bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topical levocabastine versus sodium cromoglycate in allergic conjunctivitis
Authors: ODELRAM H. , BJÖRKSTÉN B. , KLERCKER T. AF , RIMÅS M. , KJELLMAN N.‐I. M. , BLYCHERT L.‐O.
Published: May 2007

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of levocabastine, a new H1‐blocking antihistamine for topical use, in comparison with sodium cromoglycate on conjunctival symptoms of birch pollinosis. The two drugs were compared in a randomized double‐blind comparative study over 5 weeks in 37 children and adolescents (6–19 years of age) with birch pollen conjuncitivitis. Nasal symptoms occurred in 31 of the children and were treated with beclomethasone dipropionate nasal spray. An oral antihistamine was offered as rescue medication for eye symptoms. Initially, the patients received placebo four times a day for a 7‐day run‐in period. Conjunctival symptoms were recorded daily on diary cards on a 100 mm visual analogue scale. The pollen counts indicated a short but intensive birch pollen season. There was no statistically significant difference between the two treatment groups with regard to eye symptom scores before and during active treatment. However, the patients' evaluation of the efficacy of the therapy was in favour of levocabastine (P <0.01). Topical levocabastine, an H1‐blocker, applied twice daily, seems to protect from symptoms of allergic conjunctivities as favourably as sodium cromoglycate applied four times a day. There was no difference in number or character of reported adverse reactions between the two treatment groups.
A double‐blind comparison between a new multi‐dose powder inhaler (Turbuhaler®) and metered dose inhaler in children with asthma
Authors: HULTQUIST C. , AHLSTRÖM H. , KJELLMAN N.‐I. M. , MALMQVIST L.‐Å. , SVENONIUS E. , MELIN S.
Published: May 2007

Turbuhaler® is a ready‐loaded multiple dose inhaler which does not require co‐ordination between release of dose and inhalation. 57 children with asthma participated in this clinical trial to compare the clinical effect and acceptance of terbutaline sulphate via Turbuhaler with that of metered dose inhaler (MDI). The trial consisted of two parts. In the first part of the study, which made use of a double‐blind cross‐over design, the clinical effect and number of treatment occasions with Turbuhaler were compared with those of MDI. In the second part, which was open, all patients were treated with Turbuhaler for 2 weeks. At the end of this period the patients were asked to make a subjective assessment of effect and to state their preference. There was no difference in clinical effect and number of treatment occasions between Turbuhaler and MDI. A majority of the patients thought Turbuhaler had the best effect and was easy to use.
Histamine nasal provocation test
Authors: VAN DE HEYNING P. H. , VAN HAESENDONCK J. , CRETEN W. , SAEGHER D. DE , CLAES J.
Published: May 2007

This study is a methodological approach to histamine nasal provocation. The test uses active anterior rhinomanometry and a histamine titration method, challenging both nasal cavities with a metered dose pump. It has been confirmed that the histamine nasal provocation test can differentiate between controls and non‐allergic rhinitis patients. This study shows, moreover, that the method is more sensitive in assessing response to histamine provocation when a 25% increase of post‐saline nasal airway resistance (PD25) is considered than a PD50 or PD100 criterion. The histamine response, was found to be independent of the baseline nasal airway resistance value. Pronounced unilateral responsiveness was frequently noticed. Both nasal cavities should be challenged and the most reactive side considered.
Hyposensitization in asthmatics with mPEG modified and unmodified house dust mite extract
Authors: MOSBECH H. , DREBORG S. , FRØLUND L. , LJUNGSTEDT‐PÅHLMAN I. , SVENDSEN U. G. , SØBORG M. , TAUDORF E. , WEEKE B.
Published: May 2007

Forty‐six asthmatics with verified allergy to the house dust mite, D. pteronyssinus (Dp), participated in a double‐blind study comparing the effect of 2 years' hyposensitization with two different Dp extracts. Two groups received either monomethoxypolyethylene glycol modified (mPEG) Dp extract or the corresponding non‐modified extract, and a third group acted as controls receiving no injections. Medicine consumption, symptom scores, and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were recorded daily from September to December prior to and after 6 and 18 months of treatment. Changes were calculated choosing changes 10% as relevant. In addition, patients were asked to give their direct assessment of the clinical effect at the end of the study. After 6 months, there was an improvement in symptoms + medication in 11/14 of Dp‐treated, 6/17 of the mPEG‐Dp group (P > 0.05) and 3/15 of openly treated controls. Few patients had changed in PEF. During the second year, several Dp‐treated relapsed and some controls improved. At the end of the study the same improvement rate was seen in all groups. Similarly, the retrospective questionnaire data did not disclose any significant differences between groups after 2 years. In conclusion, hyposensitization with unmodified Dp extract seemed to have a favourable short‐term effect on bronchial symptoms + medication in the majority of patients. When mainly on maintenance dose, the beneficial effect was reduced. The mPEG modification of the extract had reduced not only allergenicity but also the clinical effect of equal doses. Changes in medicine and symptom scores only partly correlated to retrospective assessment, thus stressing the problems in this kind of evaluation.
Hyposensitization in asthmatics with mPEG modified and unmodified house dust mite extract
Authors: MOSBECH H. , DREBORG S. , FRØLUND L. , LJUNGSTEDT‐PÅHLMAN I. , SVENDSEN U. G. , SØBORG M. , TAUDORF E. , WEEKE B.
Published: May 2007

