bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability of histamine dihydrochloride in solution
Authors: Nielsen N. H. , Madsen F. , Fröslund L. , Svendsen U. G. , Weeke B.
Published: May 2007

Histamine dihydrochloride (HC) is one of the bronchoconstrictors used for bronchial challenge. Information on the activity of HC dilutions during storage is desirable (4). Activity, bacterial, and fungal contamination of stored HC dilutions were tested after storage at 20° 4° and −18° C. HC dilutions with a concentration of and below 0.25 mg/ml have a significantly reduced activity after 1 month's storage at 20°C and should at present be used within 1 week to ensure the presence of the expected activity. The activity of HC dilutions stored at 4° C or −18°C was stable for at least 6 months. Upon delivery from a pharmacy we detected no bacterial or fungal contamination of HC dilutions by means of the method used. Before 3 months' storage, and independently of storage temperature, bacterial contamination was not found. After 3 months' storage, bacterial contamination was found in HC dilutions with a concentration below 0.5 mg/ ml. No fungi were isolated. HC dilutions with a concentration of 0.25 mg/ml and below should not be stored for more than 1 month and should be used within 1 week of opening.
Reproducibility of skin prick testing with allergen extracts from different manufacturers
Authors: Eichler I. , Götz M. , Jarisch R. , Eichler H. G. , Moss R.
Published: May 2007

Allergen extracts for skin prick testing (SPT) are available from several manufacturers. Although these solutions are specified according to well‐defined internal company standards, there is no generally accepted overall standardization. To assess the comparability of skin prick test solutions of various manufacturers, we compared extracts of nine different allergens from four companies by SPT in 29 children sensitive to one or more of the allergens, in a double blind fashion. RAST (Pharmacia) and EAST (Kallestad) were determined in simultaneous blood samples. Allergen extracts were also examined by rocket immunoelectrophoresis for their content of major allergens. Skin reactions, assessed by mean diameter of wheals, to identical allegen extracts varied significantly between the four vendors (P<0.05‐0.001). Correlation between RAST and EAST was good for all allergens except birch pollen and mugwort. Content of the major allergen in corresponding extracts varied significantly between the different companies (<1%‐2000%). These data underline the need for international reference extracts as intracompany standardization of test solutions alone is not enough to yield general reproducibility of skin prick test results.
In vitro studies of degradation of birch and timothy pollen allergen preparations by human duodenal juice
Authors: Einarsson R. , Renck B. , Taudorf E.
Published: May 2007

The hydrolysis of birch and timothy pollen allergen preparations by duodenal juice from an adult volunteer was studied in vitro with the aid of rocketimmunoelectrophoresis, radiorocketimmunoelectrophoresis and RAST‐ inhibition. The results achieved with all methods were similar. The duodenal juice had the capacity to hydrolyse both the grass and tree pollen proteins, and after 30 min preincubation only 10 % of the original birch and timothy allergenic activity remained. Heat treatment of the duodenal juice completely destroyed the proteolytic activity (i.e. no hydrolysis occurred) while protease inhibitors only marginally prevented the hydrolysis.
Hypersensitivity reaction after barium meal examination
Authors: Nagi B. , Mandal M. , Kochhar R. , Mehta S. K.
Published: May 2007

Hypersensitivity reactions can occur after the administration of barium products and all caused by one of the many additives. These reactions are extremely unusual. Authors report on a patient who developed urticaria shortly after a conventional barium examination.
Bronchial provocation studies in farmers with positive RAST to the storage mite Lepidoglyphus destructor
Authors: van Hage‐Hamsten M. , Ihre E. , Zetterström O. , Johansson S. G. O.
Published: May 2007

