bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occupational allergy to weeping fig in plant keepers
Authors: Axelsson I. G. K. , Johansson S. G. O. , Zettertö O.
Published: May 2007

Plant keepers take regular care of green plants in public buildings and offices. One of the most common green plants in Scandinavia is weeping fig (Ficus benjamina). We have previously reported on two plant keepers sensitized to this plant, one had asthma and the other allergic rhinitis. We now report a study of four plant‐leasing firms employing 60 plant keepers and 24 less exposed. Positive RAST and skin tests in 16 of the plant keepers and two of the employees showed them to be sensitized. All sensitized subjects suffered from conjunctivitis and/or rhinitis and six had asthma. Handling of green plants is a new example of an occupation which may cause IgE‐mediated allergy
Intramuscular betamethasone dipropionate vs. oral prednisolone in hay fever patients
Authors: Laursen L. C. , Faurschou P. , Pals H. , Svendsen U. G. , Weeke B.
Published: May 2007

In a double‐blind group comparative study, 36 adult, birch pollen‐allergic outpatients with seasonal rhinoconjunctivitis, were treated with either oral prednisolone 7.5 mg daily for 3 weeks or an injection with 2 ml suspension of betamethasone dipropionate and betamethasone disodium phosphate (Diprospan®) immediately prior to the birch pollen season. Both treatments were able to prevent an increase in symptoms from the nose and the eyes during the 3‐week birch pollen season. There was no significant difference in symptom score or nasal peak flow between the two treatments. However, there was a significant suppression of adrenal gland function after oral prednisolone treatment in contrast to Diprospan treatment. Unless there are contraindications for treatment with depot steroid injections (children, pregnant women, patients suffering from peptic ulcer, tuberculosis, eye disease, herpes, hypertension or diabetes) it seems to be a reasonable alternative to ored prednisolone in hay fever patients.
Granulocyte migration in vivo and in vitro in healthy children of parents with atopic asthma
Authors: Matusiewicz R. , Rusiecka‐Matisiewicz K.
Published: May 2007

Healthy children of atopically asthmatic parents received in vivo and in vitro granulocyte migration tests. Eleven children whose parents were both asthmatic showed statistically significant inhibition of granulocyte migration compared with controls.
Detection of specific IgE antibodies towards cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis felis) in patients with suspected cat allergy
Authors: Rlfsen W. , Schröder H. , Tibell C. , Tibell M.
Published: May 2007

Cat flea sensitivity is considered one of the most important skin diseases in cats and dogs. Cat fleas, however, are also a growing allergen problem for humans. Cat flea‐specific IgE antibodies were studied in serum samples from 70 patients with suspected cat allergy, using RAST‐based techniques and the nitrocellulose immunoblotting method. Results from RAST studies, using cat and cat flea as allergosorbents, showed that 46% of the patients were RAST positive against both cat and cat flea. 9 % of the patients were RAST positive only against the cat flea. The nitrocellulose immunoblotting experiments were in agreement with the RAST results showing specific IgE to cat flea. The results indicate that some cat‐allergic patients have specific IgE both towards cat and cat flea but also that some of the patients with suspected cat allergy might have specific IgE towards the cat flea and not the cat. RAST‐inhibition and immunoblotting experiments also indicate that the allergen composition of cat flea extract differs from that of cat extract, even if common allergens have been detected, leading to cross‐reactivity in some sera.
Reduction of histamine‐induced bronchoconstriction by magnesium in asthmatic subjects
Authors: Rolla G. , Bucca C. , Bugiani M. , Arossa W. , Spinaci S.
Published: May 2007

The effects of inhaled MgSO4 on histamine bronchoprovocation test (BPT) were studied in nine asthmatics in clinical remission (FEV1 > 80% of predicted). Patients performed histamine BPT on 2 separate days, one day after saline and the other after MgSO4 inhalation, in a randomized double‐blind design. Spirometry and flow/volume curve were recorded on each test day before and 5 min after NaCl or MgSO4. No significant difference was observed in lung function measurements 2 days before and after either NaCl or MgSO4. The dose of histamine which produced a 20% decrease in control FEV1 (PD20FEV1) was significantly increased by aerosolized MgSO4 (from 0.177 ± 0.036 mg after NaCl to 0.350 ± 0.085 after MgSO4, P < 0.05. After MgSO4 the dose‐steps of histamine concentration increased two‐fold in two subjects and one‐fold in five.
Allergy screening in asthma and allergic rhinitis
Authors: Eriksson N. E.
Published: May 2007

To detect atopy by a screening method employing skin prick testing with a limited number of allergens, the test results of 939 patients with allergic airways diseases were analysed. It was found that an allergen panel consisting of cat, timothy and house dust mite could detect 85% of atopic patients with asthma and/or rhinitis. For subgroups of patients the results were even more favourable. Thus 98% of atopic patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis were detected by an allergen panel consisting of timothy, birch and mugwort. It is concluded that screening methods using only three of four allergens could be used for detecting atopy in patients with airways diseases. The method should be most valuable for in vitro tests used in combination with standardized questionnaires.
Quantitative skin prick testing
Authors: Malling H.‐J.
Published: May 2007

