bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of AA‐861, a 5‐Lipoxygenase Inhibitor, on Leukotriene Synthesis in Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes and on Cyclooxygenase and 12‐Lipoxygenase Activities in Human Platelets
Authors: Mita H. , Yui Y. , Shida T.
Published: May 2007

AA‐861, a selective inhibitor of 5‐lipoxygenase of arachidonic acid, was tested for ability to inhibit leukotriene C4 and leukotriene B4 synthesis in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes after calcium ionophore stimulation. AA‐861 dose‐dependently inhibited leukotriene B4 and leukotriene C4 generation in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes; the concentration required to inhibit generation by 50 % (IC50) was 3 × 10−7 M for leukotriene B4 and 1 × 10−8 M for leukotriene C4. BW‐755C inhibited the generation of leukotriene C4 with an IC50 of about 10−5 M, indicating that AA‐861 is about 1000 times more potent than BW‐755C. AA‐861 did not affect the activity‐ of either cyclooxygenase or 12‐lipoxygenase at a concentration up to 10−5 M in human platelets. AA‐861 did not inhibit histamine release from human basophils. These results indicate that AA‐861 selectively inhibits 5‐lipoxygenase but not cyclooxygenase or 12‐lipoxygenase in human specimens.
Diagnosis and Immunotherapy of Mould Allergy
Authors: Malling H.‐J. , Dreborg S. , Weeke B.
Published: May 2007

A placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study of immunotherapy with the mould species Cladosporium was performed in 22 adult asthmatics. The diagnosis of Cladosporium allergy was based on a combination of bronchial provocation test and daily symptom score in the Cladosporium season. An aqueous preparation of a potent, biologically standardized and purified extract was used in a clustered dose‐increase regimen. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by a combination of symptoms (asthma score + peak flow) and consumption of antiasthmatic medication. The mean changes in symptoms and medication consumption over a 10–week registration period (peak Cladosporium season) in 1982 after 5–7 months of immunotherapy were compared with the corresponding 1981 pretreatment 10‐week period A significant (P= 0.03) difference in terms of “improved”, “unchanged” and “deteriorated” patients in favour of Cladosporium treatment was found. Approximately 80% in the Cladosporium group showed improved/unchanged symptoms contrary to 30% of the placebo treated. Side effects were observed frequently but only in the Cladosporium‐treated. About 70% experienced a large local reaction and 100% had episodes of asthma during dose‐increase phase. Only a few severe systemic reactions occurred. Based on the clinical efficacy of the treatment we consider immunotherapy with Cladosporium feasible for highly specialized clinics.
Demonstration of Microorganisms and Dust in Schools and Offices
Authors: Gravesen S. , Larsen L. , Gyntelberg F. , Skov P.
Published: May 2007

“The sick‐building syndrome” (WHO) is reported with increasing intensity in non‐industrial places of work, such as schools, kindergartens, and offices, all of which have a heavy load of traffic (people). The construction of these buildings (e.g. flat roofs) often leads to water damage with subsequent microbial growth. Further, reduced cleaning budgets in connection with the wide use of needle‐felt carpets, as well as ventilation systems not regularly maintained, will lead to pollution by dust and microorganisms. A systematic registration of dust and microbial parameters has been carried out since 1980 in buildings with indoor climate complaints, m order to elucidate the possible influence of these factors.
Effects of Chloroquine, Mefloquine and Quinine on Natural Killer Cell Activityin vitro
Authors: Pedersen B. K. , Bygbjerg I. C. , Theander T. G. , Andersen B. J.
Published: May 2007

Natural killer (NK) cell activity against K 562 target cells was inhibited by pharmacological concentrations of chloroquine, mefloquine and quinine. The most potent were mefloquine and quinine. The drug‐induced inhibition of the NK cell activity was abolished by addition of α interferon (IF) or interleukin 2 (II‐2); preincubation of mononuclear cells with IF or II‐2 followed by addition of anti‐malarial drugs decreased the inhibitory effects of the drugs. The drug‐induced inhibition of the NK cell activity was not dependent on the presence of monocytes. Using monocyte depleted Percoll fractionated NK cell enriched populations in a single cell agarose assay, it was shown that the inhibitory effects of mefloquine, but not of chloroquine and quinine were due to an inhibition of the formation of effector/target cell conjugates.
Chewing‐Gum Preservative Induced Toxidermic Vasculitis
Authors: Moneret‐Vautrin D. A. , Faure G. , Bene M. C.
Published: May 2007

This paper reports the case of a young female patient who presented with a cutaneous urticarial disseminated eruption. Drug‐induced side effects were eliminated, and the only recent dietary change was the regular use of chewing‐gums containing chlorophylla (E140), menthol and BHT (butylhydroxytoluene). Immunohistological analysis of a cutaneous lesion revealed signs of vasculitis. Within 1 week after stopping chewing gum, the eruption subsided. Oral provocation tests at 4‐day intervals confirmed the responsibility of BHT by the reinduction of the cutaneous signs after a few hours.
Timothy‐Specific IgG Antibody Levels Vary with the Pollen Seasons
Authors: Nordvall S. L. , Larson P. H. , Johansson S. G. O.
Published: May 2007