Bronchial provocation studies with L. destructor (L. des.) extract were made on 12 farmers with asthma who were exposed daily to stored hay and grain and had positive radio‐allergo‐sorbent test (RAST) to L. des. All 12 farmers developed more than a 20 % fall in FEV1 to the extract. None of the symptomatic farmers who were also RAST positive to the L. des. culture medium developed an asthmatic reaction to the medium extract. Neither four healthy farmers nor two patients with asthma caused by D. pteronyssinus (D. pt.) responded to L. des. or the L. des. culture medium. Challenges with D. pt. extract were negative in two symptomatic farmers who were RAST positive to L. des. and negative to D. pt. The present study further supports our previous hypothesis that there is an IgE‐mediated immunological mechanism behind L. des. ‐induced asthma in farmers and that atopic farmers are liable to develop occupational asthma caused by allergy to L. des..
Immunoniodulating properties of lymphocytes activated by farmer's lung associated bacterium Thermoactinomyces vulgaris in vitro
Authors: Jägerroos H. J. W.
Published: May 2007

Thermoactinomyces vulgaris, one of the aetiological agents of farmer's lung, was analysed for its ability to activate non‐immune spleen lymphocytes from 10‐ to 14‐ week‐old mice. The lymphocytes were found to exert both enhancing and suppressing signals after activation, depending on the secondary stimulation used. The enhancing effect is due to interleukin‐2 secreted mainly by L3T4+ lymphocytes. The suppressive action is associated with Lyt2+ lymphocytes, which are probably activated by prostaglandins or histamine; but the suppression inducer action of L3T4+ lymphocytes may also be important. Genetic regulation, independent of H‐2K and D, was also detected between different inbred strains of mice in response to T. vulgaris. The genetic regulation appeared associated with the different responsiveness of Lyt‐2 positive lymphocytes between different strains. These results emphasize the importance of nonspecific activation in hypersensitivity disorders induced by microbiol antigens.
Plasma catecholamine levels in severe atopic eczema
Authors: Ionescu G. , Klehl R.
Published: May 2007

Free plasma catecholamines were measured by means of a standardized HPLC method in 41 adult patients with severe atopic eczema and in 18 healthy volunteers. The circulating norepinephrine levels were significantly higher in the atopic group (P < 0.005), by contrast only slight differences were found in the epinephrine and dopamine concentrations. The possible mechanisms leading to these changes at concomitant normal DBH activities are discussed.
A comparative study of the effects of two different doses of nedocromil sodium and placebo given by pressurised aerosol in exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction
Authors: Bundgaard A. , Enehjelm S. D. , Schmidt A.
Published: May 2007

Fourteen adult subjects with stable asthma were treated using a double‐blind crossover, randomised protocol, with either nedocromil sodium (4 mg or 2 mg) or placebo. The agents were administered from matched pressurised aerosol inhalers 30 min before exposure to an exercise regimen which, on a previous screening day, resulted in a 24–53% (mean: 33.9%) decrease in peak expiratory flow (PEF). Both doses of nedocromil sodium were significantly superior to placebo in preventing the exercise‐induced decrease in PEF and were without side effects. This study confirms and extends the results of earlier trials with nedocromil sodium and further supports the contention that this new agent may be of benefit in the treatment of reversible obstructive airways disease in the adult patient.
Milk whey‐specific immune complexes in allergic and non‐allergic subjects
Authors: Bell S. J. D. , Potter P. C.
Published: May 2007

We developed an antigen‐ and isotype‐specific ELISA for the rapid detection of native serum immune complexes (IC). It is a sandwich assay, in which a solid phase antigen‐specific capture antibody selectively binds the auitigen‐specific IC via the antigen. The isotype of the bound IC is then identified using an enzyme‐labelled indicator antibody. Using this sensitive assay system, we were able to detect native serum milk whey‐specific immune complexes (SMIC) of the IgG, IgE and IgA isotypes. Detectable amounts of native serum SMIC of all three isotypes were found in sera of the majority of both atopic and non‐atopic subjects. The ELISA was then used to compare the levels of native IgE SMIC in sera of milk RAST positive atopic patients with those found in milk RAST negative atopic patient sera. Milk RAST positive patient sera were found to have significantly higher mean levels (P≥0.005) of native IgE SMIC than milk RAST negative sera. Sera of other atopic individuals were also found to contain significantly higher mean levels (P 0.005) of native IgG and IgA SMIC than non‐atopic donors. IgE IC may specifically be involved in adverse symptoms seen in milk allergic patients.
Anaphylaxis to amoxycillin but good tolerance for benzyl penicillin
Authors: Blanca M. , Perez E. , Garcia J. , Miranda A. , Fernandez J. , Vega J. M. , Terrados S. , Avila M. , Martin A. , Suau R.
Published: May 2007

