus sylvaticus, T. bathophilus and Chironomus anthracinus) and laboratory cultured larvae (C. riparius). These tests revealed a low but significant level of midge‐related hypersensitivity with skin‐prick results showing seasonal fluctuations, but this seasonality was not confirmed with an IgE RAST. A correlation between IgE levels and relevant symptoms was found (P<0.01) using RAST, but not between IgE and skin‐test results. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay results did not correlate with any other parameter measured. The incidence and severity of allergic reactions to the midges tested in this community was low.
The existence of specific antibodies to cobalt in hard metal asthma
Authors: SHIRAKAWA T. , KUSAKA Y. , FUJIMURA N. , GOTO S. , MORIMOTO K.
Published: April 2006

Twelve workers with hard metal asthma diagnosed on the basis of peak flow diaries and positive bronchial reactions to cobalt chloride (CoCl2) were studied for sensitization by detection of specific antibodies to radioactive cobalt (57Co), cobalt‐conjugated human serum albumin (Co‐HSA) and cobalt‐conjugated exchange resin (Co‐resin). Their IgE titres ranged from 73 to 1500 IU/ml and eight were atopic individuals. Sixty serum samples from asthmatic patients with IgE titres of 14–4300 IU/ml were studied as controls in all tests. Eleven of twelve subject sera that selectively bound to 57Co after incubation with saturated ammonium sulphate (>232 c.p.m., P<0.01) were divided into three groups: (1) six sera showing evidence of specific IgE antibodies to Co‐HSA (>673 c.p.m., P<0.01) without those to Co‐resin; (2) one serum giving a positive radio‐allergosorbent test (RAST) only to Co‐resin (>417 c.p.m., P<0.01), and (3) four sera that were negative for two antigenic agents (Co‐HSA, Co‐resin). These results suggest that the subjects had occupational asthma due to hard metal exposure from cobalt sensitivity. An immuno‐allergic mechanism mediated by specific IgE antibodies to cobalt was confirmed to be responsible for the development of hard metal asthma, with the possibility of some role of the reaction without reagins.
Comparative vascular effects of histamine, prostaglandin (PG) D2 and its metabolite 9α, 11β‐PGF2 in human skin
Authors: BEASLEY R. , HOVEL C. , MANI R. , ROBINSON C. , VARLEY J. , HOLGATE S. T.
Published: April 2006

In this double‐blind study we have investigated the vascular effects of prostaglandin, (PG) D2, in normal skin and compared these effects with histamine and the initial PGD2 metabolite 9α, 11β‐PGF2. In eight healthy subjects the vascular response to intradermal injections of histamine, PGD2, a combination of histamine and PGD2, and 9α, 11β‐PGF2, was assessed by measurement of the weal and flare area. Histamine caused dose‐related increases in weal area (P<0.01). The weal response due to PGD2 was greater than saline control only at a dose of 71.0 and 710 nmol (P<0.05). Because of the small size of the weal produced by PGD2 when compared with histamine, it was not possible to determine their relative potencies. Histamine and PGD2 caused dose‐related increases in flare area (P<0.05), and when compared at a response level of 10 cm2 and 15 cm2, histamine was 45 and 251 (P<0.01) times more potent than PGD2 in molar terms. Weal and flare responses due to 9α, 11β‐PGF2 were similar to those observed with the equimolar concentration of PGD2. The weal and flare responses when PGD2 and histamine when combined were not significantly different from that predicted by a purely additive effect. We conclude that histamine is likely to be an important mediator contributing towards increased vascular permeability and vasodilatation following immunological activation of skin mast cells in vivo, while PGD2 and its metabolite 9α, 11β‐PGF2 play only a minor role.
The inhibitory effect of azelastine hydrochloride on histamine‐ and allergen‐induced bronchoconstriction in atopic asthma
Authors: RAFFERTY P. , HOLGATE S. T.
Published: April 2006