Dose‐response curves of histamine‐ and allergen‐induced wheal areas were evaluated in seven normals (defined as negative skin prick test (SPT) to inhalant allergens and no clinical signs of allergy), seven latent allergies (positive SPT without allergic symptoms), and 20 manifest allergies (positive SPT and allergic symptoms). Three concentrations of histamine HCl (1, 10 and 100 mg/ml) and three 10‐fold concentrations of nine inhalant allergens (birch, timothy, mugwort, horse, dog, cat, house dust mite, Cladosporium and Alternaria) in concentrations 1,000 10,000 and 100,000 BU/ml were used and linear regression was performed on the skin reactions. Only tests with an SD% < 40%, a log slope > 0.1, and a correlation coefficient > 0.95 were accepted. In normals a significantly higher concentration of histamine was needed to elicit a wheal reaction of 2 mm2 (end‐point) compared with allergies. Likewise, normals had a significantly higher slope i.e. steeper dose‐response curve of histamine than manifest allergies. The slope of the allergen‐induced wheal area was significantly higher than the histamine slope. No relation between corresponding slope of histamine and allergens was found (Rho = 0.15). The skin sensitivity equivalent to histamine calculated as the allergen concentration eliciting a wheal equal to histamine showed a median increase of 5–6 fold in allergen concentration by a 10‐fold increase of histamine concentration. The highest correlation between the wheal area of a single allergen concentration and the skin sensitivity was found for allergen concentration 100,000 BU. Based on these results it is recommended that biological standardization of allergen extracts is based on quantitative skin titration of at least three 10‐fold concentrations of both histamine and allergens and the biological activity (HEP unit) re‐defined from histamine HCl 10 mg/ml.
Tree pollen allergy
Authors: Eriksson N. E. , Wihl J‐Å. , Arrendal H. , Strandhede S.‐O.
Published: May 2007

872 adult hay fever patients were investigated with skin tests, using 20 different tree pollen allergens, and Phadebas RAST®, using eight different tree pollen allergens. Correlation between test results with the different allergens were studied employing the Spearman's correlation coefficient (Rho). Most combinations showed statistically significant correlations. The highest values of Rho (0.8–0.9) were found for pollen from combinations of trees belonging to the families Betulaceae, Corylaceae and Fagaceae (birch, alder, hazel, beech and oak). High values were also found between pollens from aspen and sallow (belonging to Salicaceae). With several of the trees a high degree of pollen cross sensitization was found, even with trees from a different plant family. Since most of the patients were allergic to birch pollen, some of the reactions to other pollens could be due to allergens shared by birch. To exclude this possibility, a separate analysis was performed for patients having no birch pollen allergy. Even in these patients evidence of cross sensitization was found. It is concluded that cross reactions are common among tree pollens and are most pronounced within botanical families.
Detailed IgG and IgE antibody patterns during immunotherapy with honey bee venom
Authors: Uhlin T. , Nordvall S. L. , ÖHman S. , Einarsson R.
Published: May 2007

Fourteen patients with a known honey bee venom (HBV) allergy were followed during 1–2 years of immunotherapy. HBV‐specific IgG antibody levels increased in all patients but one. HBV‐specific IgE antibodies decreased slightly during the first year of therapy. The ratio HBV‐specific IgG‐/IgE showed a marked increase during the first year for most of the patients, and a further increase during the second year in the four patients followed that long. As could be expected an increased radiostaining was found after 1 year of treatment to all important allergens in IgG CRIE, but after 2 years a sustained or increased radiostaining was obtained to phospholipase (PLA) alone. A decreased radiostaining might more easily be seen with weaker immunogens.
Experimental allergic conjunctivitis in inbred guinea pig strains with high respectively low bronchial allergic reactivity
Authors: Lundberg L. , Bertelsen C. , Zavaro A. , Samra Z. , Sompolinsky D.
Published: May 2007

Inbred guinea pigs selected for high (IMM/S) respectively low (IMM/R) responsiveness to ovalbumin (OA) as measured by induced respiratory anaphylaxis, were investigated for atopic immune responses of their conjunctival mucosa. IMM/S animals sensitized either by inhalation of OA, or by instillation of antigen into the conjunctival sac, developed regularly an acute ocular inflammatory response to topical (conjunctival) challenge with the allergen. A minimum of 1 μg OA dropped repeatedly into the conjunctival sac was enough for both ocular and systemic sensitization of the animals, but the minimal dose of effective challenge was considerably higher. In IMM/R animals, ocular hypersensitivity was not achieved by inhalation of OA, but after topical administration of the antigen some of the IMM/R strains could be challenged to ocular anaphylactic responses of the same intensity as observed in IMM/S animals. The conjunctivae of both IMM/S and IMM/R animals could be sensitized passively by intraperitoneal injection of guinea pig sera containing homocytotropic antibodies to OA, but topical administration of such sera had no effect.
Serum levels of total IgE in non‐allergic children
Authors: Berciano F. A. , Crespo M. , Bao C. G. , Alvarez F. V.
Published: May 2007

The purpose of this study was to establish the range of total serum IgE in a healthy population lacking personal and family history of allergy, as well as the influence of genetic factors (family history of allergy), environmental factors (degree of air pollution), age, and sex on the serum IgE levels. Using a commercial enzyme immunoassay (Phadezym® IgE Prist) the mean serum level of IgE was determined in 363 non‐atopic children from 0 to 12 years of age. The geometric mean of serum IgE increased according to age, indicating a positive correlation between both. Higher mean values of serum IgE were found for children with a family history of allergy, than for children without (27.82 and 14.49 U/ml respectively). The percentage of variation due to age was about 94.5 % in children with no family history of allergy. The mean value of serum IgE increased with the degree of air pollution in the living area (15.49 U/ml in non‐polluted areas, 20.78 U/ml in very polluted areas). However, the influence of air pollution was smaller than the influence of family history on the mean values of serum IgE. The mean value of serum IgE was not modified by sex.
Studies on the anti‐allergic action of N‐(3′,4′dimethoxycinnamoyl) anthranilic acid (N‐5′)
Authors: Hamel R. , Ford‐Hutchinson A. W. , Piechuta H.
Published: May 2007