Three patients are reported on who suffered anaphylactic reactions after amoxycillin (AX) treatment and challenge but tolerated benzylpenicillin (BP) parenterally and orally. Two of the three patients had positive skin tests and RAST to AX reagents but negative responses to benzyl penicilloyl (BPO) specific skin tests and RAST and the minor determinant mixture (MDM) skin test reagent. The third case was negative to all skin tests and RAST. RAST and RAST inhibition on the two positive sera suggest that the response is related to the acyl side chain of AX.
Effect of autogenic bacterial antigens on the production of histamine releasing factor by mononuclear cells from intrinsic asthmatic patients
Authors: Kuna P. , Alam R. , Rozniecki J. , Kuzminska B.
Published: May 2007

The production of histamine releasing factor (HRF) by mononuclear cells (MNC) from intrinsic asthmatic patients has previously been reported (5). In this study, we investigated the effect of preincubation of lymphocytes with autogenic killed bacteria upon the production of HRF. Bacteria were isolated from the sputum, and nasopharyngeal swab obtained from patients and control subjects. MNC from intrinsic asthmatics and healthy controls were preincubated with killed bacteria for 4 h, then washed and cultured for 18 h. HRF activity of the cell‐free supernatants was assayed in the histamine release test using basophils from normal subjects. We found that MNC from the patients spontaneously produce significant amounts of HRF. Preincubation of the cells with autogenic bacterial antigens enhanced HRF production in 12 of 25 patients and only in one of 15 control subjects. No specific bacterial strain was identified as having the sole stimulatory property for HRF production; rather, individual susceptibility predisposes to the ability to produce HRF in response to some common bacteria. When MNC from healthy subjects were preincubated with bacterial antigens isolated from the patients, no enhancement in HRF production was observed. We concluded that MNC from some intrinsic asthmatics are specifically sensitized to certain bacterial antigens and release HRF upon contact with these antigens.
Increased urinary excretion of 1.4‐methyl‐imidazoleacetic acid in patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Lindskov R. , Wærsted A. , Baadsgaard O. , Søndergaard I.
Published: May 2007

To investigate whether the overall histamine turnover is increased in patients with atopic dermatitis, without respiratory disease, the urinary excretion of the main histamine metabolite 1,4‐methyl‐imidazoleacetic acid (MIAA) was examined in 23 patients and in 23 age‐ and sex‐matched non‐atopic controls. The patients excreted significantly more MIAA than the controls. One third of the patients however, showed MIAA excretion within or below normal range. The MIAA excretion was neither correlated to the severity of the eczema nor to the total serum IgE. It was concluded that histamine does not play a significant role in the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis, and that the great variation in MIAA excretion, and hence the histamine turnover, reflected the spectrum of histamine releasability in the patients.
Does the effect of immunotherapy last after termination of treatment?
Authors: Mosbech H. , ØTerballe O.
Published: May 2007