We have examined the effect of azelastine, a new H1 histamine receptor antagonist, against bronchoconstriction induced by histamine and allergen. Twelve mild, atopic asthmatics each underwent two histamine and two allergen concentration‐response inhalation challenges 4 hr after treatment with either 8.8 mg of azelastine or a matched placebo. Following azelastine the dose of histamine required to provoke a 20% fall in FEV1 (PD20 histamine) rose, from a geometric mean of 0.31 mg/ml to < 13.2 mg/ml. Azelastine also significantly inhibited allergen‐induced bronchoconstriction, the PD20 allergen rising from 9.3 cumulative breath units (c.b.u.) to < 47.9 c.b.u., a greater than 5‐fold increase. We conclude that azelastine effectively inhibits both histamine and allergen‐induced bronchoconstriction, with considerably greater potency against histamine.
Inhibitory effect of terfenadine on mediator release from human blood basophils and eosinophils
Authors: NABE M. , AGRAWAL D. K. , SARMIENTO E. U. , TOWNLEY R. G.
Published: April 2006

The effect of terfenadine on histamine release from human basophils and LTC4 production and release from human eosinophils was evaluated. Eosinophils and basophils were obtained by discontinuous gradient centrifugation of the peripheral blood of atopic asthma patients who were off medication. Anti‐IgE‐induced histamine release from human basophils was significantly inhibited by terfenadine. Maximum inhibition was obtained at 1 × 10–5m terfenadine (percentage inhibition = 57.0 ± 20.1; P < 0.05). However, only the highest dose of terfenadine used in this study, i.e. 2 × 10–5m, significantly inhibited calcium ionophore (A23I87)‐induced histamine release from human basophils (percentage inhibition = 40.0 ± 14.6; P < 0.05), and LTC4 production from human eosinophils (percentage inhibition = 59.8 ± 9.9; P < 0.05. These findings demonstrate that terfenadine, in addition to its known antihistaminic property, also has an inhibitory effect on chemical mediator release.
Topical cromolyn (disodium cromoglycate) solution in the treatment of young children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: KIMATA H. , IGARASHI MIE
Published: April 2006

A double‐blind, randomized‐group comparative trial was conducted to assess the therapeutic effect of cromolyn solution on atopic dermatitis in young children (< 3 yr old). Topically applied cromolyn solution was found to be very effective, improving dermatitis, itching and sleep disturbance, with no untoward effects.
Plasmapheresis in a patient with severe asthma associated with auto‐antibodies to platelets
Authors: LASSALLE PH. , JOSEPH M. , RAMON PH. , DRACON M. , TONNEL A.‐B. , CAPRON A.
Published: April 2006

Although the pathogenesis of aspirin‐sensitive asthma remains to be specified, it is known that in the presence of acetylsalicylic acid or non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, platelets from aspirin‐sensitive asthmatics have been described as generating cytocidal mediators that killed parasite targets such as Schistosoma mansoni larvae. Here we report, in a patient with corticosteroid‐dependent asthma associated with aspirin sensitivity, the presence of circulating IgE antibodies against 55 kD and 68 kD platelet antigens. In addition, the serum from this patient was shown to contain a factor able to trigger the release of cytocidal mediators from his platelets as well as from normal individual platelets. This platelet stimulatory activity was presumably supported by IgE antibodies or immune complexes. After informed consent the patient was submitted to plasma exchanges. Plasma removal induced clinical improvement, anti‐platelet antibody decrease, and the reduction of the platelet stimulatory activity. All clinical symptoms disappeared within 2 weeks. The disease remained quiescent for 2 months, and daily requirements for prednisonc (20–5 mg). and beta‐agonist (10–16 to 0–1 inhalations) could be kept at a low level follow‐up. The plasma exchanges were delayed by 3 mg kg−1 azathioprin with the maintenance of clinical improvement. A relapse occurred after the arrest of immunosuppressive therapy with the reappearance of both asthma attacks and anti‐platelet antibodies, as well as the increase of the platelet stimulatory activity. Because of parallel modifications in both clinical symptoms and anti‐platelet antibodies, our results suggest a possible relationship between clinical and immunological data and may support the hypothesis that abnormal plasma constituents (i.e. anti‐platelet antibodies) participate in the pathogenesis of asthma in our patient.
Shared and specific allergenic and antigenic components in the two sexes of American cockroach—Periplaneta americana
Authors: CHAUDHRY S. , JHAMB SHASHI , CHAUHAN U. P. S. , GAUR S. N. , AGARWAL H. C. , AGARWAL M. K.
Published: April 2006