Serum samples were collected from eight grass pollen hypersensitive children during a 4‐year period. The sera were assayed for contents of timothy‐specific IgE antibodies by RAST. Timothy‐specific IgG and IgA antibodies were quantified by a refined ELISA in which covalent binding of the antigen to the polystyrene solid phase had been performed. IgG antibodies were also assayed by a Sepharose‐protein‐A technique with radiolabelled timothy allergens as the antigen. It was possible to register clearcut seasonal variations with postseasonally boosted antibody levels not only of timothy‐specific IgE but also of IgG antibody. Both igG1 and IgG4 antibodies specific for timothy showed seasonal variations of a similar degree. It was not possible to register seasonal variations of the same magnitude of timothy‐specific IgA antibodies.
Increased Neutrophil Chemotactic Activity in Exercise‐ and “Fog”‐Induced Asthma
Authors: Moscato G. , Rampulla C. , Dellabianca A. , Dorigo N. , Majani U. , Corsico R. , Sirtori P. G.
Published: May 2007

To investigate whether exercise‐ and ultrasonic “fog”‐induced asthma are due to the same mechanism, i.e. mediator release induced by osmotic changes, we measured the serum neutrophil chemotactic activity before and after excercise and inhalation of “fog” in 15 asthmatic subjects. To assess changes in airway caliber we measured specific airway conductance (SGaw); to assess changes in neutrophil chemotactic activity we measured the maximum distance reached by neutrophils in a filter when challenged with the subject's serum in a Boyden chamber. In 10 subjects, SGaw decreased by more than 35% and neutrophil chemotactic activity increased significantly (P < 0.05) both after exercise and “fog”, whereas in five subjects no change occurred either after exercise or “fog”. We conclude that both exercise‐ and “fog”‐induced asthma are associated with increased serum neutrophil chemotactic activity, and that both stimuli may cause asthma by osmotically triggering mediator release from mast cells.
Allergy to Rabbits
Authors: Price J. A. , Longbottom J. L.
Published: May 2007

Investigations have been carried out into the presence of antibody light chains in rabbit allergenic extracts and the interference in RAST and crossed‐radioimmunoelectrophoresis (XRIE) caused by antibodies directed against them‐ A “non‐specific” uptake of radioactivity in XRIE has been demonstrated to be caused by direct cross‐linking of the 12 5I rabbit anti‐human IgE by the sheep antibodies in the Immunoprecipitate of rabbit light chains. Preincubation with normal rabbit serum blocked this direct uptake of the labelled antibody and enabled specific IgE uptake on the light chains to be demonstrated for rabbit allergic sera. Verification of the allergenicity of the light chains was obtained from a specific light chain RAST. Elution from a Sephacryl S‐200 gel filtration column indicated a MW of approx. 50 Kd and confirmation of the component as light chain dimers, not Fab fragments, was obtained by allotyping for loci present on heavy chains and light chains in the Fab region. Light chains were detected in urine from rabbits of all ages and in extract of dust collected in a rabbit housing area. No background staining was observed in XRIE using rabbit antisera, either with rabbit allergic sera with specific IgE or with a human serum containing specific IgG antibodies to rabbit IgG. This latter serum also showed no evidence of uptake on all immunoprecipitates in systems using rabbit antisera, and did not give false positive RAST results when the labelled rabbit anti‐human IgE contained unlabelled rabbit IgG. Those sera with specific IgE to light chains showed no uptake in XRIE using rabbit antisera, indicating that the IgE was possibly specific for epitopes revealed by the dissociation of the whole IgG molecule.
Pollen Seasons: Forecasts of the Most Important Allergenic Plants in Finland
Authors: Koivikko A. , Kupias R. , Mäkinen Y. , Pohjola A.
Published: May 2007

Occurrence of airborne pollen in Finland has been studied for 10 years in Turku (southern Finland), 8 years in Oulu, 4 years in Kuopio (central Finland) and 7 years at Kevo (northern Lapland). Observations on the pollen seasons of alder, birch, grasses and mugwort are presented. All these pollens occur in south and mid‐ Finland in quantities capable of causing allergy symptoms. Except for birch pollen, allergenic pollens occur in far lower concentrations than in central Europe. In northern Lapland only birch and pine pollen concentrations are high. Pollens may occur without signs of local flowering when there are southerly winds. This findings suggests that long‐distance transport is an essential contributing factor to the occurrence of pollens. There are wide year‐to‐year variations in the start of pollen seasons could very much depend on the mean temperature in April. However, a forecasting model based on this and other spring‐time temperature parameters often fails to give sufficiently accurate forecasts.
Comparison of Two Assays for the Determination of Specific IgE in Serum of Atopic and Nonatopic Subjects: the Allergenetics FAST™ and the Phadezym RAST®
Authors: Pécoud A. , Peitrequin R. , Fasel J. , Frei P. C.
Published: May 2007

The FAST™ assay (Allergenetics) for the determination of specific IgE has recently been introduced. The results of this test, graded in classes 0 (negative), 1 (equivocal) and 2 to 6 (positive) were compared with those of another commercially available test (Phadezym RAST®, Pharmacia), graded from class 0 (negative) and classes 1 to 4 (positive). In 52 adults suffering from rhinitis/asthma, a total of 114 positive skin prick TESTS (SPT) were obtained for common respiratory allergens. In 67% of these tests the Phadezym RAST was positive and in 63% the FAST was positive (classes 2 to 6). In these patients there were 151 negative SPT: 6% corresponded to a positive Phadezym RAST (all class 1) and 34% to a positive FAST (classes 2 to 6). The serum of nine nonatopic volunteers who had negative SPT for 12 common allergens were tested. In none did the Phadezym RAST give any positive results; the FAST was positive in all nine sera, detecting between five and 11 allergens. When both assays were performed on 14 unselected cord blood samples, the Phadezym RAST was positive in three samples (with class 1 results to n maximum of two allergens), and the FAST was positive in 12 samples, detecting between one and seven allergens. Thus, in our hands, the FAST gave an abnormally high number of positive results in patients with negative SPT, in nonatopic volunteers, and in cord blood.
The in Vitro and in Vivo Effect of a New Non‐Halogenated Corticosteroid ‐ Budesonide ‐ Aerosol on Human Ciliary Epithelial Function
Authors: Duchateau G. S. M. J. E. , Zuidema J. , Merkus F. W. H. M.
Published: May 2007

