bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Basophil Histamine Release in Cord Blood Regulatory Role of IgE
Authors: Ebbesen F. , Stahl Skov P. , Jensen C. , Norn S. , Søndergaard I.
Published: May 2007

Thirty‐two cord blood samples were studied for histamine releasing capability by using a sensitive glass microfibre‐based histamine analysis. Histamine was obtained after challenge with anti‐IgE in 24 of the 32 samples. However, the net release in cord blood was only 25 % of that in adult blood and no relationship was found between histamine release response, total IgE in cord plasma, and a family history of atopic diseases. The low histamine release in cord blood seemed to be associated with the immunological IgE receptor complex activation and not with an immature basic cell function, since the calcium ionophore A23187 which bypasses the receptor complex induced identical histamine release curves in cord and adult blood. Furthermore, when comparing the results of passive sensitization of basophils from new‐born and adult persons, the new‐born basophils possessed a significant fraction of free IgE receptors, whereas in adults most of the receptors were occupied by IgE.
Inhibition of Natural Killer Cell Activity by Antigen‐Antibody Complexes
Authors: Pedersen B. K. , Thomsen B. S. , Nielsen H.
Published: May 2007

The natural killer (NK) cell activity of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells was found to be inhibited by precipitated tetanus toxoid anti‐tetanus toxoid complexes (Te/ aTe) as well as soluble Te/aTe, Preincubation of the immune complexes with protein A decreased the inhibition of NK cell activity. When mononuclear cells were preincubated with interferon (IF) or interleukin 2 (II‐2) before incubation with Te/aTe, the immune complex‐induced inhibition was decreased, while IF or II‐2 added after incubation with the immune complexes had no effect. Using NK cell‐enriched suspensions in a single cell agarose assay, the immune complexes were shown to inhibit NK cell activity by inhibiting the formation of effector/target cell conjugates.
A Prospective Study on the Safety of Immunotherapy in Children with Severe Asthma
Authors: Aa. Østergaard P. , Kaad P. H. , Kristensen T.
Published: May 2007

One hundred and six of 503 (21 %) consecutive children with asthma, who from 1979 to 1983 commenced hyposensitization therapy, were prospectively studied on the safety of immunotherapy. More than 80% of the patients completed therapy without side effects. Thirteen patients were withdrawn from hyposensitization due to moderate and predictable, but intolerable, side effects such as asthma/rhinitis, urticaria and subcutaneous nodules and hypersensitivity to aluminium. However, more alarming was the outcome in six children, who after an uneventful course of immunotherapy and after several months on maintenance therapy, suddenly, 5 to 20 min (mean 10 min) following an earlier tolerable allergen injection, developed severe, anaphylactic reactions, in three of them nearly fatal. Mould extracts were responsible for the most frequent and serious side effects (Alternaria iridis/alternate, 3 patients, Cladosporium herbarum. 8 patients). Furthermore, serious, but not immediately life‐threatening, anaphylactic reactions occurred in two children treated with Phleum pretense On the other hand, hyposensitization with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was very well tolerated.
Antigen‐Induced Bronchial Anaphylaxis in Actively Sensitized SD Rats
Authors: Dahlbåuck M. , Brattsand R.
Published: May 2007

We studied the effects of anti‐asthmatic and anti‐inflammatory drugs on antigen‐induced bronchial anaphylactic reactions (BAR) in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats immunized with ovalbumin (OA) and alum. The animals were treated locally (intratracheal instillation (i.t.) or by aerosol) with terbutaline (TERB), disodium cromoglycate (DSCG), theophylline (THEO), the xanthine derivative 3,7‐dihydro‐1,8‐dimethyl‐3‐phenyl‐1H‐purine‐2,6‐dione (D4026), budesonide (BUD) or dexamethasone (DEX) at various times before intravenous (i.v.) challenge with OA. The BAR was elicited by giving a low dose of OA. When the response to that challenge had levelled an additional high dose of antigen was given. Previous work had shown that TERB, DSCG, and D4026 given systemically (i.v.) at a suboptimal dose, had a better inhibitory efficacy when the animals were challenged with a low antigen dose late (6 weeks) than when challenged early (2–3 weeks) after immunization. We show here that such a difference in efficacy is not recorded after local treatment. Moreover, each of the drugs inhibited BAR to the same extent after i.t. as after i.v. treatment. Potent drugs like TERB and D4026 seemed to show similar efficacy when given cither i.t. or by aerosol, whereas less potent drugs like DSCG and THEO were less effective when given by aerosol. In a previous study, we showed that the inhibitory capacity of glucocorticoids (GCS) on the BAR did not vary with sensitization conditions of the rats, BUD and DEX showed the same inhibitory capacity after intraperitoneal (i.p.) treatment as after i.t. treatment. In the present study, DEX showed increased whereas BUD showed decreased inhibitory capacity when given by aerosol 18–24 h before challenge. The duration of the anti‐anaphylactic activity after inhalation was longer for DEX than for BUD.
Mechanisms of Pancreatic Islet Cell Destruction Dose‐Dependent Cytotoxic Effect of Soluble Blood Mononuclear Cell Mediators on Isolated Islets of Langerhans
Authors: Mandrup‐Poulsen T. , Bendtzen K. , Nerup J. , Egeberg J. , Nielsen J. H.
Published: May 2007