In a previous study, 39 adults with grass pollen allergy were hyposensitized for approximately 21/2 years. Treatment was performed in a double‐blind fashion with extract made from timothy grass ‐ either Alutard SQ, 20‐component extract or a purified 2‐component extract, including only the two major allergens Phi p V and VI. Standardized symptom + medicine scores and challenge tests demonstrated a clinical effect, most markedly in the group receiving 20‐component extract. Six years after termination of treatment, 38 patients could be approached and 16 in each group were examined and repeated symptom scoring during the subsequent season. When adjustment for variations in pollen counts were made, medicine + symptom scores stayed low during the follow‐up period. Specific IgE‐antibodies against timothy showed an increase to initial values during the same period, whereas total IgE antibodies remained low. Skin prick test reactions with timothy allergen tended to increase but were still smaller than before treatment. Retrospectively, the patients reported symptoms to have stabilized or even further decreased after termination of treatment, with no significant difference between groups. In conclusion, the clinical effect was still present more than 6 years after termination of treatment. Some in vitro parameters tended to return to pretreatment level. The spontaneous course of the disease in non‐hyposensitized patients was not investigated.
Bronchial asthma caused by Lathyrus sativus flour
Authors: Valdivieso R. , Quirce S. , Sainz T.
Published: May 2007

A 10‐year‐old child with asthmatic attacks related to Lathyrus sativus flour inhalation was studied in our department. Skin test and specific bronchial provocation challenge were positive. Specific IgE antibodies to Lathyrus sativus flour was demonstrated by indirect enzyme immunoassay. We suggest that our patient's allergic symptoms were due to the development of Type I allergic reactivity to L. sativus antigens.
Non‐specific histamine release activity of busereline, LH‐releasing hormone
Authors: Bousquet J. , Héadon B. , Hejjaoui A. , Chanal L , Michel F.‐B.
Published: May 2007

Busereline acetate is an LH‐RH agonist that was found to induce local reactions at the injection site or generalized minor skin reactions in some patients. Since these reactions may represent the first reaction of systemic anaphylaxis, we tested the non‐specific histamine releasing activity of this drug by intradermal skin tests. It was found that all subjects tested had a positive wheal and flare reaction, the flare being significantly decreased by terfenadine. Benzyl alcohol, the preservative used in commercial preparation of busereline acetate, did not elicit a positive wheal and flare reaction in two patients who had experienced a clinically noticeable reaction. It is concluded that busereline is likely to be a non‐specific histamine releasing compound.
Passive sensitization of basophil leukocytes from a non‐atopic adult by plasma from allergic children
Authors: Nolte H. , Stafanger G. , Skov P. S. , Schiøtz P. O.
Published: May 2007

Basophil leukocytes from a non‐atopic donor, who responded well to anti‐IgE, were depleted of their native membrane‐bound IgE by acid treatment and passively sensitized with plasma containing either Phleum pratense‐, Dermatophagoides pteronysstnus‐ or dog dander‐ specific IgE obtained from 18 allergic children. Histamine release was then performed on the passively sensitized cells and the results were compared with those of bronchial provocation test (BPT), allergen‐specific serum IgE (RAST), skin prick test (SPT), and conventional histamine release test (HR). A high coincidence rate was found between BPT, RAST and histamine release after passive sensitization (HR‐PS), but compared to HR, it was lower. This could be because several of the patients had non‐responding basophils (i.e. no release after challenge with anti‐IgE) in the conventional histamine release asssay. The lower rate was not related to a lack of antigen‐specific IgE, since after passive sensitization of basophils, anti‐IgE and allergen provocation could induce release. It is concluded that plasma from allergic children with non‐responding basophil leukocytes contain antigen‐specific IgE capable of binding to Fc‐receptors on the basophils of a non‐atopic donor. In addition it was found that the plasma could change the cell reactivity (maximal histamine release) of the donor cells, since the amount of histamine released varied according to the plasma used for passive sensitization. The lack of histamine release response in some patients could be because their own membrane‐bound IgE is unable to induce mediator release or, more likely, activation of one or more of the subcellular steps involved in the release is impaired.
Increased peripheral α‐adrenoceptor response in allergic asthmatics
Authors: Sandström T. , Henriksson R. , Hörnkvist R. , Bäck O. , Rosenhall L.
Published: May 2007

The peripheral α‐adrenoceptor reactivity, measured as dermal blanching response to iontophoretically administered phenylephrine, was studied in 28 allergic asthmatics, 13 patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and 21 healthy controls. The blanching response, which has previously been demonstrated to be mediated via α1‐adrenoceptors, was found to be significantly increased in allergic asthmatics compared with controls. It is suggested that there is an increased peripheral α‐adrenoceptor reactivity in allergic asthma.
Severe anaphylactoid reaction to nalidixic acid
Authors: Valdivieso R. , Pola J. , Losada E. , Subiza J. , Armentia A. , Zapata C.
Published: May 2007