The in vitro and in vivo effect on the ciliary epithelial function of a new corticosteroid (budesonide), with a high topical and negligible systemic activity, was investigated. Ciliary function is an important factor in the nasal clearance mechanism. It must not be hampered by drugs or additives. Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) was measured in vitro with a photo‐electric method. CBF appeared to be only slightly decreased by the budesonide and placebo aerosols. As there is no significant difference in ciliotoxicity between the aerosols, the small decrease may be caused by the solubilizing excipient. The influence of the aerosols in vivo was measured in human volunteers as changes in mucus transport time (MTT) with the indigocarmine/saccharine sodium method. Ciliotoxicity in vivo could not be found.
Nebulisead Sodium Cromoglycate in the Treatment of Wheezy Bronchitis A Multicentre Double‐Blind Placebo Controlled Study
Authors: Bertelsen A. , Andersen J. B. , Busch P. , Daugbjerg P. , Friis B. , Hansen L. , Jacobsen S. V. , Pelck I. , Petersen W. , Prahl P. , ØSterballe O. , ØStergaard G. Z.
Published: May 2007

The efficacy of nebulised sodium cromoglycate (SCG)used as a prophylactic treatment of wheezy bronchitis aged 1 to 4 years was evaluated in a Multicentre double blind placebo), preceded by 4–8 weeks baseline. Nebulished SCG did not prove significantly superior to placebo in reducing day wheezing, day coughing, or sleep disturbance due to wheezing or coughing at night. Neither was there significant difference in the use of supportive medicine (β2‐agonist and preference did not show significant difference either.
Oral Immunotherapy of Children with Rhinoconjunctivitis due to Birch Pollen Allergy A Double Blind Study
Authors: Möller C. , Dreborg S. , Lanner Å. , Björkstén B.
Published: May 2007

Thirty children with rhinoconjunctivitis due to birch pollinosis were treated in a double blind manner for 10 months with enteric‐coated capsules containing either a birch pollen preparation (n= 14) with doses up to 1.4 × 106 biologic units per day or placebo (n= 16). Compared with the placebo group the actively treated children had less symptoms during the birch pollen season after 3 months of therapy (P = 0.035). Skin prick reactions decreased significantly more in the active group than in the placebo group after 10 months (P = 0.01). Conjunctival sensitivity was lower in the active group than in the placebo group after 3 months of treatment (P = 0.01) but not after 10 months. Compared with the placebo group treated children more often increased their levels of IgG (P= 0.007) and pre‐seasonal IgE (P= 0.001) against birch. There was a seasonal increase of IgE antibody level against birch in the placebo but not in the treatment group (P < 0.001). None of the treated children developed asthma, compared with five of the untreated children. No general reactions occurred and few side effects were seen during the treatment period. We conclude that in children with birch pollinosis oral immunotherapy with high doses of a biologically potent preparation in enteric‐coated capsules is effective, easy to perform, economic and safe.
Intestinal Permeability as Assessed with Polyethyleneglycols in Birch Pollen Allergic Children Undergoing Oral Immunotherapy
Authors: Möller C. , Magnusson K.‐E. , Sundqvist T. , Stenling R. , Björkstén B.
Published: May 2007

Twenty‐four children with rhinoconjunctivitis due to birch pollinosis were treated in a double‐blind manner with enteric‐coated capsules containing either a high dose of a birch pollen preparation (n= 11) or placebo (n= 13). The permeability of the small intestine was analysed at three different occasions with a mixture of differently sized poly‐ethyleneglycols (PEG 400 and PEG 1000), before the start of oral immunotherapy (OIT), at the moment of maximum allergen dose, and after 3 months of therapy which was at the beginning of the pollen season. The actively treated children did not significantly change their permeability characteristics as determined from PEG recovery in the urine. By contrast, in the control group of patients the recovery of larger PEG molecules was decreased after 3 months of therapy, possibly due to the commencing pollen season. In addition, small bowel biopsies were taken at the time of maximum allergen dose from two children openly treated with OIT. Both specimens were normal.
Clinical and Immunological Effects of Oral Immunotherapy with a Standardized Birch Pollen Extract
Authors: Björkstén B. , Möller G. , Broberger U. , Ahlstedt S. , Dreborg S. , Johansson S. G. O. , Juto P. , Lanner Å.
Published: May 2007