The whole body extracts (WBEs) of female and male cockroaches (Periplaneta americana; Pa) were prepared separately to study the specific and/or shared allergenic and antigenic components in the two sexes. These two extracts were skin‐tested on 170 respiratory allergy patients and 52 (30–6%) of them elicited a markedly positive cutaneous reaction (2+ to 4+) to any one or both the WBEs. Of these 52 patients, 32 (61·5%) produced a 2+ to 4+ response to only one, and the remaining 20 (38·5%) to both the extracts. In female and male RASTs to Pa both the extracts produced dose‐related inhibition. Using rabbit anti‐Pa female serum: (1) immuno‐diffusion experiments resulted in lines of identity with the two extracts, and (2) the two‐dimensional immunoelectrophoresis of Pa female and Pa male WBEs elicited 12 and nine precipitin peaks, respectively. In partial purification studies, only fraction Pa(F)III (∼ 50 kD) of Pa female WBE and Pa(M)I ( 600 kD) and Pa(M)III (∼ 50 kD) fractions of Pa male WBE revealed significant allergen activity both on skin testing and also in RAST inhibition studies. These results provide evidence for the presence of shared as well as specific allergenic and antigenic components in the two sexes of American cockroach.
Cutaneous reactivity to mosquito bites: effect of cetirizine and development of anti‐mosquito antibodies
Authors: REUNALA T. , LAPPALAINEN P. , BRUMMER‐KORVENKONTIO H. , COULIE P. , PALOSUO T.
Published: April 2006

Cutaneous reactivity to mosquito bites was examined in 27 adult volunteers exposed to Aedes comniunis mosquitoes. Twenty‐three subjects showed a combination of immediate wealing and delayed bite‐papules, two subjects each experienced only immediate or delayed cutaneous reactions and two were non‐responsive to the bites. The mean si/c of wealing and the mean score of pruritus was similar in 19 non‐atopic and in eight atopic volunteers. These results confirm that normal subjects exhibit different stages of sensitization to mosquito bites. At the onset of the mosquito season, immunoblotting showed that four of 21 subjects (19%) had IgG‐class antibodies to a recently described 21‐5 kD Aedes communis mosquito antigen. After a 10‐day exposure to a mean of 47 mosquito bites, these antibodies were found in 10 subjects (48%) who exhibited both strong and weak cutaneous bite‐lesions. A placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study with cetirizine 10 mg was performed to examine the effect of this non‐sedaling antihistamine on mosquito bites. The bite lesions were measured and pruritus scored at 15 min, 60 min, 12 hr, and 24 hr. Cetirizine decreased significantly immediate wealing and pruritus (P < 0.01), but had no effect on the delayed symptoms. This result supports the view that immediate mosquito‐bite reactions are histamine‐mediated.
Dermal blood flow after local challenges with allergen, histamine, bradykinin and compound 48/80
Authors: HAMMARLUND A. , OLSSON P. , PIPKORN U.
Published: April 2006

Blood flow was determined in weal and flare reactions and in late dermal reactions after skin‐prick tests with allergen, histamine, bradykinin and compound 48/80 in pollenallergic subjects. Local blood flow was measured with laser Doppler flowmetry intermittently for up to48 hr at three distances from the prick centre (2 mm; weal, 15mm; flare and 30 mm). Continuous recordings were also made in the weal area after challenge with bradykinn and compound 48/80. The size of the induced weal and flare area of all the substances and the late phase after allergen was determined using digitized planimetry. Furthermore, simultaneous determinations of local dermal temperature and blood flow in the weal and flare site were performed intermittently for 6 hr after allergen and histamine challenges. There was a dose‐dependent and distance‐related increase in blood flow for all the substances tested. The blood flow in the 2‐mm registrations had normalized 20 min after bradykinin, 1.5–2 hr after histamine and 3 hr after compound 48/80, while allergen induced a continuous increase in blood flow for more than 24 hr. The area of the weal and flare reaction was dose related for all substances, and a similar dose‐dependent increase was noted for the observed dermal late‐phase reactions present after allergen. The local temperature after challenge with allergen and hislamine was also increased in a distance‐dependent manner. These studies suggest that laser Doppler flowmetry is a sensitive and reproducible method to quantify blood flow changes occurring after skin‐prick tests. Different putative mediators or mast cell stimulating substances produce various response profiles, all of which differ from those observed after allergen. Temperature measurements after skin‐prick tests seem to follow the observed changes in blood flow as measured with laser Doppler flowmetry, which may be why both techniques might reflect changes in capillary blood flow.
The significance of specific IgG and IgG4 antibodies to a reactive dye in exposed workers
Authors: PARK H. S. , HONG C.‐S.
Published: April 2006