We present the case of a 58‐year‐old non‐atopic woman who suffered an adverse reaction to orally administered nalidixic acid, which had been prescribed for the treatment of a urinary tract infection. The single‐blind oral provocation test was positive; the patient presented the clinical features of an anaphylactoid reaction 3 min after administration of nalidixic acid. Both the skin test and the histamine release test were negative. These results suggest that we are dealing with an anaphylactoid reaction not described before with this drug.
Modulation of human leukocyte histamine release by sn‐1,2‐isopropylidene‐3‐decanoyl‐glycerol and decanoic acid cyclopentyl methylester in comparison with effects of synthetic diacylglycerols and a phorbol ester
Authors: Bergstrand H. , Lundquist B. , Michelsen P.
Published: May 2007

Previous studies have shown that the glyceride derivative, sn‐1,2 ‐isopropylidene‐3‐decanoyl‐glycerol (IpOCOC9), can trigger human leukocyte histamine release. Approximately 25 % of the total cellular histamine content is extruded in the presence of 206 # of IpOCOC9; at 69 μM, however, the secretagogue action of the compound is marginal. The characteristics of the release induced by IpOCOC9 are closely similar to those reportedly recorded at hyperosmolar triggering of basophils with mannitol, and in many respects they also mimic those observed at phorbol ester‐induced histamine release. The compound decanoic acid cyclopentyl methylester (DACPME), a structural analogue of IpOCOC9, fails to induce histamine release. IpOCOC9, but not DACPME, stimulates human polymorphonuclear leukocyte cytosolic Ca2+− and phospholipid‐dependent his‐tone III‐S kinase activity (unpublished observations). The secretagogue action of IpOCOC9, has therefore tentatively, at least partly, been attributed to a direct protein kinase C activation. In the present studies, we examined the influence of IpOCOC9 and DACPME on histamine release triggered by an ensuing exposure to anti‐IgE, the calcium ionophore A23187, formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (EMLP), or 4β‐phor‐bol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA). It is shown that IpOCOC9‐treatment of cells results in either enhancement or reduction of the release induced by anti‐IgE or by A23187, whereas FMLP‐induced release is consistently reduced and PMA‐induced release consistently enhanced by such a treatment. Treatment of cells with DACPME enhances but does not reduce anti‐IgE‐triggered release, whereas EMLP‐induced release is not affected. Pretreatment of the cells with other putative protein kinase C activators like PMA, sn‐1‐oleoyl‐2‐acetyl‐glycerol (OAC), 1,2‐dioctanoyl‐glycerol (DiCg) or the glycerol derivative sn‐1,2‐diacetyl‐3‐decanoyl‐glycerol (DiC2OCOC9) affects secretagogue‐induced basophil histamine release according to specific patterns similar to but not identical with those recorded for IpOCOC9 and DACPME. Thus, e.g., DiC2OCOC9 consistently reduces but does not enhance anti‐IgE‐triggered release. These data show that limited structural changes of IpOCOC9 may qualitatively affect its modulating properties in the human basophil histamine release system.
Mucosal blood flow in the human nose following local challenge with histamine
Authors: Holmberg K. , Bake B. , Pipkorn U.
Published: May 2007