Supernatants of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy human donors stimulated with recall antigen (purified protein derivative of tuberculin) or lectin (phytohaemagglutinin) markedly inhibited the insulin release from isolated human and rat islets of Langerhans, and decreased rat islet contents of insulin and glucagons in a dose‐dependent manner. A maximal effect on islet function was obtained with supernatant concentrations down to 5%. Supernatants of mononuclear cells stimulated with tuberculin were more potent than supernatants produced by lectin stimulation. Culture medium reconstituted with tuberculin or phytohaemagglutinin did not impair islet function. Electron microscopy demonstrated that supernatants were cytotoxic to islet cell. The cytotoxic mononuclear cell mediator(s) was non‐dialysable, sensitive to heating to 56°C, labile even when stored at ‐70°C, but stable when lyophilised.
A Longitudinal Study of the Influence of Azathioprine on Natural Killer Cell Activity
Authors: Pedersen B. K. , Beyer J. M.
Published: May 2007

Natural killer (NK) cell activity against K562 target cells was studied in six patients with definite or classical rheumatoid arthritis before and during treatment with azathioprine. Azathioprine induced suppression of NK cell activity, but treatment with azathioprine for 5–8 months was necessary before NK cell activity was completely suppressed. In vitro incubation of mono nuclear cells from a healthy donor with azathioprine or 6‐mercaptopurine in concentrations not reducing cell viability did not inhibit NK cell activity, nor did sera from patients treated with azathioprine for more than 6 months.
Simplification of Inhalation Therapy in Asthmatic children
Authors: Pedersen S. , Steffensen G.
Published: May 2007

In a placebo‐controlled double blind cross‐over study of 3 × 3 weeks' duration the effectiveness of a new set of simple instructions for the use of spacer aerosols was compared with that of the rather complicated manufacturer's instructions in the daily treatment of 22 children with severe asthma. All children received inhaled budesonide and terbutaline at the lowest dose possible for satisfactory symptom control. Both the simple and complicated regimes were significantly better than placebo (P < 0.01), but there was no indication that the complicated regime was superior to the simple regime. On the contrary, the children used significantly more rescue terbutaline and experienced more day time symptoms when treated according to the complicated regime (P < 0.01). 19 of 21 children who completed the study preferred to use the simple regime (P < 0.01). It is concluded that conclusions for the use of spacer aerosols should be substantially simplified and that conclusions from laboratory studies should be tested in the day‐to‐day of asthmatics before these aerosols become widely used.
Immunotherapy with Hymenoptera venoms
Authors: Bousquet J. , Müller U. R. , Dreborg S , Jarisch R. , Malling H.‐J. , Mosbech H. , Urbanek R. , Youlten L.
Published: May 2007

Immunotherapy with Hymenoptera venoms is widely used throughout the world and is accepted as an effective treatment for most patients with Hymenoptera venom allergy. There are, however, still some unresolved problems with this form of treatment. At present there is no definite test which makes it possible to identify patients at risk ‐ and thus candidates for immunotherapy ‐ unequivocally. On the basis of prospective studies on the natural history of Hymenoptera allergy, venom immunotherapy is indicated in adults with severe systemic anaphylaxis. It is usually not necessary in patients with large local reactions only. Children with mild systemic reactions, e.g. urticaria, will need immunotherapy only in case of repeated reactions and/or a high risk of re‐exposure. The selection of venoms for immunotherapy may lead to some confusion owing to common antigenic determinants shared by venoms of various Hymenoptera species. Many different regimens for immunotherapy have been proposed. At present, the three main are: rush, stepwise or clustered and classical. The maintenance dose of 100 μg usually protects from life‐threatening reactions. However, in some patients 200 μg are necessary for complete protection. The usual interval between maintenance injections is 4 to 6 weeks. In many patients a strong increase of venom specific serum IgG‐antibodies usually parallels clinical protection induced by venom immunotherapy, although many exceptions have been reported. Allergic side effects of venom immunotherapy are not rare, especially with honey bee venom and during the initial phase of dose increase. The question of the duration of venom immunotherapy is handled differently: although some authors recommend treatment for life, most suggest treating patients until skin tests and RAST become negative.
Improvedin vitrodiagnosis of allergy toAlternaria teniusandCladosporium herbarum
Authors: Nüsslein H. G. , Zimmermann TH. , Baum M. , Fuchs C. , Kolble K. , Kalden J. R.
Published: May 2007

To improve thein vitrodiagnosis of mould allergy 22 children suffering from allergic asthma caused byAlternaria teniusand/orCladosporium herbarumas proven by bronchial provocation test were investigated. Partially purified, standardized mould preparations were used in radioallergosorbent test (RAST) with conventional and new update mould discs, mould‐induced histamine release and immunoblotting. Updated RAST discs were found to be superior to the old‐type discs for the detection ofAlternariabut notCladosporiumsensitivity. In all patients except one, specific IgE‐antibodies to the respective mould were demonstrated by immunoblotting. Mould‐induced histamine release failed to prove sensitization in only two patients. No differences were found comparing histamine release from whole blood with release from isolated cells. The results demonstrate a high sensitivity ofin vitrotests when purified and standardized extracts are used.
Storage mite allergy among grain elevator workers
Authors: Revsbech P. , Andersen G.
Published: May 2007