In a 2‐year study, 46 asthmatics with verified allergy to the house dust mite D. pteronyssinus (Dp) were included either as controls (Ctls) or receiving hyposensitization (HS) with unmodified or monomethoxypolyethylene glycol (mPEG) modified Dp‐extract. Patients were monitored by annual challenges with histamine in bronchi, and Dp allergen in bronchi, nose and conjunctiva. mPEG‐modified extract was not inferior to unmodified Dp‐extract; both were to some extent able to improve tolerance to Dp and histamine in bronchi and to Dp in nose and eyes. During the 1st year, the bronchial sensitivity to Dp decreased significantly in the HS groups but not in the Ctls. During the 2nd year, improvement was more pronounced in the Ctl group. The relative increase in Dp or histamine tolerance did not differ significantly between groups after either 1 or 2 years; the only exception was conjunctival sensitivity, which in the Ctl group was unchanged, and a 10‐fold increase in tolerance in the HS groups. No direct benefit was seen on late‐phase bronchial reactions. In patients with improved pulmonary symptoms a tendency was seen towards reduced sensitivity to histamine and Dp. Variation within groups was extensive.
Hypomagnesemia and bronchial hyperreactivity
Authors: ROLLA G. , BUCCA C.
Published: May 2007

In a 37‐year‐old woman, a heavy smoker and an alcoholic, bronchial hyperreactivity to histamine (PC20 FEV1 0.8 mg/ml) was related to hypomagnesemia (0.55 mmol/l). After acute magnesium repletion (24 h i.v. infusion MgSO4 6 g, serum magnesium 1.05 mmol/l), histamine PC20 FEV1 increased up to 9.8 mg/ml. The role of magnesium in modulating smooth muscle contractility is discussed and the importance of checking serum magnesium in patients with airway obstruction is suggested.
Histamine release from dispersed human intestinal mast cells
Authors: NOLTE H. , SKOV P. STAHL , KRUSE A. , SCHIØTZ P. O.
Published: May 2007

To study the human intestinal mast cell of children and adults, we combined a sensitive glassfibre‐based histamine assay with the enzymatic and mechanical dispersion of surgical specimens or mucosal biopsies. The method yields between 1.2 × 103 to 4.6 × 103 mast cells/mg tissue constituting 1.2% to 5.3% of total cell count. The mast cell yield, however, depends on the intestinal tissue specimen used for dispersion. Aliquots containing 1500 mast cells per sample are sufficient for measuring significant amounts of histamine (± 0.15 ng histamine per sample), thus making it possible, to carry out approximately 75 tests for four mucosal biopsies of 10 mg each. The intestinal mast cell releases histamine in a dose‐dependent manner on challenge with anti‐IgE (6–600 U/ml), ionophore A23187 (0.25–1.0 μM), and Concanavalin A (0.7–25.0 μg/ml). The histamine release shows interindividual variation with a net histamine release between 0 to 2.5 ng/samples dependent on the secretatogue. In general, it is not necessary to passively sensitize the mast cells to obtain a sufficient histamine release response to anti‐IgE challenge, indicating the presence of intact and functional cell‐bound IgE. However, it is shown that four of 10 non‐atopic intestinal mast cell samples could be passively sensitized with human plasma containing either mite‐ or grass‐specific IgE without stripping off the IgE first. This indicates the presence of free and preserved Fc‐receptors on the dispersed mast cells in some subjects. In addition, it is found that the phorbolester TPA increases the histamine release response to A23187 and turns anti‐IgE non‐responding mast cells into responding mast cells, but TPA alone at 2 to 16 ng/ml has no histamine releasing effect. In patients with anti‐IgE responding mast cells no additional effect of TPA is seen. Finally, no substantial differences between mast cells of children and adults are demonstrated.
Inhibitory effect of adenine nucleotides and anti‐allergic drugs on phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol in rat mast cell granules
Authors: KUROSAWA M. , OKAYAMA Y. , KOBAYASHI S.
Published: May 2007

Rat mast cell granules were obtained by sonication of highly purified rat mast cells and isolated in a Percoll gradient. Phosphorylation of endogenous phosphatidylinositol in rat mast cell granules, which is catalyzed by phosphatidylinositol kinase in the granules, was assayed by measuring the incorporation of 32P from [γ32P]ATP into phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate. Lipids were isolated with methanol/chloroform/HCl and were separated by thin‐layer chromatography on oxalic acid impregnated silica gel plates. Phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate areas were identified by staining with iodine, scraped and measured for 32P radioactivity. The phosphorylation reaction was inhibited by 50–500 μM adenosine, ADP and 500 μM AMP in a concentration‐dependent manner. Among several antiallergic drugs investigated, 100±1000 μM theophylline and 10±100 μM azelastine inhibited the phosphorylation reaction, but disodium cromoglycate and ketotifen had littel effect.
Prevalence of non‐allergic nasal complaints in an urban and a rural population in Sweden
Authors: JESSEN M. , JANZON L.
Published: May 2007

By questionnaire, 1469 randomly selected persons between 16 and 82 years of age were asked whether they had suffered from such nasal complaints as obstruction, sneezing and discharge, at least during the previous 6 months. Seventy‐five per cent answered the questionnaire, two thirds of whom were city dwellers and one third lived in a rural district. No difference was found between the urban and the rural populations regarding the prevalence of symptoms. Twenty‐one per cent suffered from non‐allergic nasal complaints, and 5% from allergic nasal complaints. The prevalence of non‐allergic nasal complaints was highest in the 20–30‐year age group, and lowest in the 50–60‐year age group. Contributory factors were of greater importance among the younger individuals than among the more elderly.
Food and food additives in severe atopic dermatitis
Authors: VAN BEVER H. P. , DOCX M. , STEVENS W. J.
Published: May 2007