Oral immunotherapy (IT) was evaluated in a pilot study in two centres in children aged 8–15 years with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. High doses (up to 20 × 106 BU monthly) of a defined freeze‐dried birch pollen extract administered in enteric‐coated gelatine capsules were given either daily for seven consecutive days every month or once weekly. Symptom scores, as assessed by sneezing, dripping and blockage of the nose, and redness, itching and swelling of the eyes, were significantly lower in treated patients compared to untreated, or placebo treated controls after 3 to 5 months of therapy. In all the 16 treated, but only in three of eight untreated patients, the scores were lower during the pollen season 1982 than during the pollen season preceding the treatment period, despite comparable pollen counts during the two seasons. One year after beginning treatment the reactivity in conjunctival provocation tests was decreased about 10‐fold (P < 0.001) in the patients receiving more than 2 × 105 BU monthly compared to about two‐fold in patients receiving lower doses, or placebo. Increased levels of IgE antibodies directed against birch pollen were recorded in the serum and saliva of most patients after 3–4 months of active IT. In contrast, IgG antibody responses were poor in most of the patients. Side effects, particularly from the gastrointestinal tract, appeared in all treated children. In one of t hem a systemic reaction occurred during IT. The study indicates that properly performed oral IT with a potent birch allergen extract in enteric‐coated capsules may be effective.
Maternal Smoking Leads to Increased Cord Serum IgG3
Authors: Magnusson C. G. M. , Johansson S. G. O.
Published: May 2007

IgG subclass levels in cord serum of unselected European newborns were studied in relation to parental smoking. Cord IgG3 was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in newborns of smoking mothers (n= 18; geom.mean = 87.0%) compared to those of non‐smoking mothers (n= 66; geom.mean = 61.0%). Maternal smoking did not influence (P > 0.10) cord IgG2 or cord IgG4. Paternal smoking did not affect any of the three immunoglobulins in cord serum (P > 0.10). These data suggest that tobacco smoking affects IgG3 synthesis in some direct or indirect way.
Sustained‐Release Terbutaline in Nocturnal Asthma
Authors: Westermann C. J. J. , Weelden B. M.van , Laros C. D.
Published: May 2007

Fifteen adult patients with nocturnal asthma entered a double blind study. They received single evening dose of one sustained‐release (SR) terbutaline tablet a 7.5 mg or an identical placebo tablet for 1 week, each in a randomised cross‐over fashion in addition to their usual medication. In the 12 evaluated patients there was no change in evening PEF but a significant improvement in morning PEF P < 0.05) and in overnight fall of PEF (P < 0.01) on active treatment. Symptoms improved by both placebo and active medication. Three patients experienced tremor as a side effect. A single evening dose of SR‐terbutaline can be of help in nocturnal asthma.
Isolation and purification of a major allergen from Parietaria officinalis pollen
Authors: Giuliani A. , Pini C. , Bonini S. , Mucci N. , Ferroni L. , Vicari G.
Published: May 2007

A major allergen of Parietaria officinalis, a species responsible for a large number of respiratory allergies in Mediterranean areas, has been identified and characterized. This allergen (Pol) was found in the fraction which precipitates between 70 and 100% ammonium sulphate saturation. Pol showed a molecular weight of 15,000 daltons as determined by SDS‐PAGE and HPLC. The pI of Pol was in the pH region 4‐6, IEF showing four major bands. Two major bands were shown by CIE, CRIE and immuno‐blotting; major contaminants or aggregates were also revealed by the latter technique and by HPLC. Pol showed an allergic specific activity 2 times higher than the crude extract; moreover it was shown to be a major allergen since it inhibited 29 out of 30 sera from allergic patients sensitive to P. officinalis.
Nasal challenge with serotonin in asymptomatic hay fever patients
Authors: Tønnesen P. , de Muckadell O. B. Schaffalitzky , Mygind N.
Published: May 2007

To study the nasal response to serotonin, 14 asymptomatic hay fever patients received intranasal serotonin in increasing doses. Itching and the number of sneezes were noted, and the amount of secretion was measured and assayed for substance P. Nasal airway resistance was recorded by active posterior rhinomanometry. Serotonin induced a dose‐dependent increase in nasal itching, number of sneezes and secretion. Substance P was found in 41 of 42 secretions. The median concentration was 10.3 pmol/1 (range 0‐28.9), and increased parallel to increasing doses of serotonin (P < 0.001).
High dose grass pollen tablets used for hyposensitization in hay fever patients
Authors: Mosbech H. , Dreborg S. , Madsen F. , Ohlsson H. , Stahl Skov P. , Taudorf E. , Weeke B.
Published: May 2007

Previous, plaeebo‐controlled clinical trials with oral hyposensitization in grass pollinosis have been disappointing. Since the results possibly could be explained by too low doses of ingested allergens, the present study was initiated to evaluate the effect of high doses of allergens. Forty‐two adults with symptoms in the grass pollen season and with grass pollen sensitivity demonstrated by skin prick test and conjunctival provocation test were included. Enterosoluble tablets were administered daily for 1 year. Twenty‐two patients, who completed the study, received placebo and 17 mixed grass pollen allergens from rye grass, timothy grass, cultivated rye and velvet grass. Evaluated either by self‐assessment or by symptom and medicine score before and after treatment, the group receiving pollens did not improve clinically compared the controls. During the study, conjunctival sensitivity decreased equally in the two groups, and changes in specific IgE, allergen‐induced histamine release from blood cells and skin prick test were insignificant and with no difference between groups. Five patients, who received pollen allergens, had episodes of urticaria or angioedema, and a furter three patients on the same treatment had slight gastrointestinal side effects. In conclusion, enterosoluble grass pollen allergens in contrast to birch pollens did not have any therapeutic effect, even in doses more than 4,000 times higher than those used for subcutaneous hypersensitization. The reason may be degradation of allergens before the immune system is reached.
House dust mite asthma
Authors: Mosbech H. , Dirksen A. , Madsen F. , Stahl Skov P. , Weeke B.
Published: May 2007