A total of 139 workers (71 % of the available work force) in four grain elevator stores in Aalborg, Denmark, participated in a cross‐sectional study on the prevalence of storage mite allergy among grain elevator workers. All underwent interview, prick test with a standard panel of allergens and the storage mites Acarus siro, Lepidoglyphus destructor and Tyrophagus putrescentiae, RAST to the three above‐mentioned storage mites plus Glycyphagus domesticus and wheat, measurement of serum total IgE, and spirometry. Pulmonary symptoms were present among 44%, nasal and eye symptoms among 48%. Thirty‐one per cent complained of work‐related respiratory symptoms. Fourteen per cent of these workers had only nasal symptoms. Comparing the prick test result and the history, 6.4% had respiratory storage mite allergy, while 15.9% were sensitized to storage mites. Storage mites seem to be the most important allergen among grain elevator workers in Denmark. Faunistic examination of samples of grain and dust showed that storage mites, in particular A. siro, L. destructor and T. longior, were found in 73% of grain samples, while all dust samples contained mites.
Endogenous antibodies to bovine lactoperoxidase in children and adolescents
Authors: Ericsson U.‐B. , Ivarsson S. A.
Published: May 2007

Sera from 146 children and adolescents (70 girls and 76 boys, median age 6 years; range 8 months ‐ 18 years) were analysed for the presence of antibodies to bovine lactoperoxidase (LPO) using a solid‐phase immunosorbent radioassay. LPO antibodies were present in all but one serum. The antibody titres varied from 1/5 to > 1/5000 (final dilutions). Most of the individuals had antibody titres between 1/50 to 1/5000. Because of the frequent occurrence of LPO antibodies in human beings, the presence of LPO antibodies in the serum must be regarded as a physiological phenomenon.
Comparison of the action of calcium antagonists on basophil histamine release
Authors: Jensen C. Bindslev , Clementsen P. , Skov P. Stahl , Svendsen U. G. , Thastrup O. , Norn S.
Published: May 2007

The inhibitory capacity of calcium antagonists on basophil histamine release was examined in allergic patients and in controls. All dihydropyridines tested (nifedipine, nimodipine, nitrendipine, nicardipine, felodipine) dose‐dependently inhibited anti‐IgE‐ and A23187‐induced release with an order of potency of felodipine > nicardipine > nifedipine = nimodipine = nitrendipine. Only the inhibition induced by felodipine and nicardipine on anti‐IgE‐induced release could be counteracted by increasing extracellular calcium. Diltiazem, not belonging to the dihydropyridines, was a weak inhibitor. A combination of felodipine and verapamil in low concentrations exerted a synergistic inhibitory effect on histamine release, whereas this was not the case with other combinations of antagonists. The results suggest differences in the mode of action of the 1.4‐dihydropyridines. This might be of significance in the search for calcium antagonists suitable in the treatment of allergic diseases.
Leucocyte migration inhibition in diphtheria toxoid hypersensitivity
Authors: Saxby M. F. , Salaman M. R. , Sargent I. L.
Published: May 2007

A donor who was highly reactive to diphtheria toxoid (DT) in delayed hypersensitivity and in lymphocyte transformation showed scant evidence of antigen‐induced inhibition in the direct leucocyte migration agarose test. Other donors, weak or negative to DT in skin test and transformation, did show evidence of inhibition. Although the migration test is useful in assessing cellular reactivity to tubercular antigen, these results question its suitability for DT.
Selection of patients for biological standardization as exemplified by standardization of mugwort, goosefoot and English plantain pollen allergen extracts/preparations
Authors: Dreborg S. , Sjögren I. , Eriksson N. E. , Einarsson R.
Published: May 2007

The biological activity of a partly purified, biochemically/immunochemically characterized mugwort pollen allergen preparation and crude pollen extracts of mugwort, goose‐foot and English plantain was determined by means of skin prick test (SPT). The patient inclusion criteria with mugwort were a well‐defined positive clinical history and a positive SPT. Symptoms related to goosefoot/English plantain pollens are difficult to define, as these weeds flower during the grass pollen season. Thus patients tested with these allergens did not fulfill the most important inclusion criterion for so‐called biological standarization. To elicit a wheal of the same size as that produced by histamine 1 mg/ml required 100 to 10,000 times more material from these weeds, than from mugwort and other pollen allergen extracts investigated earlier. One thousand Biological Units/ml (BU/ml) corresponded to 8.3 μg dry weight (dw/ml) of the crude and 1.8 μg dw/ml of the purified mugwort pollen allergen preparation. Only 7/22 goosefoot‐and English plantain‐tested patients were positive at conjunctival or nasal challenge. All three weeds showed a similar composition with 5–10 allergens by CIE/CRIE analysis and 10–13 by immunoblotting analysis. One dominating allergen (approx. 15,000 d), could be identified for each weed species by protein gel blot after separation by SDS g‐PAGE. There was no other explanation for the difference in biological activity than the criteria of selection. If there is no obvious clinical history, which is the main patient inclusion criterion in biological standardization, then additional criteria should be used.
Antibodies to penicillin in children receiving long‐term secondary prophylaxis for rheumatic fever
Authors: Strannegård I.‐L. , Majeed H. A. , Ahlstedt S.
Published: May 2007

The occurrence of IgE and IgG antibodies to penicillin G and V in children on long‐term treatment with penicillin as secondary prophylaxis for rheumatic fever was studied using Phadebas® RAST (Pharmacia Diagnostics, Uppsala, Sweden) and ELISA respectively. The duration of the prophylaxis ranged between 1.5 months and 5 years (mean 1.8 years). Of 18 patients who had been given penicillin for more than 1.5 months, two had IgE antibodies and 12 had IgG antibodies to penicillin. Patients with acute rheumatic fever who had not yet received long‐term treatment with penicillin had antibodies of the IgG class in two out of 12 cases. The patients gave no history of adverse reactions to the penicillin injections and there were no signs of immune complex‐mediated disease. The two children who had IgE antibodies were switched to oral erythromycin instead of the penicillin injections. Penicillin is the drug of choice in the prophylaxis of rheumatic fever and can apparently be safely given as intramuscular injections of depot‐penicillin to prevent recurrences of the disease and ensuing cardiac damage.
In vitro effect of beclomethasone dipropionate and flunisolide on the mobility of human nasal cilia
Authors: Stafanger G.
Published: May 2007