To evaluate the significance of specific IgG and specific IgG4 in the development of work‐related respiratory symptoms, specific IgG and specific IgG4 to Black GR‐human serum albumin (HSA) conjugate were measured by ELISA in 309 dye‐exposed workers and 63 unexposed patients as negative controls. A survey revealed that 78 (25.2%) had work‐related lower respiratory symptoms with or without nasal, skin or eye symptoms. Specific IgG and specific IgG4 were detected in 23% and 14% of the exposed workers, respectively. The prevalence of specific IgG and specific IgG4 was significantly higher in smokers and workers with specific IgE or those with lower respiratory symptoms (P < 0.05), but was not associated with work station, duration of dye exposure or atopy. These results suggested that the existence of specific IgG to Black GR HSA might represent a response to Black GR exposure and be closely related with work‐related respiratory symptoms.
Neopterin quantification in acute severe asthma
Authors: NEALE T. J. , WINDOM H. H. , HILL J. , DUNBAR P. R. , COOK R. , CRANE J. , BEASLEY R.
Published: April 2006

To investigate the pathogenic role of cell‐mediated immunity (CMI) in acute severe asthma, 10 patients with acute asthma requiring admission to hospital had measurements of serum and urine absolute neopterin and neopterin/creatinine ratios. Serum was collected upon entry to hospital, 24 hr later and at 2 weeks; and urine at 24 hr and at 2 weeks after admission. Comparisons were made with 12 stable asthmatic patients, healthy control subjects, and six renal transplant patients undergoing transplant rejection. In contrast to the renal transplant patients who demonstrated T‐lymphocyte‐macrophage activation, neopterin concentrations and neopterin/creatinine ratios in both acute and stable asthmatic patients were not elevated. We have not found functional evidence that CMI participates in the pathogenesis of acute severe asthma.
Regulation of the human immune response to ragweed pollen by immunotherapy. A controlled trial comparing the effect of immunosuppressive peptic fragments of short ragweed with standard treatment
Authors: LITWIN A. , PESCE A. J. , FISCHER T. , MICHAEL M. , MICHAEL J. G.
Published: April 2006

A new allergenic preparation consisting of peptic fragments of short ragweed has been tested for its clinical effectiveness. Such enzymatically derived fragments have been shown in prior murine studies to retain the T epitopes of the original allergen but to have a severe reduction in the number of B epitopes. Three groups of ragweed hay fever patients were placed on pre‐seasonal immunotherapy. One group received a conventional ragweed preparation that had been enriched for antigen E (Amh a I), designated as Pool 2. The second group was given fragments of Pool 2 (fSRW) prepared by peptic digestion and the third group was injected with histainine as a placebo. Groups treated with the fSRW and Pool 2 had significantly reduced symptom‐medication scores compared with the placebo‐treatment group. However, fSRW‐treated patients fared significantly better than Pool 2 patients (P<0.02). FSRW injections caused a significant rise in preseasonal specific IgG antibodies as well as suppression of the seasonal anamnestic specific IgE increase. Similar, but not quite as marked changes occurred with Pool 2 treatment, f SRW was well tolerated and non‐toxic. Thus, allergen modification by enzymatic degradation, as demonstrated here, appears to be a promising new approach for allergen immunotherapy.
Reduction of side effects from rush‐immunotherapy with honey bee venom by pretreatment with terfenadine
Authors: BERCHTOLD E. , MAIBACH R. , MÜLLER U.
Published: April 2006

In a double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial on 52 patients with bee venom allergy we studied the effect of a pretreatment with terfenadine 120 mg twice daily on the occurrence of local and systemic allergic side effects from rush‐immunotherapy. Large local reactions were significantly reduced by terfenadine pretreatment (P < 0.01), while systemic side effects were observed with similar frequencies in both groups. Analysis of individual systemic allergic manifestations showed that cutaneous symptoms like itching (P < 0.025) and urticaria/angioedema (P < 0.05) were significantly reduced, while respiratory or cardiovascular symptoms were not influenced. A lower consumption of additional anti‐allergic medication was found during terfenadine pretreatment (p < 0.05). Pretreatment with antihistamines during immunotherapy may thus be helpful in the management of patients with cutaneous side effects.
Longitudinal variability of skin prick test results
Authors: KUEHR J. , KARMAUS W. , FRISCHER T. , HENDEL‐KRAMER A. , WEISS K. , MOSELER M. , STEPHAN V. , FORSTER J. , URBANEK R.
Published: April 2006