The effects of the anti‐allergic compound N‐(3′,4′‐dimethoxycinnamoyl) anthranilic acid (N‐5′ or Tranilast) have been investigated upon antigen‐induced contractions of respiratory smooth muscle in vitro and bronchoconstriction in vivo. N‐5′ (3.1 × 10−5 M) in vitro had no significant effect upon antigen‐induced contractions of the guinea pig trachea. However, when tested at concentrations of 9.2 and 3.1 × 10−5M, but not 0.9 × 10−5, N‐5′ significantly inhibited antigen‐induced contractions of the human parenchyma. In vivo N‐5′ (5 and 10 mg/kg p.o.) failed to inhibit antigen‐induced dyspnea in hyperreactive rats, N‐5′ (20 mg/kg p.o.) also failed to inhibit the immediate bronchoconstriction following ascaris challenge of conscious squirrel monkeys but significantly attenuated the reduction in dynamic compliance during the pulmonary late phase response observed between 4 and 10 h after antigen challenge. It is suggested that N‐5′ does not act as a “cromoglycate‐like” compound but may have novel mechanisms of action in human bronchial asthma.
Histamine release from basophil leukocytes induced by microbial antigen preparations in patients with AIDS
Authors: Pedersen M. , Permin H. , Jensen C. , Skov P. Stahl , Norn S. , Faber V.
Published: May 2007

Type I allergy against some common microorganisms was investigated in 14 patients with AIDS and 11 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody‐positive homosexual men, and in a control group consisting of 13 heterosexual men without HIV antibodies. Basophil histamine release technique was used as a sensitive method to detect type I allergy against Candida albicans (CA), Herpes simplex virus type I (HSV‐I) and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Of the 14 AIDS patients 11 (78%) showed significant histamine release when stimulated with CA, and HSV‐I caused release in 10 (71 %), whereas no response was obtained by CMV. In the group of HIV antibody‐positive men only one released histamine when stimulated with CA and HSV‐I and this patient also had lymphadenopathia. In contrast to these results, no release of histamine was obtained in the control group consisting of 13 heterosexual men. The histamine release caused by CA and HSV‐I is mediated by an immunological reaction, since the release was abolished and regained by removal from and refixation to the cell surface of the cell‐bound immunoglobulins. These results suggest an involvement of type I allergy as a pathogenetic co‐factor in some infections in AIDS, and allergic type I reactions to CA and HSV‐I might be an indicator for the presence of manifest AIDS.
Double‐blind comparison of the protective effect of sodium cromoglycate and ketotifen on exercise‐induced asthma in adults
Authors: Tan W. C. , Lim T. K.
Published: May 2007

In a double‐blind double‐placebo study 10 asthmatics exercised on a treadmill after treatment for 1 week with placebo, or ketotifen 1 mg twice daily, or SCG 10 mg four times daily. The post‐exercise percentage fall in FEV1 after SCG but not after ketotifen was significantly smaller than after placebo. A 1‐week treatment with SCG but not ketotifen protected against EIA.
An unexpected reaction towards disodium cromoglycate
Authors: Kjørven Skarpaas I. J.
Published: May 2007

In recent years disodium cromoglycate has become a useful tool in handling allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma. Very few side effects have been reported, and the drug's working mechanism is thought to be its “mast cell stabilizing” effect. A patient with an immediate type I reaction to DSCG is reported on.
Nebulization and selective deposition of LTD4 in human lungs
Authors: Bisgaard H. , Poulsen L. , Søndergaard I.
Published: May 2007

The process of nebulization and deposition of LTD4 was studied in detail. The concentration of LTD4 in a saline solution decreased by approximately 90 % after 2 min of nebulization in a DeVilbiss 35B ultrasonic nebulizer. This decrease was prevented by diluting LTD4 in a phosphate buffer, pH 7.4. Nebulization of tritiated LTD4 in this phosphate buffer did not cause any appreciable deterioration of the leukotriene, as demonstrated by an unchanged ratio between radioactivity and LTD4 concentration in the test solution before and after nebulization as well as in the condensed aerosol. The aerosol generated by the DeVilbiss 35B ultrasonic nebulizer was shown to generate particles with a mass median diameter of 1.3 microns (dry particle size). Interposition of a settling bag reduced the amount of large particles, reducing the mass median diameter to 0.84 microns (dry particle size). Nine healthy volunteers were challenged on separate days with 40 nmol LTD4 or 100 nmol histamine, and the changes in FEV, and partial flow volume curves initiated at 50% of vital capacity (Vmax30) were measured. A relative diffuse deposition pattern was ensured by inhalation via a settling bag. These results were compared to challenges with a relatively central deposition pattern as ensured by inhalation directly from the nebulizer with brisk inhalation maneuvers. The diffuse deposition pattern caused minimal changes in FEV, but pronounced effect in Vmax30. The effects of LTD4 and histamine on FEV, and Vmax30 changed in parallel when the deposition of the mediators was changed to a more central pattern. This indicates that the two mediators do not differ with respect to any selective effects on different parts of the airways.
Treatment of hay fever with sodium cromoglycate, hyposensitization, or a combination
Authors: Andersen N. H. , Jeppesen F. , Schiøler T. , ØSterballe O.
Published: May 2007