Human nasal cilia were perfused with aqueous solutions of two corticosteroid aerosols, beclomethasone dipropionate (BPD) and flunisolide, with the main preservative of flunisolide, propylene glycol, and with placebo. The concentration used were BPD 0.1 mg/ml, 0.05 mg/ml, 0.005 mg/ml and 0.0005 mg/ml, flunisolide 0.25 mg/ml, 0.05 mg/ ml, 0.025 mg/ml and 0.00025 mg/ml, and propylene glycol 20 mg/ml and 200 mg/ml. A dose‐related decrease in ciliary beating frequency (CBF) was seen after perfusion with both BDP and flunisolide as well as propylene glycol. The decrease in CBF following perfusion with propylene glycol was partially reversible upon re‐perfusion with medium alone, whereas the decrease seen after BDP and flunisolide was irreversible. Although previous studies have shown no adverse effect on the mucous membrane except for the areas hit by the impact of the sprays, our results suggest that caution should be taken when the dose and/or the length of treatment is considered, and that the effect of administration of these drugs on CBF in vivo needs to be investigated.
Diminished atherosclerotic arterial calcifications in asthma
Authors: Lasser E. C. , Berry C. , Kortman K.
Published: May 2007

Twenty‐seven patients beyond the age of 50 were radiographically compared with age‐and sex‐matched controls for the degree of calcified therosclerotic plaque formation in the aorta and its major pelvic branches. Significantly less calcification was present in the aorta, iliac and hypogastric arteries of the asthmatics (P= 0.01). Previous studies in other asthmatic patients have shown elevated endogenous heparin‐like material to be present in their plasma. It is peculated that diminished atherosclerosis in asthmatic patients might be a consequence of elevated circulating endogenous heparin‐like material.
Diagnosis of antibody‐mediated drug allergy
Authors: Schneider C. H. , Kasper M. F. , De Weck, H. Rolli A. L. , Angst B. D.
Published: May 2007

Based on the l‐phenyl‐2,3‐dimethyl‐3‐pyraizolin‐5‐one series and on the 1,2‐diphenyl‐pyrazolidine‐3,5‐dione series of drugs, haptenic reagents and conjugates were synthesized and evaluated by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in guinea pigs, and by ELISA tests using rabbit antisera against the haptens. No cross‐reactivity between pyrazolinone and pyrazolidinedione haptenic reagents was found in any of the test systems. But also within each series, the animal antibodies showed rather strict specificities upon interaction with related haptens or drugs. These results are somewhat unexpected, because the haptens were used in connection with long and flexible spacer arms. Furthermore, they are not typical for certain other drug allergies. The strict specificity reduces the diagnostic potential of the haptenic reagents when used in serological tests or in skin testing.
A new indoor allergen from a common non‐flowering plant
Authors: Axelsson I. G. K. , Johansson S. G. O. , Zetterströ O.
Published: May 2007

Ficus benjamina or weeping fig (w‐fig) is one of the most common indoor non‐flowering green plants in northern Europe. We have previously reported that occupational exposure to w‐fig in plant keepers, both atopic and non‐atopic, gives rise to IgE‐mediated allergy with airway symptoms. About one‐fourth of the plant keepers had become sensitized. We now report a study of sensitization in non‐occupationally exposed persons comprising 395 patients, consecutively referred for allergological investigation, and 107 employees from two offices decorated with an abundance of w‐figs. Of the patients, 56% were found to be atopic and more than half of them reported exposure to w‐fig. Sensitization, as judged by a positive skin prick test and positive RAST, was found in 13 of the patients and in three of the employees. All of them suffered from rhinitis and/or asthma and were atopics and sensitized to one or several common allergens. We conclude that sensitization to w‐fig is not uncommon and that in Sweden it is of the same magnitude as sensitization to the most common mould, Cladosporium herbarum. The risk that subjects with a genuine atopic constitution exposed to w‐fig will become sensitized is about 6 %. In approximately half of the patients the sensitization was considered to be clinically important.
Leukocyte migration inhibition test in children with cow milk allergy
Authors: Vanto T. , Smogorzewska E. M. , Viander M. , Kalimo K. , Koivikko A.
Published: May 2007