In this study the role of food additives, tyramine and acetylsalicylic acid, was investigated by double‐blind placebo‐controlled challenges (DBPCC) in 25 children with severe atopic dermatitis (AD). All children challenged with foods (n= 24), except one, showed one or more positive reactions to the DBPCC with foods. Positive reactions presented as different combinations of flares of skin symptoms, intestinal symptoms and respiratory symptoms. Seventeen children (70.8%) showed a positive challenge to egg, 12 to wheat (50%), eight to milk (33.3%) and eight to soya (33.3%). Six children underwent DBPCC with food additives, tyramine and acetylsalicylic acid. All were found to demonstrate positive skin and/or intestinal reactions to at least one of the food additives. Two children reacted to tartrazine, three to sodium benzoate, two to sodium glutamate, two to sodium metabisulfite, four to acetylsalicylic acid and one to tyramine. It is concluded that some foods, food additives, tyramine and acetylsalicylic acid, can cause positive DBPCC in children with severe AD.
Evaluation of the Phadiatop® test in an epidemiological study
Authors: Wever A. M. J. , Wever‐Hess J. , van Schayck C. P. , van Weel C.
Published: May 2007

Sera from 204 adult patients with chronic airways obstruction were analysed with the Phadiatop®, a new allergosorbent test with a paper disc containing the most relevant inhalant allergens, the PRIST for total IgE determinations, and a panel of seven RAST tests with the common inhalant allergens in The Netherlands as reference. The aim was to evaluate the Phadiatop as screening test in the in vitro diagnostic procedures in an epidemiological setting. The Phadiatop was classified positive or negative according to percentage binding, total IgE was considered elevated at values > 100 kU/1 and the RAST panel positive when at least one RAST result was class > 1. The prevalence of inhalant atopy came to 27.9%. The predictive value of the Phadiatop for a positive RAST panel was 96.4%, and for a negative RAST panel 97.3%. For the PRIST these values were 51.9% and 87.2% respectively. The correlation between the log percentages binding of the Phadiatop and the RAST panel was 0.93. It is concluded that the Phadiatop is a valuable test for the screening of inhalant atopy, and as the percentage binding of the Phadiatop may reflect the degree of sensitization it could also be applied as a quantitative measure especially for epidemiological purposes.
Metachromatic cells in nasal mucosa after allergen challenge
Authors: Borres M. P. , Irander K. , Björksten B.
Published: May 2007

Metachromatic cells in the nasal mucosa were studied in relation to symptoms in 16 schoolchildren and 11 adults with hay fever who were challenged with pollen outside the pollen season, using either a gentle scraping‐cytocentrifugation method for collection of mucosal specimens or biopsies. There was a temporary redistribution of metachromatic cells towards the mucosal surface appearing 5–24 h after challenge, with a correlation between the quantity of metachromatic cells and symptom scores. Thus, a single exposure to high doses of allergen may contribute to priming in susceptible individuals.
Comparative evaluation between two immunoenzymatic techniques (FAST and Phadezym) and the Phadebas RAST in food allergy
Authors: Moneret‐Vautrin D. A. , Gueant J. L. , Abdel‐Ghani A. , Maria Y. , Nicolas J. P.
Published: May 2007

The diagnosis of food IgE‐dependent hypersensitivity is based on the demonstration of specific IgE, completed by provocation tests. Two immunoenzymatic techniques, the Phadezym and the FAST, are compared with the Phadebas RAST, in 86 sera (23 controls, 28 from patients with a reported food allergy and 35 with a positive RAST to a food allergen). The within‐run variation coefficient of class 0–2 sera was 9% for the Phadebas RAST, and higher than 20 % for the Phadezym and the FAST. It was in order of 8.7%, 9.4% and of 17.6% > respectively for Phadebas RAST, Phadezym and FAST when estimated with class 3–4 sera. The specificity was higher than 95 % for the three techniques. The sensitivity was 75% for Phadebas and 43% for Phadezym and FAST. The FAST test is much less sensitive with allergens of vegetal origin than those of animal origin (P < 0.01). This work indicates the high percentage of false negative results of immunoenzymatic techniques when food extracts are tested. This could be explained either by an enzyme‐substrate reaction or by a non‐specific inhibition of the enzyme linked to the anti‐IgE IgG.
Effect of ketanserin, a new blocking agent of the 5‐HT2 receptor, on airway responsiveness in asthma
Authors: Cazzola M. , Assogna G. , Lucchetti G. , Cicchitto G. , D'Amato G.
Published: May 2007

Most of the antihypertensive drugs have a liability for adverse effects in asthma. Since there are few available data on the effect of ketanserin, a new antihypertensive drug which is a type‐2 serotonin receptor antagonist, on human respiratory function, we have tested whether this drug can modify bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine in asthmatic patients. The protective effect of intravenous ketanserin (0.14 mg/kg) was small, but significant.
Environmental factors in the first months of life and the possible relationship to later development of hypersensitivity
Authors: Rugtveit J.
Published: May 2007