Fifty asthmatics, candidates for hyposensitization with the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp), went through a series of allergy tests to evaluate the sensitivity of different organs to Dp. All patients were exposed to bronchial challenge with histamine and bronchial, nasal and conjunctival challenge with Dp, skin prick test (SPT) with Dp, analyses for Dp‐specific histamine release from blood cells (HR) and for anti‐Dp‐IgE in serum (RAST). Results from 40 patients reacting positively in all tests were further analysed. Sensitivity to Dp in the various organs did not parallel, but a fair correlation was demonstrated between pulmonary allergen sensitivity and HR (r = 0.65, P < 0.001), and between pulmonary sensitivity to allergen and to histamine (r = 0.47, P < 0.001). Combined variations in HR and in (unspecific) bronchial sensitivity to histamine explained 53% of the variation in bronchial sensitivity to the allergen. This parameter showed less correlation to RAST and SPT (r = 0.31 and r = 0.35, P > 0.05). The results indicate that bronchial allergen challenge cannot be replaced by similar challenge of other organs, since the sensitivity of the mucosa in different organs of the same patient seems unrelated. Diagnosis should therefore be based on challenge of the organ with dominating clinical importance. In our selected group of patients, however, it was indicated that a substitution of the result of bronchial allergen challenge by measurement of unspecific bronchial reactivity, together with information on the general allergen sensitivity on a cellular level, might be possible. The unpleasant symptoms of the immediate and late bronchial reactions to allergen challenge could thereby be avoided.
Specific interaction of IgE antibodies with a carbohydrate epitope of honey bee venom phospholipase A2
Authors: Weber A. , Schröder H. , Thalberg K. , Marz L.
Published: May 2007

Phospholipase A2 (E.C. 3.1.1.4.) is a major allergen of honey bee venom. It exists in a glycosylated and an unglycosylated variant. Both forms and the glycopeptide isolated after exhaustive proteolytic digestion were tested in RAST and RAST inhibition studies. IgE from 11 of 14 bee venom allergy sera exhibited significantly higher, and in two cases exclusive, affinity towards glycosylated phospholipase. In RAST inhibition experiments using phospholipase coupled to discs five of the sera were completely inhibited by glycopeptide at 0.1 mg/ml; four sera were partially inhibited and two sera could not be inhibited. Glycoasparagine, lacking all amino acids except the carbohydrate‐linking asparagine, inhibits IgE‐binding to glycopeptide discs up to 100%. These data clearly demonstrate that an oligosaccharide of a structural type frequently found in glycoproteins can represent an epitope which is recognized by IgE antibodies from allergic patients, which are specifically directed against the parent glycoprotein.
House dust mites and human dander
Authors: Beck H.‐I. , Bjerring P.
Published: May 2007

The occurrence of house dust mites was measured in the homes of 12 patients with the scaly skin disease, psoriasis. The median number of mites in the mattress dust and floor dust was 27 (range 10–153)/0.1 g and 56 (range 12–114)/0.1 g respectively, which is significantly higher than the background pollution of house dust mites in normal Danish homes. The results support the idea that the amount of mites in our homes not only depend on relative air humidity but also on the production of dandruff.
Grave anaphylactic‐like reaction in the course of menstruation
Authors: Basomba Antonio , Guerrero M. , Campos A. , Peláz A. , Villalmanzo I. G.
Published: May 2007

The case of a woman with a serious anaphylactic pattern during menstruation is described. The patient had a clinical picture of urticaria, angioedema and shock at each menstruation for a period of 2 years until hysterectomy was performed. The studies showed no hormonal or immunological change. The only relevant finding was the extraordinarily strong vasodilating action of the menstrual fluid in the patient, and not in the controls. The results of the study suggest the possibility of two mechanisms: 1) an IgE‐mediated mechanism causing hypersensitivity to some metabolic substance in the menstrual fluid and 2) an excessive pharmacological vasodilatory action produced by the prostacyclin in the fluid itself.
The effect of a histamine synthesis inhibitor on the immediate nasal allergic reaction
Authors: Pipkorn U. , Granerus G. , Proud D. , Kagey‐Sobotka A. , Norman P. S. , Lichtenstein L. M. , Naclerio R. M.
Published: May 2007

We studied the effect of α‐fluoromethyl histidine, an irreversible histamine synthesis inhibitor, on the immediate nasal reaction to antigen challenge in a double‐blind, placebo controlled, randomized, parallel study using 13 subjects. The patients received either active drug 100 mg twice daily or placebo, for 3 weeks. A nasal allergen challenge was performed before and after at weekly intervals. Symptoms at challenge were assessed and the levels of histamine, TAME‐esterase activity and kinins were measured in nasal lavages before and after antigen challenge. Skin tests were also performed at weekly intervals. In addition, the urinary excretion of the main histamine metabolite, tele‐methylimidazole acetic acid, was measured before and after 3 weeks of treatment. The active treatment induced 60 % reduction in histamine levels in the lavage fluids before and after antigen challenge, as well as a reduction in the histamine levels in the lavage fluids before and after antigen challenge, as well as a reduction in the main urinary histamine metabolite. However, no reduction was found in nasal symptoms obtained after antigen challenge. The levels of kinins and TAME‐esterase activity were not significantly reduced.
Topical levocabastine, a selective H1 antagonist, in seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis
Authors: Bende M. , Pipkorn U.
Published: May 2007