The usefulness of the leukocyte migration inhibition factor (LIF) test to detect cow milk (CM) hypersensitivity was studied in 40 children with suspected allergy to CM. Hyper‐sensitivity was carefully investigated by oral milk challenges, which gave a final confirmation of cow milk hypersensitivity in 12 subjects, and excluded it in the remaining 28 subjects. Leukcocyte migration inhibition was measured using β‐lactoglobulin (BLG), α‐lactalbumin (ALA), α‐casein (ACA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) as antigens. IgA and IgG antibodies to these antigens were measured by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and IgE antibodies to these antigens and to CM by radioallergosorbent test (RAST). Skin prick test with CM was performed in 38 subjects, and with BLG, ALA, ACA and BSA in 29 subjects. Leukocyte migration was more often inhibited by cow milk antigens in the CM challenge positive (CM +) subjects than in the challenge negative (CM‐) subjects. Of the specific milk antigens, ALA was the most potent inhibitor, and gave a positive LIF test result in all CM + subjects, and significantly (P < 0.02) less often (15/24) in CM‐ subjects. Also in the skin prick test and RAST, ALA gave positive results more often than the other milk antigens. BLG, ACA and BSA had an inhibiting effect on leukocyte migration, but the difference between the CM + and CM‐ subjects was not statistically significant. Two of the 12 CM + subjects had no demonstrable IgE antibodies to CM proteins; both of them, however, had a positive LIF test with at least one of the CM antigens. No significant correlation was observed between leukocyte migration inhibition and the serum levels of IgA, IgG or IgE antibodies to milk antigens. The results of this study suggest that cell‐mediated immunity may play a role in cow milk allergy, also in subjects with demonstrable IgE antibodies to CM. Even though the LIF test is sensitive in the diagnosis of cow milk allergy, it is not useful as a diagnostic test, since many challenge‐negative subjects had a positive LIF test.
Heparin‐like anticoagulants in asthma
Authors: Lasser E. C. , Simon R. A. , Lyon S. G. , Hamblin A. E. , Stein R.
Published: May 2007

In a previous study, and in the present study, we have found that the baseline plasma samples of patients with asthma contain average levels of an endogenous heparin‐like material (EHM) that is significantly higher than that noted in non‐allergic, non‐asthmatic controls. This material appears to have properties of both heparin and heparan sulfate. Three out of six patients responding to inhalational antigen challenge displayed an acute increment in EHM concentration that coincided with a fall in FEV1 values. The relation of EHM concentration to provoked asthma, or to asthma in general, remains to be determined.
Allergen‐induced nasal hyperreactivity appears unrelated to the size of the nasal and dermal immediate allergic reaction
Authors: Andersson M. , Kogerer B. V. , Andersson P. , Pipkorn U.
Published: May 2007

It has been previously demonstrated in nasal challenge studies that there is an increased sensitivity to allergen following an initial allergen challenge. A similar feature has been demonstrated following natural allergen exposure in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. To further explore the characteristics of this “priming” phenomenon and its relationship to other expressions of their allergic airway disease, 28 hay fever patients with strictly seasonal disease were studied. Skin tests with the relevant pollen allergen and histamine were performed and the size of the immediate and late phase allergic reaction was determined. An initial nasal allergen challenge was followed by a rechallenge of the nose with allergen 24 h later using a lavage technique. Determinations of TAME‐esterase activity, as a biochemical marker of the allergic reaction, were made in the returned lavage fluid. The number of sneezes was counted and nasal symptoms were also assessed using a scoring technique. 19 of 28 patients (67%), displayed an increased responsiveness at rechallenge with similar findings in terms of symptom scores and TAME‐esterase measurements. The increase was statistically significant for the symptoms of nasal blockage, which increased from 0.7 ± 0.1 (mean ± SEM) to 1.1 ±0.2 (P ± 0.05), and nasal secretion which rose from 1.1 ± 0.2 to 1.7 ± 0.2 (P < 0.01). A composite nasal symptom score which also took account of the number of sneezes, increased from 2.9 ± 0.4 to 4.0 ± 0.3 (P < 0.01). The TAME‐esterase activity in the recovered lavage fluid following challenge with the same allergen dose increased from 11.7 ± 2.4 to 18.7 ± 2.8 CPM/103 (P < 0.01). No correlation was found between the increased responsiveness and the size of initial immediate reaction either in the nose or in the skin, or the presence or size of any late phase dermal reaction. There was, however, a correlation between the size of initial allergen response in the nose and skin (r = 0.43). As an increased responsiveness to allergen appears to be of clinical significance at natural allergen exposure, further studies of the pathophysiology of this phenomenon are called for.
Further characterisation of allergens associated with hypersensitivity to the “green nimitti” midge (Cladotanytarsus lewisi, Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: Tee R. D. , Cranston P. S. , Kay A. B.
Published: May 2007

Chironomid midges are small (2–15 mm) non‐biting flies, characteristically seen swarming by water at dusk. Allergens of the “green nimitti” midge, Cladotanytarsus lewisi (Freeman) (Diptera: Chironomidae), a cause of widespread hypersensitivity in the Sudan, were isolated and partially characterized by Sephacryl S200 chromatography. The allergenicity of the fractions was identified by “rocket” autoradiography, RAST inhibition, skin “prick” tests, and the immunoblot technique. The fractions were further analysed by isoelectric focusing and SDS‐PAGE. Two major allergens with pI's ranging from 4.3 to 6.0 were identified and had molecular weights of approximately 17,000 and 32,000 daltons, sizes compatible with their being monomeric and dimeric haemoglobins. Since chironomids occur in nuisance numbers worldwide and their haemoglobins have been shown to produce severe hypersensitivity reactions in man, they should be seen as an important potential cause of environmental and occupational allergy.
Capsaicin‐sensitive nerves and the cutaneous allergy reaction in man
Authors: Lundblad L. , Lundberg J. M. , ÄNggåed A. , Zetterström O.
Published: May 2007