In 77 consecutive patients with grass pollen rhinitis as the only allergic disease, treatment with sodium cromoglycate (SCG) nasal spray, hyposensitization with aluminium hydroxide adsorbed extract of grass pollen as perennial treatment, and a combination of the two was compared. Specific serum‐IgE, IgG and IgG4 were determined in patients who participated in three consecutive seasons. Significant immune response was found in the hyposensitization group, but not in the group treated with SCG. No correlation between the immunoglobulin responses and the individual symptom and/or medicine scores was found. Symptom and medicine scores were analysed in the 3 weeks with the highest pollen counts each year during 4 consecutive years. Higher scores were found in the group treated with sodium cromoglycate compared with the other two groups, but the difference was only significant for eye and total symptoms in the first season. None of the groups, however, suffered from more than mild to moderate symptoms even in the weeks with peak pollen counts. A significantly larger decrease in the wheals of the skin prick test was shown during hyposensitization than during treatment with SCG. No difference was found in the frequency of patients who became symptom‐free or developed pollen asthma.
Comparison of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergens from culture medium extract and whole body extract by using the same probe of pooled human serum
Authors: Abe T. , Ishii A.
Published: May 2007

Two distinct allergens of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus were isolated from culture medium extract and whole body extract monitored by the same probe of pooled human serum and compared. IgE‐binding activity of allergens from the two sources was detected by microplate‐ELISA with the same probe throughout the column chromatography. An allergen obtained from culture medium extract (Ag‐CME) had a molecular weight of 27,000 by SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and two isoelectric point ranges, pI 4.0–4.7 and 5.9–6.8. Another allergen from whole body extract (Ag‐WBE) had a molecular weight of 15,000 by SDS‐PAGE and an isoelectric point range, pI 4.8–5.3. Ag‐CME and Ag‐WBE are probably the same allergens as antigen P1 and DpX, respectively.
Release of antigens and allergens during shake‐culture of Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Harvey C. , Longbottom J. L.
Published: May 2007

The appearance of IgG and IgE binding components in the medium of shake cultures of Aspergillus fumigatus has been studied. Cultures were grown in synthetic asparagine medium at 35°C and flasks harvested in duplicate 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 14 days after inoculation. The pH of the medium dropped from its initial value of 5.5 to pH 3, and then after 4 days gradually increased up to pH 7.5 in the 14‐day medium. The weight of mycelium, after an initial peak followed by a slight decline, increased as the pH of the medium increased. Components able to bind IgG and IgE from pooled ABPA sera were detected by crossed immunoelectrophoresis/self‐crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis within 24 h of growth, but maximal release of both antigens and allergens coincided with the increase in pH of the medium and was seen in the 14‐day culture filtrate. Two recognised “major” antigens, Ag 7 and Ag 13, detected using the relevant monospecific antisera, were present in the culture medium after 14 days of growth and similarly for Ag 3, the major allergen, although another allergen, Ag 1, was identified in the 1‐day extract. None of the culture filtrates was found to contain the “C‐substance” polysaccharide.
A new glass microfibre‐based histamine analysis for allergy testing in children
Authors: Nolte H. , Schiøtz O. , Skov P. Stahl
Published: May 2007

A new microfibre method for allergy testing measuring histamine release from human basophil leukocytes is described. Samples of 50 μl washed blood are challenged with the suspected allergens. Released histamine is bound to microfibres and measured by a spectrofluorometrical method after removal of interfering substances by washing. The microfibre method (HR‐MM) was compared to the conventional histamine release assay using the Ficoll‐Hypaque gradient method (HR‐FH) in 19 allergic children tested with one of three allergens. In addition, a comparison was made between the microfibre method and in vivo provocation tests, i.e. skin prick test (SPT), bronchial provocation test (BPT) and allergen specific serum IgE (RAST). It was found that the same individuals responded with histamine release to the same allergens in both histamine release assays, and the dose‐response curves were almost identical. A positive correlation was found between the in vivo and in vitro tests. Thus it is concluded that the new method can provide reproducible, analytically precise (at the nanogram level) histamine release results in pediatric cases where: 1) a positive SPT does not correlate with case history; 2) BPT may be considered too hazardous or inconvenient; 3) confirmation of negative or inconclusive SPT or RAST is needed. In contrast to other histamine release assays it is a convenient diagnostic tool in children since only small amounts of blood are needed and at least 96 tests can be carried out in 21/2 h
Flowers and other trigger factors in asthma and rhinitis ‐ an inquiry study
Authors: Eriksson N. E. , Löwhagen O. , Nilsson J.‐E. , Norrlind K. , Wihl J.‐Å.
Published: May 2007