Sixty‐six patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis due to birch pollens, participated in an efficacy evaluation of topically applied, nasal and ocular, levocabastine, a highly selective H1 antagonist. A single blind comparison was performed between nasal levocabastine and flunisolide, a topical glucocorticoid preparation. Ocular levocabastine was compared with topical naphazoline/antazoline eye drops. Nasal and ocular symptom scores were recorded during a 31‐day period. Pollen counts of birch pollens were done simultaneously. A global assessment of treatment efficacy was also made. In the comparison between the ocular treatments a significantly higher number of patients rated levocabastine excellent ‐ it also had the advantage of fewer daily administrations. For nasal symptom scores the topical glucocorticosteroid therapy was in favour by number of sneezes. As for side effects, 44% of the patients complained of local irritation from naphazoline/antazoline eye drops or flunisolide nasal spray, but none with the levocabastine preparations. Topical levocabastine may provide an interesting alternative in the treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
The influence of substance P on the proliferation of peripheral blood lymphocytes from normal individuals and birch pollen‐allergic patients
Authors: Nilsson G. , Rak S. , Ahlstedt S.
Published: May 2007

We have studied the influence of substance P (SP) on the proliferative response of concanavalin A (ConA)‐activated peripheral blood lymphocytes from 16 birch pollen‐allergic patients, sampled before and during the pollen season, and from 15 normal individuals. The median response to ConA 3μg/ml in the presence of SP 10‐11 ‐10‐6 M, was in most instances within ±10% of the control value for cells from both healthy and atopic individuals. However, the individual differences were considerable. Analysis of the proliferative responses to ConA of the cells from the allergic patients sampled before and during season, revealed higher responses in the presence of 10‐6 than of 10‐2 M SP. This was in contrast to the findings in the normal individuals: only half of their cells showed such increased responses. This difference in response frequency was statistically significant between allergic patients before season and normal individuals (P < 0.05) and between allergic patients during season and normal individuals (P < 0.01). The difference in proliferation rate in the SP concentration interval, 10‐6 to 10‐7 M, for the cells from allergic patients, sampled both before and during season, was significantly different from the cells from healthy individuals (P < 0.03 and P < 0.001 respectively). The cells sampled from four allergic subjects during the birch pollen season showed a more profoundly decreased response to ConA in the presence of SP 10‐8 M, compared with their cells sampled before season. Such responses were never seen with cells sampled before season and with cells from normal individuals. The results suggest an involvement of SP in the immunoregulation, particularly in patients exhibiting allergic reactions to birch pollen.
Fenoterol, a selective beta2‐adrenergic agonist, and inhibition of IgE‐mediated basophil histamine release
Authors: Morita Y. , Miyamoto T.
Published: May 2007

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of fenoterol, a selective beta2‐adrenergic agonist, on basophil histamine release. Fenoterol at 10‐7 to 103 M did not inhibit the release of histamine induced by Dermatophagoides farinae extract (D.f.) from leukocytes from allergic patients sensitive to mite. Similarly, there was no suppression of histamine release induced by anti‐IgE and formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine under the influence of fenoterol. Fenoterol caused a slight inhibition of the calcium ionophore A23187‐induced histamine release at 10‐3 M with % inhibition of 11.8 ± 2.4 (x∼± SEM, P < 0.05). There was no synergism between fenoterol and theophylline in inhibiting D.f.‐induced histamine release. Fenoterol did not suppress the release of histamine induced by antigen at low as well as high levels of release. Based on the data on the effect of fenoterol on IgE‐mediated histamine release, it was concluded that in contrast to a human lung mast cell system, the beta‐adrenergic receptor‐adenylate cyclase system is not a control mechanism in IgE‐mediated basophil histamine release.
Immunoglobulin subclass distribution of specific antibodies in allergic patients
Authors: Hammarströ L. , Smith C. I. E.
Published: May 2007

The IgG and IgA subclass distribution of specific antibodies against a variety of protein and polysaccharide antigens was determined in sera from individuals with high levels of IgE. No shift of the antibody pattern could be observed, suggesting that the aberrant regulation of responses against allergens noted in these patients is limited, encompassing selected antigens only. Antibodies against protein antigens are mainly of the IgG1 subclass. In addition, low levels of specific IgG3 or IgG4 antibodies may be formed. Our data suggest that a given antigen induces either IgG3 or IgG4 and that potential allergens, in addition to IgG1 and IgE, elicit a response restricted to IgG4.
Fixed ventilation during tidal volume breathing bronchial challenge may improve repeatability
Authors: Madsen F. , Frølund L. , Nielsen N. H. , Svendsen U. G. , Weeke B.
Published: May 2007

Tidal breathing during bronchial challenge shows both between‐ and within‐subject variation. A challenge protocol permitting controlled ventilation was designed in order to improve repeatability of the method. Twenty‐five patients were challenged twice with an interval of 2 h. The 2 min ventilation was kept constant at each concentration administered. During the 2 min inhalation of aerosol all expired air (VE) was led through a dry gas meter and respiratory frequency was counted concomitantly. The patients were instructed to achieve the same 2 min ventilation at each dosage. All patients accomplished the two challenges without problems. A PC20 was determined by interpolation on the log dose‐response curve. Repeatability was improved compared to what has been found in previous studies on adults, although statistically non‐significant when compared to one study. The 95% confidence interval for PC20 based on a single determination was rather narrow, being the observed value ± 0.58 two‐fold concentration differences.
Adrenocortical function in children on high‐dose steroid aerosol therapy
Authors: Prahl P. , Jensen T. , Bjerregaard‐Andersen H.
Published: May 2007