The results of skin prick test (SPT) with common aeroallergens (in 870 severely asthmatic children, average age at testing 8.1 years) were analysed and compared with the results of a questionnaire about pets and smoking habits in the children's homes during the first 6 months of life. The study indicates a possible correlation between early massive exposure to certain allergens (cat, timothy) and later development of hypersensitivity. No conclusion can be drawn about a possible role of tobacco‐smoking.
ELISA inhibition method in detection of mite and chironomid antigens in environmental samples of dust, soil and air
Authors: Kimura J. Y. , Matsuoka H. , Ishii A.
Published: May 2007

To determine the amount of chironomids and mite antigens in the indoor and outdoor environment, we investigated samples from air, soil and house dust in the area around Lake Kojima, located in the western part of Japan. Three species of chironomid (Tokunagayusurika akamusi, Chironomus yoshimatsui and Chironomus plumosus) and a species of mite, Dermatophagoides farinae antigens were studied. The antigens were detected and quantified by inhibition ELISA. In the outdoor environment, C. yoshimatsui and T. akamusi antigens were more abundant than mite antigen, and seasonal fluctuations were observed. In the indoor environment, mite was the predominant antigen. D. farinae antigen was detected in almost all dust samples, with a slight reduction in winter compared to summer.
Who will benefit from hyposensitization?
Authors: Mosbech H.
Published: May 2007

The aim of this study was to assess the ability of various data collected before treatment to predict the therapeutic benefits of hyposensitization. Thirty‐one asthmatics were hyposensitized with extract from the house dust mite Dermalophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) for 2 years, 15 comparable patients served as controls. The treatment extract was either modified by coupling to monomethoxypolyethylene glycol (mPEG) or administered in a diluent containing A1(OH)3. Improvement would be either a 2? 10‐fold increase in bronchial tolerance to Dp or an overall clinical effect judged from questionnaires plus diary cards. Patients improving in bronchial Dp‐sensitivity after 1 year had been more sensitive to Dp pre‐treatment in bronchi and in basophils, and had a lower FEV1, compared with the patients not improving (P<0.05). Occurrence of late‐phase bron‐chospasm to pre‐treatment Dp‐challenge increased the chance of clinical improvement approximately 3‐fold (P < 0.05). A certain mite exposure seems to be a condition of an improvement in symptoms/medication. In patients improving, the median allergen concentration on mattresses was equivalent to 1,000 mites/g compared with < 250 mites/g in patients showing no clinical improvement (P= 0.1). Information on Dp‐specific IgE, IgG, IgG subclasses, Dp‐sensitivity in skin, nose and eyes, age, and duration of symptoms did not permit any prediction of therapeutic effect.
Diagnostic value of a glass fibre‐based histamine analysis for allergy testing in children
Authors: Nolte H. , Storm K. , Schiøtz P. O.
Published: May 2007

The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic value of common allergy tests with basophil histamine release in 124 children with symptoms of asthma. The patients were evaluated by case history, skin prick test, RAST‐analysis, and basophil histamine release using a glass fibre‐based histamine assay to 10 common inhalant allergens. The bronchia] provocation test was used as a reference of “true” IgE‐mediated asthma. To compare the various diagnostic parameters each absolute test value was classified into a scoring system. The concordance between the tests varied between 85–97%. In general, the best concordance was found between basophil histamine release and RAST. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were calculated on the basis of 104 bronchial provocation tests. It was found that histamine release was the best single analysis, followed by RAST and prick testing. The sensitivity of RAST and histamine release was very high (1.00) for pollen and house dust mites. Histamine release showed a predictive value between 0.91 and 1.00 for pollen and house dust mites, thus indicating the possibility of omitting the bronchial provocation test. In the dander group histamine release gave the best sensitivity (0.91), however at the expense of specificity (0.64), whereas RAST and skin prick test gave a specificity of 1.00. In the mould group histamine release also showed the best diagnostic value. The combination of skin testing with histamine release or RAST was of no additional diagnostic help. It is concluded that the glass fibre‐based histamine analysis, which makes routine histamine release testing possible, is a reliable diagnostic test in children.
Methylprednisolone pulse therapy in acute severe asthma
Authors: Engel T. , Dirksen A. , Frølund L. , Heinig J. H. , Svendsen U. Gerner , Pedersen B. Klarlund , Weeke B.
Published: May 2007

Methylprednisolone pulse therapy (MPPT) has been shown to possess a long‐lasting effect in other immune‐inflammatory diseases without the well‐known side effects caused by long‐term treatment with glucocorticosteroids. In an attempt to reduce the long‐term use of oral steroids in asthmatics, we conducted this double‐blind, double‐dummy study to compare the use of MPPT (1 g of methylprednisolone intravenously) (8 patients) with a short course of oral prednisolone (10 patients) in asthmatics presenting with acute severe asthma. Both treatments were effective in relieving the acute attack of asthma. The MPPT‐treated patients did not show a faster resolution than did the orally treated group. No patients needed assisted ventilation, and no deaths occurred. One week after the treatment FEV1 tended to decrease in the methylprednisolone group compared with the oral prednisolone group (P = 0.06). The patients initially receiving MPPT needed supplementary prednisolone earlier and in higher doses than did the patients receiving oral prednisolone as initial treatment. At the end of the 12 weeks' study period, the groups reached identical FEV1. In conclusion, we did not find intravenous methylprednisolone superior to oral prednisolone in the treatment of acute attacks of severe asthma, but methylprednisolone pulse therapy had a shorter duration as regards protection against future asthma attacks.
Basophil histamine release in the diagnosis of house dust mite and dander allergy of asthmatic children
Authors: ØStergaard P. A. , Ebbesen F. , Nolte H. , Skov P. Stahl
Published: May 2007