Nasal blood flow was measured using the 133Xe wash‐out method in 10 non‐allergic subjects and 13 asymptomatic hay fever patients. Determinations were made before and 15 min after challenge with diluent, 0.13 mg, 1.3 mg and 13 mg of histamine/nasal cavity. Nasal symptom scores were recorded. The nasal inspiratory peak flow was determined simultaneously in the hay fever patients. No differences in blood flow or symptom score recordings were found between the normal subjects and allergic patients under basal conditions or after histamine challenge. The nasal blood flow increased after challenge with the highest histamine dose. The increase was 34% (P< 0.05) from baseline in normals and 47% (P<0.05) in allergies. There was a dose‐dependent increase in nasal symptom scores following histamine challenge, again with no difference between normal and allergic subjects. The nasal peak flow decreased in a similar manner with a maximum decrease of 74% (P< 0.001). The present study gives further support to the notion that histamine is not the only mediator involved in vascular reactions during allergic rhinitis.
Spice allergy: results of skin prick tests and RAST with spice extracts
Authors: Niinimäi A. , Björksten F. , Puukka M. , Tolonen K. , Hannuksela M.
Published: May 2007

Skin prick tests (SPT) with freeze‐dried spices and 5% (w/v) spice extracts were performed on 50 patients with 2 + or stronger SPT reactions to spices per se, and RAST were performed on 10 of them. Freeze‐dried extracts produced mostly equal or stronger SPT reactions than corresponding whole spices, but 5 % (w/v) extracts produced weaker reactions and also remained totally negative in some patients. Positive RAST results were seen in all 10 patients tested. The correlation between the RAST and SPT results was good for mustard and paprika, but poor for cayenne, coriander, caraway and white pepper. Five patients with positive SPT and RAST for spices contracted rhinitis from powdered spices in their working environments, and one patient suffered from gastrointestinal pains caused by spiced food. The others had noticed no clinical symptoms caused by spices. The present results thus indicate that both SPT and RAST should include purified spice extracts.
Hypersensitivity to larvae of chironomids (non‐biting midges).
Authors: Eriksson N. E. , Ryden B. , Jonsson P.
Published: May 2007

In 2,368 consecutive adult patients with asthma and/or rhinitis the incidence of positive skin prick test (SPT) with a chironomid extract (CHIR) (produced from “red feather mosquito larvae” used as fish food) was 14% (26% in atopics and 4% in non‐atopics). RAST with chironomid was positive in 4% of 110 consecutive sera (8% in atopic sera). Significant correlations were found between RAST and SPT results with chironomid and between SPT results with CHIR and with various crustaceans. Correlations were also found reciprocally among SPT results with different crustaceans and between some crustaceans and moluscs (clam and oyster) as well as among RAST results with chironomid, shrimp and crab. Inhibition experiments showed that chironomid extracts inhibited RAST with shrimp, and vice versa. It is concluded that Chironomidae might be allergens of clinical importance in asthma and rhinitis in Sweden, that cross‐allergy exists between chironomids and shrimp and that cross‐allergy also might occur among chironomids, crustaceans and molluscs.
Immunotherapy with dog and cat extracts in children
Authors: Bertelsen A. , Andersen J. B. , Christensen J. , Ingemann L. , Kristensen T. , øStergaard P. Aa.
Published: May 2007

Hypersensitivity to dogs and cats causes asthma in many children. In this open controlled clinical study we wanted to establish whether immnunotherapy can be recommended as a supplement to conventional medical therapy in dog‐ and cat‐induced asthma in children. Twenty‐seven children with mean age 10 7/12 years and with allergy to dog or cat according to anamnesis, skin prick test (SPT), specific IgE (RAST) and bronchial provocation test (BPT) entered the study. On the basis of age and bronchial sensitivity they were randomly allocated to either immunotherapy with dog or cat extract (active group, n= 14) or conventional medical therapy (control group, n= 13). Immunotherapy comprised subcutaneous injections with an alum‐adsorbed depot extract (Alutard‐SQ), and a maintenance dose of 100,000 SQ‐U or the maximum tolerated dose. Before entering the study and after 9 months' therapy the patients were evaluated by BPT, SPT, RAST ‐ and IgG4 analyses. The active group showed statistically significant change in bronchial tolerance (P< 0.02), whereas no such change was found in the control group (P>0.05) The change in skin sensitivity was significantly greater in the active group than in the control group (P < 0.05), whereas no significant differences were found in RAST and IgG4. However, a significant (P=0.05) increase in IgG4 was seen in the active but not in the control group. Frequency and degree of side effects in this study were acceptable.
Comparison of dose‐response effects of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate and budesonide in the management of asthma
Authors: Boe J. , Rosenhall L. , Alton M. , Carlsson L‐G. , Carlsson U. , Hermansson B‐A. , Hetta L. , Kiviloog J. , Karlson B. W. , Lundbäck B. , Martinsson J‐E. , Nemcek K. , Nemcek V.
Published: May 2007