The adrenocortical function was investigated in 18 children treated with high‐doses of inhaled glucocorticoid aerosol (mean: 1965 μg/1.73 m2 body surface a day). Basal serum cortisol was only below the normal range in patients treated with doses exceeding 2500 μg/1.73 m2 body surface. 15 of 18 children had normal 24 h urinary free cortisol excretion, compared with 27 normal children matched for age, sex and body surface. Three patients taking more than 2400 μg/1.73 m2 body surface showed excretion values below the range for the normal controls. 10 of 12 patients showed a normal response to a short ACTH stimulation test. One patient treated with 3300 μg/1.73 m2 body surface showed no response and one patient gave a borderline response to ACTH. We concluded that doses up to 2000 μg/1.73 m2 body surface/24 h can be administered by pressurized aerosol with little risk of adrenocortical suppression.
Chip pile workers and mould exposure A preliminary clinical and hygienic survey
Authors: Jäppinen P. , Haahtela T. , Liira J.
Published: May 2007

Chip pile workers are exposed to high concentrations of airborne mould spores. Few sporadic cases of allergic alveolitis have been reported in Finland. Eight non‐smoking workers, six on chip piles and two on bark piles, were examined to study the immunological and clinical response to continuous mould spore exposure. The spore exposure ranged between 104 and 105 spores/m3. Three of the six chip pile workers had precipitating serum antibodies against Aspergillus fumigatus. The three antibody‐positive workers had a tendency to decreased total pulmonary diffusion capacity and vital capacity. Significant respiratory symptoms were not noted. Long‐term spore exposure may include an occupational health risk to chip pile workers.
House dust mite‐induced histamine release from washed blood cells
Authors: Mosbech H. , Stahl Skov P.
Published: May 2007

In a selected group of 60 house dust mite allergic asthmatics, the correlation between the bronchial sensitivity to house dust mite and effect parameters of mite‐induced histamine release from washed blood cells was evaluated. Using a sensitive glass microfibre‐based method, a significant positive correlation (r = 0.60; P < 0.001) was found between bronchial allergen sensitivity and basophil cell sensitivity expressed as the house dust mite concentration necessary to give half the maximum histamine release. No correlation was found between bronchial sensitivity and other parameters of the histamine release response. This way of determining the histamine release from washed blood cells is a simple and valuable alternative to bronchial allergen challenge.
Hypersensitivity reactions to food additives
Authors: Hannuksela M. , Haahtela T.
Published: May 2007

Only seldom have food additives been shown to cause true allergic (immunological) reactions. Adverse effects due to various pharmacological or other mechanisms are much more common. The individual tolerance may be decreased for one reason or another, and may fluctuate from time to time. Many patients suffering from food additive reactions have atopic constitutions and such clinical symptoms as flexural dermatitis, rhinitis and asthma. The most important skin symptoms caused by food additives are urticaria, angioneurotic edema, and contact urticaria. Azo dyes, benzoic acid and several other common food additives may aggravate or, more rarely, even cause urticaria. Spices are one of the most common causes of immunological contact urticaria. Non‐immunological contact urticaria is produced by numerous spices, benzoic acid, sorbic acid, cinnamic acid, and many essential oils. Asthma and rhinitis are the main hypersensitivity symptoms in the respiratory tract, and azo dyes, benzoic acid, and sulfitic food additives are the most common causative agents. Systemic and respiratory reactions to food colorants and benzoates have been claimed to occur more frequently in acetylsalicylic acid‐ (ASA‐)sensitive patients than in non‐reactors. Hypersensitivity reactions in organs other than the skin and respiratory tract are rare or poorly documented. Psychological factors play an essential role in both food and food additive reactions.
The effect of calcium antagonists on allergic pulmonary distress in actively sensitized rats
Authors: Korach E. S. , Carnathan G. W. , Aspinall R. L.
Published: May 2007

The induction of allergic pulmonary distress (APD) in ovalbumin sensitive rats can be used as a model of human allergic asthma. In this model, control animals exhibit a rapid decrease in minute volume (Vm) when challenged with ovalbumin (OA) by aerosol (3 % solution). The present study compared the effects of pretreatment with calcium antagonists on the induction of APD. By the aerosol route of administration, 5 min before OA, verapamil HCl (6% solution) significantly (P < 0.05) dampened the allergic response during all 12 min monitored. At an equivalent concentration, diltiazem aHCl significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited the response during 6 of 12 min, whereas nifedipine failed to significantly (P > 0.05) alter the response to OA. Verapamil and nifedipine proved to be equally effective in a dose‐dependent manner against OA‐induced APD, however, when administered orally (‐60 min, 5, 10 or 20 mg/kg). At doses of 10 mg/kg and higher, both calcium antagonists consistently inhibited (P < 0.05) the response. Diltiazem was inactive when administered orally at a dose as high as 20 mg/kg. The present data suggest that the calcium antagonists verapamil, nifedipine and diltiazem, can attenuate APD and therefore might be clinically active agents in the treatment of allergic asthma.
Eosinophil cationic protein and myeloperoxidase in nasal secretion as markers of inflammation in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Linder A. , Venge P. , Deuschl H.
Published: May 2007