The aim of the study is to compare the glass fibre‐based basophil histamine release test with skin test (Phazet®), RAST (Phadebas®) and bronchial provocation test in children with allergic asthma. The study comprised 68 selected children with a case history of extrinsic allergic asthma to danders (cat and dog) and house‐dust mite. Skin prick test, RAST, and histamine release were performed in all children and the bronchial provocation test was used as a reference of “true allergic asthma”. A total of 81 allergen bronchial challenges were performed and 44 children experienced 49 positive provocations. In 2.9% (2/68) of the children histamine release could not be performed due to technical difficulties (low histamine release with anti‐IgE). Concordances in the range 76–87 % were observed with no significant difference between the tests. The highest concordance (87%) was found between histamine release and bronchial provocation test followed by skin prick test vs bronchial provocation (84 %) and RAST vs bronchial provocation (80%). The sensitivity and specificity were calculated for each test. All tests showed sensitivities in the range 90–94 % and no significant difference between them was observed. The specificity of histamine release, skin prick test, and RAST was 0.78, 0.69, and 0.63, respectively. The specificity of histamine release was better than RAST demonstrated by 95% confidence intervals. In conclusion, it was found that the histamine release test is a convenient diagnostic method and the study indicates a diagnostic value comparable to the common diagnostic methods in clinical allergy.
Immunotherapy of tree pollen allergy with a modified alginate conjugated birch pollen extract compared to an aluminium adsorbed extract
Authors: Boye N. P. , Salo O. P. , Hyldebrandt N. , Wihl J. A. , Bevan A. , Harris R. I. , Lovely J. R.
Published: May 2007

The safety and efficacy of two birch pollen extracts, one chemically conjugated to alginate (Anjuvac®) the other adsorbed to aluminium hydroxide (Alutard®), were investigated in an open multicentre comparative study of 63 birch pollen allergic patients. Both extracts decreased the nasal symptoms during the birch pollen season. The changes in specific IgE and IgG were much the same in both treatment groups. The adverse reactions recorded were mild in both groups, but more frequent in the Anjtivac group, probably because of a more aggressive dose schedule though there were twice as many asthmatics in the Anjuvac group. The two investigated allergen extracts were useful alternatives for immunotherapy.
Inhibitory effect of aerosol WP871 on SRS‐A mediated bronchoconstriction in the guinea pig in vivo
Authors: Kurashima K. , Fujimura M. , Saito M. , Sakamoto S. , Miyake Y. , Nishi K. , Matsuda T.
Published: May 2007

Slow‐reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS‐A) is an important factor mediating bronchoconstriction in asthma. We developed a guinea pig model for SRS‐A mediated bronchoconstriction induced by antigen inhalation. Using this model, we investigated the effect of inhaled WP871, a new anti‐allergic drug, on bronchoconstriction. Aerosol WP871 (0.01 and 0.033%) to some extent inhibited the antigen‐induced bronchoconstriction in a dose‐dependent fashion, but high‐dose WP871 (0.1%) inhalation itself produced a non‐specific bronchoconstriction. However, aerosol WP871 (0.033%) showed no inhibitory effect on bronchoconstriction caused by direct inhalation of leukotriene C4, a component of SRS‐A. These findings indicate that aerosol WP871 does not antagonize SRS‐A, but inhibits synthesis and/or release of SRS‐A and has some non‐specific bronchoconstrictive effect in high concentration.
A multicentre study of loratadine, clemastine and placebo in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis
Authors: Frøulund L. , Etholm B. , Irander K. , Johannessen T. A. , ÖDkvist L. , Ohlander B. , Weeke B.
Published: May 2007

This multicentre, double‐blind, randomized parallel‐group study compared 3 weeks' treatment with either loratadine (Clarityn®) 10 mg once daily, or clemastine (Tavegyl®) 1 mg twice daily, and placebo in outpatients with active perennial allergic rhinitis. 155 patients were evaluated for efficacy and safety. Grading of four nasal and three non‐nasal symptoms, rhinoscopy signs, and therapeutic response was performed on treatment days 6, 13, and 20. Patients recorded daily symptoms and possible adverse experiences in a diary, also indicating when symptoms of active rhinitis were relieved. Loratadine and clemastine were statistically significantly superior to placebo throughout the study (P < 0.05), based on assessment of patients' nasal and eye symptoms, patients' diary scores, rhinoscopy signs of symptoms, and onset of relief. The loratadine group showed a statistically significantly (P < 0.05) faster onset of relief of symptoms compared with the group treated with clemastine. Concerning nasal stuffiness, loratadine was significantly (P < 0.05) superior to clemastine after 1 week's treatment. Reports of adverse reactions showed that significantly (P < 0.03) more patients complained of sedation in the clemastine than in the loratadine group. Regarding other adverse experiences and laboratory tests, the three treatment groups were statistically comparable (P < 0.05). The study showed that compared with placebo both loratadine and clemastine were effective in relieving nasal and eye symptoms in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis. Loratadine was safe and well tolerated and was significantly less sedative than clemastine; loratadine may therefore possess an advantage in clinical use in the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis.
Polyamines stimulate the phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol in rat mast cell granules
Authors: Kurosawa M. , Uno D. , Hanawa K. , Kobayashi S.
Published: May 2007