The skin prick test (SPT) is a commonly used procedure for assessing a specific sensitization. The longitudinal variability of test results is of interest for clinical as well as epidemiological investigations. The sensitization to four common aeroallergens (grass pollen, birch pollen,Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, cat dander) is investigated within the framework of three consecutive SPTs at 11‐month intervals for a population of 587 schoolchildren. The prevalence of sensitization based on a weal diameter of at least 2 mm was between 12.9% (cat dander) and 23.9% (grass pollen) in the initial testing. The positive predictive values of the initial SPT were between 75.3% (birch pollen) and 88.2% (cat dander) for the two subsequent SPTs. In the case of initially negative tests with positive second and third SPTs the incidence ranged between 3.2% (cat dander) and 4.3% (birch pollen) per year. A clear increase in the intensity of reaction in subsequent tests was observed in a number of probands testing positively in the initial SPT. In conclusion, our data indicate a high long‐term stability of a specific sensitization to aeroallergens in SPT.
IgE‐binding components of baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) recognized by immunoblotting analysis. Simultaneous IgE binding to mannan and 46–48 kD allergens of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans
Authors: KORTEKANGAS‐SAVOLAFNEN O. , KALIMO K. , LAMMINTAUSTA K. , SAVOLAINEN J.
Published: April 2006

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae allergens were characterized by IgE‐immunoblotting with serum samples of 83 patients; 63 represented patients with atopic dermatitis with previous positive skin prick test or RAST for S. cerevisiae, seven patients with AD but negative test results and 13 were non‐atopic controls. Disrupted whole body extract of S. cerevisiae was used in the assays. From the patients tested 41 patients with atopic dermatitis appeared positive in IgE immunoblotting revealing 22 IgE stained bands. From these bands 10 represented intermediate allergens, and 12 minor allergens. The most frequent staining was obtained with the 48 kD band (39%). When the staining pattern of 45 kD and 48 kD bands and mannan was compared with Candida albicans allergens or purified baker's yeast enolase a simultaneous binding was seen with the 48 kD band of S. cerevisiae and the 46 kD band of C. albicans and enolase whereas the 45 kD band was neither associated with the 46 kD band of C. albicans nor purified enolase. High molecular weight staining was found in five samples. The staining pattern was associated with the mannose containing structures in parallel with C. albicans.
Evidence for chestnut pollinosis in Paris
Authors: LAURENT J. , LAFAY M. , LATTANZI B. , GALL C. LE , SAUVAGET J.
Published: April 2006

The existence of chestnut pillions in Paris is not generally accepted in spite of the production of very large quantities of chestnut pollen in July. We carried out systematic skin‐prick testing with chestnut pollen on 81 patients seen in the allergology department. The results were positive in 17 of the 47 patients presenting seasonal symptoms and in none of the 34 patients with perennial symptoms (x2 test= 12.12, P< 0.0). Eight of the 17 positive patients had sIgE levels above 300 IU/ml, 15 had a positive RAST and 14 had a positive nasal provocation test result. On the basis of these findings and the results of the clinical examination during the peak period of pollen emission, we diagnosed chestnut pollinosis in 11 patients. We draw our conclusions from the evidence of this form of pollinosis in the Paris region, together with the reasons why it is, as yet, rarely recognized.
Laser high performance liquid chromatography determination of prostaglandins in nasal lavage fluid in allergic rhinitis
Authors: SUGIMOTO M. , SUGIYAMA S. , YANAGITA N. , OZAWA T.
Published: April 2006