Six hundred and eighty adult patients with asthma and/or rhinitis were questioned about symptoms elicited by 46 different flowers and 10 common non‐specific environmental trigger factors listed in a questionnaire. Flowers or birch twigs were reported to elicit symptoms in 79% of the patients, somewhat more often in rhinitis than in asthma patients, and caused symptoms as often in non‐atopics as in atopics. Birch twig and marguerite most frequently induced symptoms, followed by strongly smelling flowers such as hyacinth, lilac, and lily of the valley. Un specific irritants caused symptoms in 98% of the asthmatics and in 67% of patients with rhinitis. Tobacco smoke and perfumes were the most important troublemakers. A significant positive correlation was found for elicitation of symptoms from flowers and from certain non‐specific irritants. It is concluded that non‐specific hyperreactivity as well as reaginic hypersensitivity are the mechanisms involved when birch twigs and flowers elicit symptoms.
Cross‐reactivity among birch pollen, vegetables and fruits as detected by IgE antibodies is due to at least three distinct cross‐reactive structures
Authors: Calkhoven P. G. , Aalbers M. , Koshte V. L. , Pos O. , Oei H. D. , Aalberse R. C.
Published: May 2007

Sera of patients suffering from birch pollinosis were studied in the radio‐allergo‐sorbent test (RAST) for the presence of IgE antibodies to various allergens of vegetable origin. The sera selected were positive in the RAST for both birch pollen and fruits. IgE antibodies directed against at least three different cross‐reacting determinants in birch pollen were detected. In addition to periodate‐susceptible cross‐reacting determinants, which are found on a number of glycoproteins, two non‐related periodate‐resistent determinants were found in birch pollen, with molecular weights of 20 and 18 kD, respectively. The 20‐kD component appears to be responsible for the co‐occurrence of the binding of IgE to allergens of fresh fruits, whereas the 18‐kD component appears to cause the cross‐re activity among grass pollen, potato and fruits.
Proposed guidelines for quantitative skin prick test procedure to determine the biological activity of allergenic extracts using parallel line assay
Authors: Malling H.‐J.
Published: May 2007

Guidelines are proposed for determining the potency of allergenic extracts in relation to a reference extract using parallel line bio‐assay. The practical performance, limitations, and advantages of skin prick test are discussed.
Cellular immunity and IgE levels in atopic patients
Authors: Frajman M. , González L. , Alvarado A. , Yock J.
Published: May 2007

Twenty young adult atopic patients and their matched controls were studied. Spontaneously generated and Con‐A‐induced suppressor T cell functions as well as Natural Killer (NK) activity against K‐562 target cells, measured in a short‐time 3H‐thvmidine uptake were evaluated suppressor T cell activity in the patients was more than 2 SD lower than that found in the controls and there was, contrary to expectation, a direct correlation between suppressor function and serum IgE levels. Atopic patients showed a statistically significant lower NK activity than normal controls when related to a low IL‐2 production, Both facts inversely correlated with the concentration of IgE in serum. We concluded that atopic patients' vulnerability to viral infections may be due to defective NK activity. Suppressor T cell function is abnormal in these patients. Both defects could be due to a faulty immunoregulatory helper function.
Atopic babies with wheezy bronchitis
Authors: Geller‐Bernstein G. , Kenett R. , Weisglass L. , Tsur S. , Lahav M. , Levin S.
Published: May 2007

Clinical course and sequential IgE values were recorded in a 4‐year prospective study of 80 atopic wheezing babies at ages from 6 months to 4–5 years. At final assessment, 68% of the children had been symptom‐free for at least 1 year whilst 32% still suffered from wheezing attacks. Total IgE levels from the first visit until final assessment were > 2 SD above normal for age in 63% of all children, but no significant correlation could be found between sequential IgE levels and the clinical picture or course of the disease. In all cases IgE levels rose steadily with increasing age, independently of whether wheezing disappeared or persisted. The most significant rise in IgE values occurred between 1 and 2 years of age, and IgE levels at 4 years could be predicted by the value at the age of 2 years (r = 0.97). In the group of children that lost their wheezing tendency there was: at, a significantly greater number of infants that were breast‐fed during at least the first 3 months of life (P < 0.01), b), a lower incidence of exposure to parental smoking (P < 0.01), and c), a lesser incidence of lower respiratory tract infections (P < 0.01). Though there was no correlation between increase of IgE levels and type of feeding or exposure to cigarette smoke, statistical data confirms that bottle feeding and parental smoking lead to persistence of wheezing in atopic children.
Effect of interleukin 2 on basophil histamine release
Authors: Morita Y. , Goto M. , Miyamoto T.
Published: May 2007

Accumulating evidence suggests a link between immediate hypersensitivity and cellular immunity. In this study, we examined the effect of interleukin 2 (IL‐2) on basophil histamine release. Histamine‐releasing activity of IL‐2 was very weak with % histamine release of 2.9 ± 1.3 (mean ± SEM, n= 9) at 1:12 dilution. IL‐2 at 1:1200 dilution slightly inhibited anti‐IgE‐induced histamine release by 22.4 ± 18.6% (P > 0.05). There was a significant potentiation of release at 1:12 dilution of IL‐2 with % enhancement of 78.7 ± 42.2 (P < 0.05). IL‐2 enhanced the calcium ionophore A23187‐induced histamine release in a dose‐dependent fashion. IL‐2 at 1:12 dilution significantly potentiated release by 28.8 ± 6.3% (P < 0.05). There was a slight suppression of formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (FMLP)‐induced histamine release at 1:1200 dilution with % inhibition of 23.4 ± 7 4 (P > 0.05). At 1:12 dilution, IL‐2 significantly potentiated FMLP‐induced release by 73.7 ± 41.6% (P < 0.05). Recombinant IL‐2 (RIL‐2) augmented anti‐IgE‐induced histamine release with a significant enhancement at 200 units/ml. Conventional IL‐2 was more potent than RIL‐2 in enhancing release. These results indicate that IL‐2 enhances basophil histamine release and some part of the effect of IL‐2 on basophils is derived from other factors contained in conventional IL‐2.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis treated with a beta‐2‐adrenostimulant
Authors: Borum P. , Larsen F. Schultz
Published: May 2007