Rat mast cell granules were obtained by homogenization of highly purified rat mast cells and isolated in a Percoll gradient. Diphosphoinositide (DPI) synthesis in rat mast cell granules was assayed by measuring the incorporation of 32P from [y32P] ATP into DPI in the absence of exogenous phosphatidylinositol (PI). Lipids were isolated with methanol/ chloroform/HCl and were separated by thin‐layer chromatography on oxalic acid impregnated silica gel plates. DPI areas were identified by staining with iodine, scraped and measured for 32P radioactivity. The addition of polyamines, spermine and spermidine, to the granules caused an increase of DPI synthesis, which can be catalyzed by PI kinase. This effect of polyamines in the DPI synthesis was in a dose‐dependent manner and maximal effects were observed at 1 mM spermine and 10 mM spermidine, respectively.
Factors influencing the occurrence of late bronchial reactions after allergen challenge
Authors: Machado L. , Stärlenheim G.
Published: May 2007

Forty‐seven patients with allergic bronchial asthma were challenged with the relevant allergen. Forty‐eight per cent of the provocations resulted in a positive immediate reaction followed by a late bronchial response. Late bronchial obstruction was more common among patients with a high than with a low RAST score. Ten patients were challenged with different allergens on two different occasions, but the same type of bronchial response was observed in only six of them. Nine patients with an isolated immediate response were rechallenged with higher allergen doses, the early bronchial response being partially counteracted by terbutaline inhalations in clinically appropriate doses before and during the inhalation of allergen. The treatment alleviated the early reaction in six of the patients. A late reaction occurred in all patients with an immediate response. The non‐specific bronchial reactivity to methacholine was assessed in 24 patients before allergen challenge. No relation was found between this reactivity and the observed patterns of reactions to allergen. It was concluded that the occurrence of a late bronchial response probably depends on the dose of allergen administered but is independent of the degree of unspecific bronchial responsiveness to methacholine prior to the challenge.
Identification of the second major allergen of Japanese cedar pollen
Authors: Sakaguch M. , Inouye S. , Taniai M. , Ando S. , Usui M. , Matuhasi T.
Published: May 2007

We isolated and characterized the second major allergen (Cry j II) from Japanese cedar pollen. We found that most patients with this pollinosis had IgE antibody to this protein in addition to IgE antibody to Cry j I; however, some sera reacted only with Cry j I or Cry j IL IgE‐ELISA inhibition studies revealed that Cry j I and Cry j II had no cross‐allergenicity. Cry j II did not react with anti‐Cry j I monoclonal antibodies. In SDS‐PAGE under a non‐reducing condition. Cry j II showed a band at the 37 kDa position, compared with the 45–50 kDa bands of Cry j I. N‐terminal amino acid sequence of Cry j II was completely different from that oi Cry j I.
Comparison of intestinal anaphylactic reactions in sensitized mice challenged with untreated bovine milk and homogenized bovine milk
Authors: Poulsen O. M. , Nielsen B. R. , Basse A. , Hau J.
Published: May 2007

Outbred NMRI mice were sensitized for high IgE production either by subcutaneous injections of low doses of untreated bovine milk or homogenized bovine milk in combination with intraperitoneal injections of Freund's Complete Adjuvant or by oral administration of untreated or homogenized bovine milk without adjuvant. When analysed in murine passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test both types of milk resulted in production of reaginic antibodies against bovine milk proteins when given subcutaneously. When given orally, homogenized milk resulted in reagin production in 10 out of 14 mice, whereas untreated milk resulted in reagin production in only one out of 12 mice. The sensitized mice, and control mice, were orally challenged with either untreated milk, homogenized milk or 0.9% NaCl. Examination of the intestines 40 min after oral administration revealed that homogenized milk, contrary to untreated milk or 0.9% NaCl, resulted in a large increase in the mass of the proximal gut segment of mice sensitized orally with homogenized milk compared with control mice orally challenged with saline (P < 0.001), and only mice both sensitized and challenged orally with homogenized milk showed degranulation of mast cells in the intestinal wall. By contrast, subcutaneously sensitized mice or mice sensitized orally with untreated bovine milk showed no significant intestinal reaction upon oral challenge with either homogenized or untreated bovine milk. These observations may indicate that the route of sensitization is of great importance when intestinal reactions are to be studied, and that homogenization of bovine milk may render the milk more agressive with respect to its ability to induce intestinal reactions. The study indicates that mice may be an attractive experimental animal model for mimicking the intestinal anaphylactic reactions of cow milk‐allergic humans.
Inhibition of anti‐IgE induced skin responsein normals by formoterol, a new β2‐adrenoceptor agonist, and terbutaline
Authors: Gronneberg R. , Zetterström O.
Published: May 2007