The effects of local capsaicin pretreatment on the cutaneous triple response reaction induced by allergen exposure or anti‐IgE were studied in man. Acute exposure of the human skin to capsaicin caused a burning sensation and a clearcut flare reaction but no wheal response. Upon repeated administration these local reactions to capsaicin disappeared. The Hare component and the subjective itching sensation of the cutaneous allergy reaction to rat antigen in sensitized persons or anti‐IgE in non‐allergic persons were then markedly reduced. Two weeks after capsaicin pretreatment the flare response to allergen was not significantly changed compared to the control reaction, suggesting a reversible effect of capsaicin treatment. The wheal component of the allergy or anti‐IgE reaction was, however, not influenced by capsaicin pretreatment, indicating that the wheal and flare components are caused by different mechanisms. It is concluded that capsaicin sensitive sensory nerves are of importance for the human cutaneous triple response reaction induced by allergen exposure. Thus, secondary release of mediators, such as CGRP or tachykinins from sensory nerve branches, may contribute to the flare component of this reaction. Furthermore the itching sensation seems to be dependent to a large extent on capsaicin‐sensitive nerves. However, sensory nerves seem to have less importance for the wheal reaction, i.e. the protein extravasation response.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis and depot injection of a corticosteroid
Authors: Borum P. , Grønborg H. , Mygind N.
Published: May 2007

It was the aim of this investigation to study the efficacy of a corticosteroid given as a depot injection in seasonal allergic rhinitis, the efficacy profile with regard to specific symptoms, and whether the injection is best given early in the season or later at the peak of the pollen count. An injection of 80 mg methylprednisolone showed a marked effect on nasal blockage lasting more than 4 weeks, and a moderate effect on eye symptoms, while the effect on nasal hypersecretion and sneezing could not be demonstrated. It is concluded that systemic corticosteroids may be indicated in severe hay fever, when symptoms, especially blockage, occur in spite of other types of therapy. If the physician prefers to give the corticosteroid as a depot injection, it is preferably given in the first half of the season when the pollen count is increasing.
Nebulization treatment with saline compared to bromhexine in treating chronic sinusitis in asthmatic children
Authors: Van Bever H. P. S. , Bosmans J. , Stevens W. J.
Published: May 2007

Twenty children aged 3 to 14 years with a history of bronchial asthma complicated by chronic sinusitis were studied in a double‐blind study. Patients received, at random, over a period of 2 weeks, either 2 ml saline or 2 ml bromhexine (2 mg/ml) t.i.d. by means of a home nebulizer. A significant decline of clinical symptoms during both nebulization treatments as compared to the pretreatment symptom score was observed (mean score of 1.5 ± 0.7 and 0.5 ± 0.8, respectively, (P 0.01). Both types of nebulization were equally efficient in reducing the symptom score. Radiological abnormalities were significantly more reversed after saline nebulization as compared with bromhexine (P< 0.05), although both treatments showed radiological improvement (P< 0.01). The present study indicates that nebulization with saline may have some beneficial effect on chronic sinusitis in asthmatic children. Bromhexine was not superior to saline for this purpose.
IgE‐mediated anaphylactoid reactions to rubber
Authors: Axelsson J. G. K. , Johansson S. G. O. , Wrangsjö K.
Published: May 2007

Delayed hypersensitivity to rubber chemicals is well known, but there are only a limited number of case reports on an immediate type of hypersensitivity inducing contact urticaria. We have recently seen several patients with rubber glove‐induced contact urticaria who have had both positive skin prick tests and positive RAST tests to natural latex from the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). We now report on five patients who also developed systemic reactions. It is clear that sensitized subjects are at risk of developing anaphylaxis during medical examination or surgery when rubber gloves are used. The occurrence of IgE‐mediated allergy to rubber is probably underestimated.
Inhibition of basophil histamine release by gangliosides
Authors: Jensen C. , Norn S. , Thastrup O. , Dahl B. T. , Skov P. Stahl
Published: May 2007

Histamine release from human basophils was inhibited by preincubation of the cells with a glucolipid mixture containing sialic acid‐containing gangliosides. This was true for histamine release induced by anti‐IgE, Concanavalin A and the calcium ionphore A23187, whereas the release induced by S. aureus Wood 46 was not affected. It was demonstrated that the inhibitory capacity of the glucolipid mixture could be attributed to the content of gangliosides, since no inhibition was obtained with cerebrosides or with gangliosides from which sialic acid was removed. Preincubation of the cells with the glucolipid mixture increased the sialic acid content of the cells, and this increase was attributed to an insertion of gangliosides into the cell membrane. The inhibition of histamine release was abolished by increasing the calcium concentration, which substantiates our previous findings that cell membrane sialic acid in basophil leukocytes is involved in the regulation of histamine release, possibly by a modulation of the trans‐membraneous calcium fluxes preceding histamine release.
Antiallergic activity of loratadine, a non‐sedating antihistamine
Authors: Kreutner W. , Chapman R. W. , Gulbenkian A. , Siegel M. I.
Published: May 2007