The inflammatory component of allergic rhinitis was studied by measuring the concentration and content of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP, specific for eosinophils) and myeloperoxidase (MPO, specific for neutrophils) in samples of nasal secretion from 20 pollen‐allergic subjects. All secretion samples contained measurable concentrations of both proteins. The mean ECP concentrations on two occasions without pollen exposure were 950 and 1170 μg/1. The ECP concentration during the pollen season without any therapy (mean 1160 μg/l) did not differ significantly from the baseline values, but intranasal corticosteroid therapy resulted in a significant decrease (mean 530 μg/l). The concentration of MPO was about 10 times higher than that of ECP, but the changes in MPO were nonsignificant throughout the observation period. An inverse correlation was found between the threshold dose in histamine challenges and the ECP level expressed either as concentration or as content. Furthermore, the ECP concentration and content 1 day after a positive allergen challenge were both significantly correlated with the strength of the challenge reaction. Measurements of ECP in nasal secretions are useful for studying the presence and activity of eosinophils in the nasal mucosa, and may prove of value in clinical investigations on patients with allergic rhinitis.
Cell‐mediated immunity assessed by skin testing (Multitest®)
Authors: Moesgaard F. , Lykkegaard Nielsen M. , Nørgaard Larsen P. , Christophersen S. , Mosbech H.
Published: May 2007

The Multitest CMI system consists of a disposable multiple puncture device that simultaneously applies seven standardized recall antigens for assessment of cell‐mediated immunity (CMI). The seven antigens included were toxoid from Clostridium tetani and Corynebacterium diphthenae, tuberculin, plus antigens from streptococcus (group C), Candida albicans, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Proteus mirabilis. A population of 352 healthy Danish adults, aged between 17 and 90 years, was tested to determine the incidence and size of delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses. All but six healthy adults (98%) responded to one or more antigens, the median number of positive responses being four in males and three in females. The incidence of positive responses ranged from 91 % for tuberculin to 11 % for trichophyton. The number of positive responses declined with age, being somewhat faster in females than males. Six of the seven antigen response rates were significantly lower in the over 65‐years‐olds, the only exception being trichophyton, and for four of the seven antigens significantly lower in females compared to males. When correlated to age and sex no major differences were found with regard to the size of response to the seven antigens except that the tuberculin response was larger in males. A scoring system based on both number and size of positive responses revealed significant age and sex related differences. The median “score” in 17‐65‐year‐old males and females were, respectively, 17 mm and 14 mm compared to 13 mm and 8 mm in those over 65 years old (P 0.001 for both comparisons).
A preliminary evaluation of the effect of N‐acetyl‐aspartyl‐glutamate on pollen nasal challenge as measured by rhinomanometry and symptomatology
Authors: Ghaem A.
Published: May 2007

The preventive effect of a nasally administered single dose of the dipeptide N‐acetyl‐aspartyl‐glutamate (NAAGA) on pollen‐induced early nasal reaction as measured by rhinomanometry and symptomatology was investigated in a double‐blind cross‐over placebo controlled study in 18 patients with nasal sensitization to grass pollen. Mean nasal airways resistance at 20, 40, and 60 min post challenge was, respectively, 33%, 37% (P = 0.03) and 27% less after NAAGA than after placebo administration in the same patients. In contrast, no significant effect on sneeze count and rhinorrhoea was found.
Inhibition of T cell‐dependent antibody production by D‐penicillamine
Authors: Petersen J.
Published: May 2007

The effects of D‐penicillamine (D‐Pen) on the production of immunoglobulins (Ig) and anti‐microbial antibodies (Ab) by human mononuclear cells (MNC) cultured in vitro were analysed by haemolytic plaque forming cell (PFC) assays. Polyclonal Ig and Ab production, induced by pokeweed mitogen (PWM), was not affected by D‐Pen in pharmacologically relevant concentrations, unless Cu2+, was added. Likewise, D‐Pen + Cu2+, but not D‐Pen alone, affected polyclonal Ig production induced by Epstein‐Barr virus. The production of interleukin‐2 and B cell growth factor by phytohaemagglutinin‐stimulated T cells was not inhibited by D‐Pen; again D‐Pen + Cu2+ markedly reduced the production of these cytokines. By contrast, D‐Pen significantly reduced the antigen‐induced antibody production without requirement of additional Cu2+. Addition of cytokine‐containing supernatant to MNC treated with D‐Pen + Cu2+ tended to increase the PWM‐induced Ig responses, but had no effect on the antigen‐induced Ab production of MNC cultured with D‐Pen. Thus, the mechanisms by which D‐Pen suppresses polyclonal and antigen‐induced B lymphocyte responses are different.
Maternal abstention from cow milk and egg in allergy risk pregnancies
Authors: Fälth‐Magnusson K. , ÖMan H. , Kjellman N‐I. M.
Published: May 2007

To study the possibility of intrauterine sensitization, 212 women were enrolled on a voluntary basis into a prospective, randomized study, comparing the effects of an elimination diet and normal food during late pregnancy. The diet group took no cow milk and no egg from week 28 to delivery, and extra calcium and casein hydrolysate (Nutramigen ®) supplement was given to fill the nutritional needs of mother and child. The control group took normal food, including approximately 1/2 liter of milk/day and 3–5 eggs/week. All families had a history of allergy in mother, father, or sibling. Maternal weight gain during pregnancy was significantly lower in the diet group. Birth weights showed no significant difference between the two main groups, but smokers in the elimination diet group had significantly smaller babies. IgE antibodies to cow milk and egg were significantly higher in atopic than in non‐atopic women before the trial. The diet caused a significant fall in IgG‐antibodies to cow milk and egg in both atopic and non‐atopic subjects. Cord blood IgE determination revealed no significant difference between the groups. No IgE antibodies to cow milk or egg were detected in any of the cord sera. The participating babies are being followed up until 18 months of age.