Formoterol, a new β2 selective long‐acting bronchodilator, was compared with terbutaline in terms of ability to inhibit dual phase skin reactions to anti‐human IgE in volunteers. Anti‐IgE induced an early wheal and flare reaction (WFR) followed by a progressively increasing induration, the late phase reaction (LCR), lasting 24 h. Intradermal injection of formoterol 20 ng or terbutaline 500 ng 5 min before challenge gave equal inhibition of the WFR. The subsequent LCR was suppressed by formoterol (30 %) for the whole 24 h period, while terbutaline only attenuated the first 4 h period. Increasing the dose range of both drugs 25‐fold, caused a further analogous reduction of the WFR to anti‐IgE. In this higher dose range formoterol (0.5 ng) antagonized the following 1–24 h LCR by 50 %, while terbutaline (25 μg) only attenuated the LCR by an average of 20 %, with higher effect in the first 6 h period. The anti‐LCR capacity of formoterol was highly superior to that of terbutaline (P < 0.001). The histamine‐elicited wheal response was attenuated by both drugs, but they had no effect on the flare response, favouring an anti‐permeability action of both compounds. The data support the concept that terbutaline, given locally in a single dose shortly before challenge, inhibits the mast cell mediator release reaction with limited consequences for the following LCR. In contrast to terbutaline, formoterol exerted a substantial anti‐LCR action, probably by interfering with inflammatory mechanisms after the initial mast cell mediator release.
Neonate blood IgE levels on filter paper as indicators of atopic disease
Authors: Furukawa S. , Nakachi S. , Matsubara T. , Yabuta K. , Takeuchi T. , Baba M.
Published: May 2007

Measurements of IgE levels in the blood of neonates were investigated using filter paper for blood collection in mass screening of congenital metabolic disorders. Time‐resolved fluoroimmunometric assay system for the measurement of filter paper blood IgE levels was also studied. In an analysis of the present results, IgE values of at least 0.015U/ml, the measurement limit, were considered as high. High IgE levels in filter paper blood were seen in 28 (7.2%) of the 389 cases. When the relation with serum IgE levels at 18 months of age was investigated in 134 of 389 subjects, high serum IgE levels were also found in about 86.7% of the subjects with high IgE levels in filter paper blood. In addition, when the relation between family history of atopic disease and presence of atopic disease in the first 18 months of age was investigated in 203 of the 389 subjects, about 90 % of the subjects with a family history of atopic disease and high IgE levels in filter paper blood developed atopic disease. Since filter paper blood is routinely collected in Japan, IgE levels in this blood should be widely checked for the prediction of onset of atopic disease in infants.
Inhibition of human allergic skin reactions in vivo by pretreatment with cromolyn (disodium cromoglycate)
Authors: Kimata H. , Igarashi M.
Published: May 2007

The effect of cromolyn on allergen‐induced allergic skin reactions was studied. Two patients with allergic rhinitis, two patients with bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis and two patients with allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis were included in this study. They were allergic to cedar pollen, house dust mite and house dust, respectively. Scratching with allergen induced wheal and erythema reactions in each patient. Simultaneous application of allergen and cromolyn solution did not modulate allergic reactions; however, pretreatment with cromolyn solution inhibited allergen‐induced wheal and erythema reactions significantly.
Detection of Chlorella‐specific IgE in mould‐sensitized children
Authors: Tiberg E. , Rolfsen W. , Einarsson R. , Dreborg S.
Published: May 2007

The content of IgE, specific to the unicellular green alga Chlorella sp., was analysed in sera from 46 atopic children sensitized to moulds, using radioallergosorbent test (RAST), immunoblotting and crossed immunoelectrophoresis/crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE/CRIE). Chlorella‐specific IgE was found in 23/46 sera by RAST, in 28/41 sera by immunoblotting and in 6/30 sera by CIE/CRIE. The Chlorella components most frequently binding IgE as analysed by gradient gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting were of molecular weights of approximately 13, 17, 19, 26 and 49 kD. Twenty‐nine precipitating antigens, including seven IgE‐binding precipitates were detected by CIE/CRIE. The study shows that low concentrations of specific IgE are formed to the green alga Chlorella in sera from atopic individuals sensitized to moulds.
Comparative safety and efficacy of short ragweed extracts differing in potency and composition in the treatment of fall hay fever
Authors: Turkeltaub P. C. , Campbell G. , Mosimann J. E.
Published: May 2007

One high potency (HP) and two low potency (LP) commercial whole short ragweed (WSR) extracts were assayed for relative potency (RP) by antigen E (AgE‐Amb a 1), RAST inhibition, and parallel line bioassay (PLBA). The RP of the HP extract (300 (μg AgE) was equal to the reference WSR, but the LP extracts were only ∼ 0.01 of the RP of the reference. Each extract was administered to fall hay fever patients with skin sensitivity to WSR (≤ 10−3μg/ml AgE for sum of erythema = 50 mm) to the maximum tolerated dose, or 0.5 cc of the concentrate, by either a 9‐ or 40‐dosc regimen. HP‐treated patients had significantly lower symptom scores than untreated controls. No significant difference was noted in the total symptom scores between HP and LP extract‐treated patients. Despite ∼ 100‐fold differences in the RP of HP versus LP extracts, both produced similar frequencies of severe systemic and severe late phase local reactions. Furthermore, when RP of HP and LP extracts were estimated by PLBA, both reached similar peak dosages, similar dosage for IgG WSR antibody response, and comparable IgG WSR antibody levels, indicating that the WSR dose estimates based on RP were bioequivalent. The 9‐dosc HP regimen produced fewer late phase local and systemic reactions per patient than the 40‐dose HP regimen. Most patients experiencing severe systemic reactions were among those most skin sensitive to WSR. The number of systemic reactions per injection was significantly higher at higher WSR doses. One LP extract produced a high incidence of systemic reactions in the initial three injections. With respect to HP, its RP varied ∼ 10‐fold depending on the skin sensitivity of the patient to heat‐stable ragweed allergens, demonstrating that it was compositionally different. However, when the dose of this extract was estimated by RP based on the skin sensitivity of each patient, the peak dose of the extract as well as the doses associated with late phase and systemic reactions were found to be similar to the HP doses. This indicated that immunizing dose estimates of compositionally different WSR extracts based on RP by PLBA were also bioequivalent.
Infants and children with cow milk allergy/intolerance
Authors: Husby S. , Høst A. , Teisner B. , Svehag S.‐E.
Published: May 2007