Loratadine is a new non‐sedating antihistamine. The present studies compared loratadine and terfenadine, another non‐sedating antihistamine, for their ability to inhibit the bronchial response to histamine and other autacoids which have been implicated as contributing to the symptoms of an allergic reaction. In addition, the two antihistamines were evaluated in models of immunologically mediated allergic reactions. Loratadine is a more potent inhibitor of histamine‐induced bronchospasm in guinea pigs than is terfenadine. Both antihistamines exhibit marked antiserotonin activity at doses 10 times their antihistamine ED50 values. In contrast, loratadine and terfenadine produce little or no inhibition of the bronchial responses to methacholine, leukotriene C4 or platelet‐activating factor. An allergic bronchospasm in guinea pigs is inhibited by loratadine (ED50= 0.40 mg/kg, p.o.) and terfenadine (ED50= 1.7 mg/kg, p.o.). The bronchospasm associated with allergic anaphylaxis in rats is significantly inhibited by 10 mg/kg, p.o. loratadine and 30 mg/kg, p.o. terfenadine. Loratadine exhibits antiallergy activity in vitro. At micromolar concentrations, loratadine inhibits the release of histamine from Con A and A23187‐stimulated rat peritoneal mast cells and the release of histamine and leukotrine C4 from a Con A‐stimulated cloned murine mast cell line
Anaphylaxis after intra‐articular injection of orgotein
Authors: Díez‐Gómez M. L. , Hinojosa M. , Moneo I. , Losada E.
Published: May 2007

Orgotein, a recently introduced anti‐inflammatory agent, is the generic name accepted in the U.S.A. for the drug version of copper‐zinc superoxide dismutase. This metallo‐enzyme is obtained from bovine liver and has a molecular weight of about 32,000. We report on a patient to whom an intra‐articular injection of orgotein caused an anaphylactic reaction. An IgE‐mediated mechanism was suggested by an immediate positive skin test to orgotein and by the finding of specific IgE against orgotein in the patient's serum.
Tolerance to acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) induced in ASA‐sensitive asthmatics does not depend on initial adverse reaction
Authors: Szmidt M. , Grzelewska‐Rzymowska I. , Kowalski M. L. , Roźgniecki J.
Published: May 2007

A state of tolerance to aspirin (ASA) was induced in 10 aspirin‐sensitive patients by daily administration of incremental doses of ASA. No adverse reactions were reported. The initial dose (from 5 to 60 mg) was gradually increased each day up to 300 mg and then doubled. 50 mg indomethacin given the day after administration of 600 mg ASA did not elicit any symptom of intolerance. The authors discuss a possible mechanism of tolerance to aspirin in ASA‐sensitive asthmatics after ASA administration, suggesting that it might be connected either with inhibition of the lipooxygenetic pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism or with blockade of the cyclooxygenase supplementary binding site by salicylic acid, a product of acetylsalicylic acid hydrolysis. This would prevent aspirin from binding with the catalytic cyclooxygenase site.
Systemic absorption of adrenaline after aerosol, eye‐drop and subcutaneous administration to healthy volunteers
Authors: Dahlöf C. , Mellstrand T. , Svedmyr N.
Published: May 2007

Adrenaline is the drug of choice for management of the anaphylactic reaction. The objective of this study was to compare systemic absorption of adrenaline after administration by different routes to healthy volunteers. Ten puffs (1.5 mg as adrenaline base) with 10–15 s intervals between them followed 2 h later by 20 puffs (3 mg) of adrenaline from a pressurized aerosol (Medihaler‐Epi, 3M Riker, 14.0 mg/ml adrenaline acid tartrate) were sprayed into the cheek pouch or inhaled through the mouth or the nostrils. Adrenaline was also administered to the eyes by giving 2 drops (1 mg) of Isopto‐Epinal (Alcon, 10 mg × ml−1). Finally, 0.5 ml (0.5 mg) of adrenaline was given subcutaneously in the upper arm of the same individuals. The systemic absorption was determined by measuring plasma adrenaline levels and effects on blood pressure, heart rate and finger tremor before and 5, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after adrenaline administration. Adrenaline given as eye‐drops did not have any significant effect on these parameters. Subcutaneously administered adrenaline caused within 5 min a significant increase of plasma adrenaline level (from 1.0 ± 0.2 to a peak of 6.5 ± 1.2 nM) which gradually decreased during 2 h. This mode of adrenaline administration increased the systolic blood pressure by a maximum of 11 ± 3.5 mmHg, heart rate by 9 ± 2.2 beats × min−1, tremor ratio by 4 ± 0.6 and reduced the diastolic blood pressure by 18 ± 4.7 mmHg. The cardiovascular effects were approximately maximum 15 min after administration and lasted almost 90 min. After 10 inhalations through the mouth no significant effects were seen, whereas after 20 inhalations the plasma adrenaline level increased significantly (from 1.1 ± 0.2 to a peak of 2.4 ± 0.6 nM). The effects on blood pressure, heart rate and finger tremor ratio were more short‐lived than those caused by subcutaneously administered adrenaline. The effects of nasal inhalation of adrenaline were similar but more long‐lasting when compared to oral inhalation. Conclusion. Inhaled adrenaline gives rapid systemic absorption but this is less pronounced and more short‐lasting than with subcutaneous adrenaline. Apart from being easier for the patient to use, the inhaled route of adrenaline administration also appears to be cardiovascularly safe within a wide dose range. It is therefore suggested that patients known to be hypersensitive should be equipped with Medihaler Adrenaline for emergencies as a complement to subcutaneous adrenaline. Further, the recommended dose of this inhaler in the treatment of acute upper airway hyperreactive conditions should be increased to 10–20 inhalations, which can be repeated if necessary.
Allergy indices based on allergen dose‐response curve in a randomly selected sample of schoolchildren
Authors: Corbo G. M. , Foresi A. , Verga A. E. , Mattoli S. , Polidori G. , Giappi G.
Published: May 2007