The aim of the study was to investigate whether topical application of a beta‐2‐adre‐nostimulant (fenoterol) on the mucous membrane has a clinically signification anti‐allergic effect. Thirty‐three patients with grass pollen hay fever completed the trial which was a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled cross‐over design. After a run‐in period the patients received two puffs of 50 Hg fenoterol 4 times a day or placebo for 21/2 weeks before crossover. Symptoms were scored on diary cards and there was a moderate, but significant effect of fenoterol on sneezing but the effect on secretion and blockage was insignificant it is concluded that beta‐2‐stimulating agents are not competitors to the very effective topical steroids
Substance P and vasoactive intestinal peptide in serotonin‐induced nasal secretions in normal subjects
Authors: Tønnesen P. , Muckadell O. B. Schaffalitzky de
Published: May 2007

The aim of this study was to examine if nasal secretions contained substance P and/or vasoactive intestinal peptide. Serotonin nasal challenge was performed in 14 normal subjects 15 min after intranasal pretreatment (double‐blind) with atropine, methysergide, chlorpheniramine or isotonic saline. Serotonin induced a dose dependent increase in secretion (P < 0.05), and only pretreatment with atropine reduced the secretion (P < 0.02). Substance P, measured by radioimmunoassay, was found in all of the examined secretions (n= 100) with a median concentration of 13.7 pmol/1 (range 1.7–125.0). Serotonin challenge increased the concentration or content of substance P in a dose‐related fashion (P < 0.01). The different pretreatments did not affect the concentration of substance P. Vasoactive intestinal peptide was found in low concentration in 37% of the secretions with a median concentration of 0 pmol/1 (range 0–50.0).
Influenza A virus potentiates basophil histamine release caused by endotoxin‐induced complement activation
Authors: Clementsen P. , Jensen C. B. , Hannoun C. , Søborg M. , Norn S.
Published: May 2007

Histamine release from human basophil leukocytes was triggered by complement activation by means of endotoxins isolated from E. coli and Salmonella bacteria. Influenza A virus was found to enhance the mediator release, and the effect was caused by synergism, since virus itself did not release histamine. The potentiating effect was similar in cells from normal individuals and from patients with intrinsic asthma. The involvement of viral neuraminidase was examined by a potent neuraminidase inhibitor and this inhibitor completely abolished the potentiating effect by virus. A purified neuraminidase preparation obtained from Vibrio cholerae caused a similar potentiating effect in mediator release and the effect was abolished by the neuraminidase inhibitor. These findings indicate that viral neuraminidase is responsible for the potentiating effect of virus on the histamine release. This effect might play a role in septic conditions and possibly contribute to asthmatic attacks by infections.
In vitro diagnosis of atopic allergy in children
Authors: Gustafsson D. , Danielsson D.
Published: May 2007

A new multi RAST (Phadiatop®) was compared with conventional RAST and total IgE determination (PRIST) for the diagnosis of IgE‐mediated allergy in children. Serum specimens were tested from 100 children with a suspected IgE‐mediated allergy, restricted to the eyes and/or the respiratory tract, to inhalant allergens. Compared with a RAST panel of 12 allergens representing seven groups, the new multi RAST showed a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 100% with a predictive value for positive test of 100% and for negative test of 91%. Corresponding figures for total IgE elevated > 2 SD above mean determined with PRIST were 47%, 88% 84% and 56% respectively. We conclude that multi RAST might be a good adjunct to the clinical diagnosis of IgE‐mediated allergy to inhalant allergens.
Turbuhaler®: a new device for dry powder terbutaline inhalation
Authors: Johnsen C. R. , Weeke E. Rung
Published: May 2007

The aim of this study was to compare bronchodilator response and adverse effects of terbutaline when administered with the metered dose inhaler (MDI) Bricanyl® and with the dry powder inhaler Bricanyl Turbuhaler® (BT). Nine adult patients with bronchial asthma participated. The study was of an open crossover design. At 30–min intervals the patients inhaled increasing doses of terbutaline (0.25 mg to 5.0 mg cumulated) from either the conventional MDI or from the BT. After each inhalation FEV1, FVC, heart rate, muscle tremor and adverse effects were recorded. Both treatments, BT and MDI, resulted in a dose‐related increase in lung function, without any statistical difference. Taste sensation, muscle tremor and increase in heart rate were observed in both groups. Because of the design of the BT one may assume that inhalation failure can be avoided.
Prevention of exercise‐induced asthma by drugs inhaled from metered aerosols
Authors: Svenonius E. , Arborelius M. , Wiberg R. , Ekberg P.
Published: May 2007