Seventeen children with challenge‐verified cow milk allergy/intolerance (CMAI), age 3–78 months, median 12 months, were re‐challenged with cow milk in increasing doses. All subjects developed symptoms, such as bronchospasm, rhinitis, diarrhoea, erythema or eczema. Blood samples were taken before and up to 24 h after the start of the challenge. The cow milk protein β‐lactoglobulin (BLG) was determined in serum with ELISA (lower detection limit 0.3 μg/l). BLG was detectable in five children at low levels (below 2 μg/l). Analysis of the size distribution of the BLG by size exclusion chromatography indicated immunoreactive material as small aggregates. Plasma samples were analysed by electro‐immunoassay for complement factor split product C3d, which was not demonstrable above background values in any of the cases. CMAI in infants and children may not be related to systemic activation of the complement system and may be elicited without considerable amounts of immunoreactive BLG in the circulation.
Absence of central effects with levocabastine eye drops
Authors: Arriaga F. , Rombaut N.
Published: May 2007

Twelve healthy volunteers were randomly allocated to receiving in a double‐blind cross‐over fashion levocabastine eye drops (0.5 mg/ml solution) and placebo. They were advised to instill 2 drops per eye, four times daily. Each treatment was administered for a period of 1 week. Before and after each treatment period psychomotor function was assessed using Critical Flicker Fusion Test and the Choice Reaction Time Test. At the same time intervals a subjective evaluation of sedation was given using a Visual Analogue of Sedation. Both objective and subjective measurements showed that no significant treatment effects could be detected. It is concluded that repeated instillations of levocabastine eye drops are devoid of any sedative side effects.
Allergy to heroin
Authors: Shaikh W. A.
Published: May 2007

A patient with allergic asthma and urticaria due to heroin powder is reported, and details of bronchial provocation and other related tests are discussed.
Seasonal variation of IgE synthesis in vitro by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Björkstén B. , Gamkrelidze A. , Vanto T. , Kjellman M.
Published: May 2007

Seasonal variations in IgE antibody synthesis in vitro were studied in cultures of blood mononuclear cells (MNC) from 11 pollen allergic individuals. The IgE levels were significantly higher in two summer seasons than in the winter and spring between them. Net synthesis was confined to the summer in all but one of the patients. All the IgE in the cultures outside the pollen season represented preformed IgE which was present mainly (59%) in the moncyte fraction. Thus, preformed IgE seems to persist in moncytes at times when there is little de novo synthesis of IgE.
Immunocheraical investigation of allergens from Rhizopus nigricans
Authors: Sridhara S. , Gangal S. V. , Joshi A. P.
Published: May 2007

The allergenic proteins of mould, Rhizopus nigricans extract (RNE) were identified and characterized by crossed immunoelectrophoresis (CIE), thin‐layer isoelectrofocusing (TLIEF) and RAST inhibition. CIE revealed that the extract contained at least 31 distinct antigens. On TLIEF the extract resolved into 22 bands in pi 3.5–6.8. Two important allergens, Rhiz IIIb and VIb were purified by a combination of ammonium sulfate precipitation, anion exchange chromatography on DEAE‐Sephadex column and gel filtration. Twenty and 12 μg of Rhiz IIIb and Rhiz VIb were sufficient to give 50% RAST inhibition as against 43 μg of crude RNE. Rhiz IIIb and Rhiz VIb were found to be glycoproteins with molecular weights of 12,400 daltons and 14,200 daltons, respectively. Rhiz IIIb was found to be homogeneous on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and TLIEF with a pI of 4.8, while Rhiz VIb gave a single band on PAGE and resolved into two Coomassie blue stained bands with pI 3.6 and 3.8. It was possible to separate the components of RNE on fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) using an anion exchanger Mono Q column. The identification and characterization of the antigenic and allergenic proteins in the extract will be useful in standardization of RNE and in preparation of an in‐house reference standard.
Double‐blind evaluation of effectiveness and safety of flunisolide aerosol for treatment of bronchial asthma in children
Authors: Piacentini G. L. , Sette L. , Peroni D. G. , Bonizzato C. , Bonetti S. , Boner A. L.
Published: May 2007

A double‐blind study was carried out in 20 asthmatic children in order to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of inhaled corticosteroid flunisolide. 0.5 mg of the drug was administered by a jet nebulizer twice daily for 2 months. Respiratory symptoms. pulmonary function values and methacholine PC2‐FEV2 were evaluated, as also morning cortisol levels, plasma cortisol increase alter ACTH test, and 24‐h urinary cortisol excretion. The data obtained show the efficacy of the drug in reducing symptoms. No significant difference was observed in pulmonary function values and in bronchial reactivity results between the two groups. No effect of flunisolide was observed on hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal function. This study confirms the efficacy and safety of flunisolide (0.5 mg b.i.d.) in the treatment of asthmatic children.