Skin‐test sensitivity was computed in 61 schoolchildren drawn from a stratified random sample in order to generate two allergy indices based on a quantitative skin‐test assay: Individual Allergy Index (IAI) and Population Allergy Index (PAI). The former to quantitate IgE‐mediated skin test sensitivity of each subject, the latter to describe the degree of skin reactivity of our sample to a single allergen. Five allergen extracts were tested at 4‐fold dilutions. Sensitivity endpoint data were used to generate IAI. Frequency distribution of IAI seemed to be bimodal as asymptomatic subjects gathered at the lower part while symptomatic children showed a peak in the middle. By means of criteria based on the relation between IAI and the prevalence of symptoms we were able to classify atopy in five classes from normal (all asymptomatic subjects) to severe atopy (all symptomatic subjects). Each positive reaction was plotted as a function of the allergen concentration eliciting the weal, and linear regression with confidence limits was calculated for grass and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus only. PAI was represented by the slope, which depends on the reactivity of the sample, and the intercept, which involves the potency of the allergen as well. Grass and D. pteronyssinus showed the same slope while the intercepts differed. The slope increased if we considered symptomatic subjects only. We propose both these indices for clinical and epidemiological studies.
Jet‐nebulized beclomethasone dipropionate in the management of bronchial asthma
Authors: Pedersen W. , Prahl P.
Published: May 2007

The efficacy of jet nebulized beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) in the management of asthma was evaluated in 18 children, 2–26 months old (mean 10 months). The children were selected on the basis of the severity of their symptoms and the lack of effect of conventional treatment. The effect of BDP was evaluated by comparing clinical data before and after the initiation of treatment. Fifteen of the 18 patients experienced a significant clinical improvement during treatment with BDP. BDP “nebulizer solution” is a valuable contribution to the management of severe asthma in young asthmatics.
Effect of nitrendipine on histamine release from human basophil leukocytes
Authors: Miadonna A. , Tedeschi A. , Leggieri E. , Fabbri C. , Lorini M. , Froldi M. , Zanussi C.
Published: May 2007

The effect of the new calcium antagonist nitrendipine on in vitro basophil activation was evaluated in 10 subjects. The histamine release induced by calcium ionophore A23187, f‐met peptide and anti‐IgE was inhibited, in a dose‐dependent fashion, by nitrendipine in the concentration range of 1–100 μM. The activity of this calcium antagonist seems complex and related to an interference with calcium at multiple sites. At concentrations higher than 200 μM, nitrendipine causes histamine release from basophil leukocytes. This histamine secretion is likely to be due to a cytotoxic effect, since it is associated with an increase in LDH levels in the cell supernatant.
Diagnosis and immunotherapy of mould allergy
Authors: Malling H.‐J. , Dreborg S. , Weeke B.
Published: May 2007

The IgE‐response was evaluated by skin prick test, bronchial provocation test and RAST in a 1‐year placebo‐controlled double‐blind immunotherapy study. Eleven adult asthmatics were treated with a Cladosporium allergen preparation and 11 comparable patients received histamine placebo. The bronchial sensitivity (PC20) decrease > 0.5 log step in 8/11 (73%) Cladosporium‐treated versus 3/11 (27%) in the placebo group. Corresponding figures for skin prick test sensitivity was 10/11 (91%) and 1/11 (9%) respectively. Circulating IgE showed a temporary boost in the Cladosporium group and then values approaching the pretreatment value. Only minimal and insignificant changes were found in the placebo‐treated patients. Changes in IgE‐reactivity were not related to allergen dose, clinical efficacy or to the occurrence of side effects. Some interrelation between changes in skin prick test, bronchial provocation test and RAST was found indicating a differentiated effect of immunotherapy on various IgE compartments. In spite of the pathogenetic role of IgE in allergic diseases, changes in IgE‐reactivity do not seem directly involved in the mechanisms underlying the clinical efficacy of immunotherapy but might be of importance in a complex interaction with other immunological parameters.
Specific reactions and cross reactions of anti‐penicilloyl antibodies
Authors: de Haan P. , van Ketel W. G.
Published: May 2007

In human sera the specific reactions and cross reactions of antibodies directed against the penicilloyl groups were determined using different penicilloyl derivatives as antigen. The penicilloyl group providing the highest litre in one Ig class was said to define the specific reaction for this Ig class. This criterium was justified by the fact that antibodies evoked by long‐term treatment with benzylpenicillin showed specific reaction to the benzylpenicilloyl group. Moreover, specific reactions of antibodies of different Ig classes in one serum were the same. Both the side chain and the thiazolidine ring of the penicilloyl group can serve as antigenic determinants.
Cost‐effectiveness of neonatal IgE‐screening for atopic allergy before 7 years of age
Authors: Hjalte K. , Croner S. , Kjellman N.‐I. Max
Published: May 2007

Obvious atopic diseases developed in 18% of 1651 non‐selected children before 7 years of age. More than 80% of newborns with high IgE concentrations in cord blood developed atopic diseases before this age. Although the sensitivity of the IgE test is rather low (40%), most cases (94%) of severe, long‐lasting atopic disease show a high neonatal IgE concentration, and the specificity of the test is high (94%), Calculations of total costs of screening were made on the basis of family history alone compared with neonatal IgE‐screening in two groups: (i) all newborn infants, or (ii) infants with a family history of atopic disease. The cost of preventive measures and treatment costs were included in the total patient compliance) then IgE‐screening was cost‐effective in both groups, which screening solely on a basis of family history was not. In Sweden there was a total saving of approx, 20 million SEK or 3 million USS per annum. Thus, IgE‐screening of cord blood to select newborns for preventive measures is also economically worthwhile.