This study was designed to analyse prostaglandins (PGs) in human nasal lavage‐ fluid using the combination of microcolumn high performance liquid chromatography and a He/Cd laser induced fluorescence detection system. Forty‐seven patients with allergic rhinitis and 12 healthy volunteers were investigated. Four species of PG. i.e. PGD2, PGE2, PGF2x and 6‐keto‐PGF1, were detected in the nasal lavage fluid. Concentrations of PGD2; (1.33 ± 0.17 nmol/ml) and PGE2 (0.87 ± 0.11 nmol/ml) in nasal lavage fluid from patients with allergic rhinitis (the allergy group) were significantly increased compared with those of volunteers (the control group, 0.23 ± 0.16 nmol/ml, 0.29 ±0.19 nmol/ml, respectively). On the other hand, no significant differences were observed in concentrations of cither PGF2x, or 6‐keto‐PGF1x between the control group and the allergy group. Histamine concentration in nasal lavage fluid was significantly increased in the allergy group (53 ± 7.6 nmol/l) compared with the control group (3.4 ± 1.0 nmol/1). No significant correlation was observed between PGD2 and histamine concentration (r= 0.24), or between PGE2 and histamine concentration (r= 0.08) in nasal lavage fluid from patients with allergic rhinitis. Treatment with oxatomide, an anti‐histamine and anti‐allergic drug, significantly improved symptom scores, but did not alleviate them completely. Concentrations of each PG detected in nasal lavage fluid did not change significantly after oxatomide treatment. It is concluded that, not only histamine but also PGs, particularly PGD2 and PGE2, might be involved in the genesis of allergic rhinitis.
Vesicular transport of peroxidase in human eosinophilic myelocytes
Authors: DVORAK A. M. , ESTRELLA P. , ISHIZAKA T.
Published: April 2006

We performed ultrastructural cytochemistry to detect peroxidase in developmentally arrested human eosinophilic myelocytes. Human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells were cultured for 21 days in the presence of murine‐derived conditioned media, resulting in the development of eosinophilic myelocytes. Unlike normally developing eosinophilic myelocytes, which contain peroxidase in synthetic organelles (i.e. cisterns surrounding the nucleus and hounded by the rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi structures) and in immature and mature granules, the developmentally arrested cells showed ultrastructural evidence of decreased synthesis and secretor transport of peroxidase. Thus. peroxidase was generally absent in the perinuclear and rough endoplasmic cisterns, in Golgi structures, in immature granules and in the matrix‐compartment of most mature granules. Rather, bicompartmental specific granules displayed empty, peroxidase‐negative matrix and central, peroxidase‐negative core material. Peroxidase was present in perigranular vesicles, some of which were attached to granules. Such peroxidase‐loaded transport vesicles are similar to those that effect piecemeal degranulation of mature human eosinophils cultured in rhIL‐5‐containing media [1]. These findings establish vesicle‐mediated piecemeal degranulation in the secretory repertoire of immature human eosinophils and suggest the possibility that eosinophilic myelocytes may participate in vivo in important physiological and/or pathological events that require selective secretion from the specific granule matrix compartment.
Amplified rhinovirus colds in atopic subjects
Authors: BARDIN P. G. , FRAENKEL D. J. , SANDERSON G. , DORWARD M. , LAU L. C. K. , JOHNSTON S. L. , HOLGATE S. T.
Published: April 2006

Abstract. Evidence suggests that atopic individuals may be predisposed to more severe rhinoviral colds coupled to a worsening of existing airway disease than those with asthma. The role of atopy and IgE levels, as well as their relationship to clinical disease expression have not been defined. We hypothesized that an allergic diathesis modulates rhinoviral colds and have initiated studies of normal, atopic and asthmatic subjects employing experimental rhinoviral infection, with measurements of symptom scores, viral shedding and cultures, albumin in nasal washes and serological responses. Twenty‐two subjects (11 normal, 5 atopic, 6 atopic and asthmatic) participated and were inoculated with human rhinovirus serotype 16 (HRV 16). Measurements of neutralizing antibody and viral culture were performed at screening, pre‐inoculation, during the cold and at 8–10 weeks convalescence. Daily symptoms were noted, nasal washes done, IgE measured and atopy was diagnosed by skin tests. Seventeen volunteers developed clinical colds as assessed by symptom scores, virus shedding was demonstrated (with positive culture) in all subjects and a fourfold or higher seroconversion occurred in 11/22. Neutralizing HRV antibody developed unexpectedly in 10 subjects between screening and inoculation and the presence or absence of this pre‐inoculation antibody determined subsequent severity of colds in normal but not in atopic subjects. Atopic antibody positive individuals developed severe clinical colds that were independent of preinoculation antibody in contrast to normal subjects who developed mild colds in the presence of a neutralizing antibody (.P= 0.01). Both atopic and normal antibody negative subjects developed severe colds. This differential response was matched by nasal wash albumin levels which were significantly increased (P= 0–01) during the cold in atopic (but not in normal) volunteers with pre‐inoculation antibody. Levels of IgE were not correlated with severity of clinical disease or viral shedding. Our studies of HRV disease in atopic subjects suggest heightened susceptibility to the detrimental effects of colds; additional studies are needed to clarify the relevant mechanisms.