The capacity of salbutamol 0.3 mg (SAL), disodium cromoglycate 3 mg (DSCG), a combination (SAL + DSCG), and ipratropium bromide 80 ug (IB), all given as metered aerosols to prevent exercise‐induced (EIA), was compared with that of a placebo, a peroral lactose pill. Seven children participated, having reproducible EIA provoked by running on a treadmill at a heart rate of 170 sustained for 6 min. FEV, and volume of trapped gas (VTG), defined as the air volume released during rebreathing oxygen with maximum breaths at the end of a multiple breath nitrogen wash out, were used as tests of spasm in large and small airways. SAL and SAL + DSCG offered complete protection in large and small airways. DSCG and IB prevented EIA in large airways (FEVj) to 95%, but only to about 50% in small airways (VTG). SAL or SAL + DSCG gave significantly better protection (FEV1 and VTG) than DSCG and IB (P < 0.01). Differences between DSCG and IB were not statistically significant. DSCG or propellant caused significant irritation and spasm in small airways (VTG) before exercise. Most subjects seemed to obtain satisfactory protection against EIA by β2‐agonists.
Effects of nedocromil sodium (Tilade®) on the activation of human eosinophils and neutrophils and the release of histamine from mast cells
Authors: Moqbel R. , Cromwell O. , Walsh G. M. , Wardlaw A. J. , Kurlak L. , Kay A. B.
Published: May 2007

The ability of nedocromil sodium, a new anti‐inflammatory agent for the treatment of asthma, to inhibit activation of human eosinophils and neutrophils in vitro, has been studied using an adherence reaction (the “rosette” technique) as well as a cytotoxicity assay. We have also investigated the capacity of nedocromil sodium to inhibit IgE‐ dependent histamine release from human lung mast cells. The drug was a potent inhibitor (IC50 approx 5 × 10‐9M) of fMLP‐induced enhancement of eosinophil and neutrophil complement (C3b) and IgG (Fc) rosettes. There was also a comparable inhibition of enhancement, by fMLP, of eosinophil and neutrophil cytotoxicity (for complement‐coated schistosomula of Schistosoma mansoni). Although nedocromil sodium also inhibited histamine release from human lung mast cells in a dose‐dependent fashion its activity was relatively weak (IC30 5 × 10‐6M) compared to its effect on granulocytes. These experiments support the view that the principal mode of action of nedocromil sodium is its capacity to inhibit the activation of inflammatory cells.
Prognosis of patients reacting with urticaria to insect sting
Authors: Engel T. , Heinig J. H. , Weeke E. R.
Published: May 2007

Insect sting challenge in 14 patients with urticarial reaction to last insect sting resulted ia two systemic reactions (95% confidence limits 0–6 patients), a reaction rate of 14%. Skin prick test, basophil histamine release, RAST, and allergen‐specific IgG, alone or in conjunction, could not indicate the patients to react systemically after sting challenge. Further, the systemic reactions were uninfluenced by type of insect and time elapsed since last insect sting. It is concluded that the reaction to future insect stings cannot be predicted by the immunological tests presently available.
Prevention of mite infestation of bedding by means of an impregnated sheet
Authors: Burr M. L. , Dean B. V. , Butland B. K. , Neale E.
Published: May 2007

A randomized controlled trial was conducted to test the effect of a sheet impregnated with benzyl benzoate in preventing mite infestation of new bedding. Impregnated sheets were placed on the mattresses of 17 subjects, while 19 subjects received placebo sheets. Over the following 2 years infestation occurred more commonly, and tended to be heavier, in the beds with inactive sheets than in those with impregnated sheets; among the 27 beds with three items of new bedding sampled on four occasions, a mite count of five or more occurred significantly more often where the sheet was inactive than where it was active (11 of 13 and 5 of 14 respectively). The application of a sheet impregnated with benzyl benzoate appears to prevent mite infestation and may be useful for patients with mite allergy who obtain new bedding as part of a mite‐avoidance regimen.
Effect of nasal allergen challenge on serotonin, substance P and vasoactive intestinal peptide in plasma and nasal secretions
Authors: Tønnesen P. , Hindberg I. , de Muckadell O. B. Schaffalitzky , Mygind N.
Published: May 2007

We have studied the changes in concentration of serotonin, substance P, and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in plasma following a nasal allergen provocation in 14 grass pollen‐allergic subjects; in five the urinary excretion of serotonin and 5‐hydroxy‐indolylacetic acid (5‐HIAA) was also measured. In addition, the concentration of serotonin and substance P was measured in nasal secretions following nasal challenge with allergen and methacholine. The results showed an allergen‐induced increase in free plasma serotonin (P <0.01) and no change in platelet serotonin, urinary serotonin and urinary 5–HIAA. The plasma substance P level tended to fall (P > 0.1), while plasma VIP increased significantly (P < 0.02). In nasal secretions, there were measurable levels of serotonin in all samples and of substance P in all but one. There was no difference between the concentrations of serotonin and substance P in secretions collected after allergen challenge and after methacholine challenge. For both substances, the secretion median value was comparable to that of plasma. Symptom reduction by topical and systemic pretreatment with a serotonin‐ and VIP‐antagonist before nasal allergen provocation is necessary to define the role of these two agents in allergic rhinitis.
Monoamine and diamine oxidase activities in atopic eczema
Authors: Ionescu G. , Kiehl R.
Published: May 2007

Increased plasma histamine levels were associated with significantly lowered diamine and type B monoamine oxidase activities in platelet rich plasma of atopic eczema patients.
Farm animal feeders: another group affected by cereal flour asthma
Authors: Valdivieso R. , Pola J. , Zapata C. , Puyana J. , Cuesta J. , Martin C. , Losada E.
Published: May 2007

Asthma induced by cereal flour is a long recognized entity. We present studies of three patients affected by asthma related to exposure to cereal flour contained in animal formula feeds. Skin prick test performed with the formula feed components showed positive reactions to cereal flours (wheat, rye and barley) and negative to the other substances in these formulas. Specific anti‐wheat, rye and barley flour IgE antibodies were found by RAST. Bronchial provocation tests (BPT) with wheat flour (patients 1 and 2) and barley flour (patient S) all showed immediate responses. These findings suggest that our patients' symptoms were caused by an IgE‐mediated hypersensitivity to cereal flours from animal formula feeds. We call attention to the importance of cereal flours in animal formula feeds as a cause of occupational asthma in farm animal feeders.
Detection of IgE antibodies to larvae and adults of chironomids by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay
Authors: Matsuoka H. , Ishii A. , Noono S.
Published: May 2007

Using the ELISA method, IgE antibodies to chironomid midges; Tokunagayusurika akamusi larva (TAL), T. akamusi adult (TAA), Chironomus yoshimatsui larva (CYL), C. yoshimatsui adult (CYA) and Chironomus plumosus adult (CPA), were measured in the sera of 36 children with bronchial asthma who visited Tamano City Hospital near Lake Kojiima in the Okayama prefecture. IgE antibodies to adult midges (TAA, CYA and CPA) were widely detected, but only few IgE antibodies to larvae (TAL and CYL). The amount of IgE antibody to CYA and to CPA correlated (P < 0.001), but the amount of IgE antibody to TAA and to CYA or CPA did not. This suggests that the allergenicity of CYA and CPA is similar, but the allergenicity of TAA is independent of that of CYA or CPA. On the other hand, the ELISA inhibition test showed that TAA allergenicity was independent of that of TAL, CYL, CYA, CPA and the house‐dust mite, Dermatophagoides farinae (Df), The inhibition test also showed that CYA and CPA had similar allergenicity, but differed from TAL, TAA, CYL and Df. This indicates that the allergenicities of chironomid midges change during the metamorphosis from larva to adult, and are not common among all species.
Human bone marrow mast cells in systemic mast cell disease
Authors: Gabriel L. C. , Escribano L. M. , Navarro J. L.
Published: May 2007

In a case of systemic mast cell disease with moderate bone marrow involvement, we studied the sensitivity of mast cell cationic dye‐binding to formaldehyde fixation, as well as the mast cell ultrastructure, so as to determine whether these cells possess characteristics of mucosal mast cells. This histochemical method has proved to be one of the few which reveal heterogeneity of the mast cells in human intestine. Even though rat bone marrow mast cells have been shown to belong to the mucosal mast cell compartment, we have found no difference in mast cell counts in samples fixed either in formaldehyde or Carnoy's fixative. The ultrastructure did not show major differences with cutaneous mast cells. A few cells presented two nuclei, suggesting mitotic division of mature mast cells in bone marrow.
Basophil histamine release in children with adverse reactions to cow milk
Authors: Prahl P. , Krasilnikof F. , Skov P. Stahl , Norn S.
Published: May 2007

Basophil histamine release was examined in 26 children suspected of having cow milk allergy (CMA). Following oral challenge with cow milk, the initial adverse reaction reappeared in 20 children, the majority developing urticaria. The urticaria patients showed a high degree of correlation between the results of histamine test, RAST and skin test. Children with gastrointestinal symptoms reacted to milk challenge, but only a few showed a positive histamine test, RAST and skin test. Among the patients with atopic dermatitis, the tests gave mostly negative results, which was in accordance with the lack of response to a milk challenge. The results obtained by removal from and fixation to the cell surface of IgE indicate an IgE‐mediated reaction in CMA, which, in connection with the correlation between histamine test and RAST or skin lest, suggests basophil histamine release as a suitable method for testing Type I allergy in children suspected of CMA.
Effect of nedocromil sodium on exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction in children
Authors: Henriksen J. M.
Published: May 2007

A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover study investigated the efficacy of nedocromil sodium in reducing bronchoconstriction subsequent to exercise challenge in asthmatic children. Twelve children aged 7‐14 years (mean 10.8 years) were pretreated with nedocromil sodium aerosol (2 inhalations; 2 mg/inhalation) or matching placebo, 30 min prior to treadmill running. Lung function was measured at regular intervals post‐exercise and the mean maximum percentage decrease in PEF and FEV1 compared following nedocromil sodium or placebo pretreatment. Nedocromil sodium significantly reduced the fall in PEF (P<0.001) and FEV1 (P<0.001) and provided significantly greater protection (P<0.001) than placebo. No adverse reactions or unusual symptoms were observed.
IgE on Langerhans cells in the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis and birch allergy
Authors: Tigalonowa M. , Braathen L. R. , Lea T.
Published: May 2007

Epidermal cell suspensions from the skin of seven patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and seven healthy non‐atopic controls were investigated for the presence of surface HLA‐DR and CD1 antigen, and IgE using indirect and double‐staining immunofluorescence techniques. Fifty‐seven percent of all CDI + and 68% of all HLA‐DR + cells from the patients demonstrated IgE on their surface, indicating that Langerhans cells (Lc) in AD may be a heterogeneous population with regard to surface characteristics. No IgE + cells were found in the epidermal cell suspensions from the healthy non‐atopic controls. An attempt lo demonstrate birch pollen antigen on the surface of Lc from the same patients all strongly allergic to birch pollen, using indirect immunofluorescence techniques, was unsuccessful, also after in vitro incubation of the Lc with high concentration of the birch antigen.