The dose‐response effects of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) and budesonide (BUD) administered b.i.d. with the aid of metered dose aerosols were studied in 128 patients (67 men and 61 women, mean age 53 years) suffering from asthma bronchiale. The study was designed as a multi‐centre, double‐blind, four‐period cross‐over study, followed by a single‐blind double placebo period. BDP was administered in doses of 400 and 1000 μg, and BUD in doses of 400 and 800 μg. The results in terms of peak expiratory flow (PEF) in the morning and evening, daily symptoms score and use of inhaled β2‐agonists did not reveal any clinically significant differences between the drugs or between high (800 μg BUD, 1000 μg BDP) and low (400 mg BUD/BDP) doses. However, statistically significant differences were recorded for the corresponding parameters when comparing the placebo with preceding steroid periods. Adverse effects consisting mainly of oropharyngeal candidiasis, hoarseness and cough occurred in 54 of 468 treatment months (12 %). The carry‐over effects of inhaled steroids are longer lasting than was previously assumed.
Allergen‐coated lancets (Phazet) for skin prick testing in children
Authors: ØSterballe O. , Nielsen J. P.
Published: May 2007

With a new allergen‐coated lancet (Phazet), skin prick tests can be made directly on the skin without separate use of liquid extract (the Phazet dry method), and reactions are recorded as for the ordinary method with liquid allergen extract (Pharmalgen) (the Pharmalgen wet method). 100 children were tested in parallel with the two methods. As a double control each Phazet was used twice (Phazet 1 and 2) in each child, who was tested with nine standard allergens. Good agreement was found between the results obtained with the two methods and also between Phazet 1 and Phazet 2. No general reactions were shown in relation to the numerous skin prick tests with allergen extract of a strength up to 100,000 BU/ml. 66% of the children preferred the Phazet while 22% had no preference.
A comparison of two RAST methods and skin prick testing in the diagnosis of wasp venom allergy
Authors: Heinig J. H. , Mosbech H. , Engel T. , Froslund L. , Svendsen U. G.
Published: May 2007

With the aim of evaluating the correlation between skin prick test and two radio‐allergosorbent tests (RAST) using paper (P‐RAST) and Al (OH)3 (Al‐RAST) as sorbent materials, 45 consecutive patients known to have been stung by wasp within 6 months were examined. Four patients had a normal reaction, four a large local reaction and 37 a systemic reaction. We found a good correlation between a systemic reaction and a positive P‐RAST. Fifty‐one per cent of patients with a systemic reaction had a negative Al‐RAST, whereas only 8% had a negative P‐RAST. Eight per cent of patients with a systemic reaction had a negative SPT. In the eight patients without a systemic reaction, the same patient reacted positively in Al‐RAST and P‐RAST.
Anaphylactic shock occurring outside hospitals
Authors: Sørensen H. Toft , Nielsen B. , Nielsen J. Østergaard
Published: May 2007

In a retrospective study, all cases of anaphylactic shock (AS) occurring in a hospital catchment area during a 13‐year period were analysed. Twenty cases were found, giving an incidence of 3.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants per year, and one patient died. The precipitating agents were penicillin (7 cases), aspirin (3), food (2), and bee or wasp sting (8). The drugs had all been given orally. Penicillin‐related AS was much commoner than its incidence reported by the Danish national health authorities. In three cases, previous anaphylactic reactions had occurred to the agent in question. We concluded that AS rarely occurs outside hospital, but that oral penicillin is a more important cause than was previously thought. Many recurring episodes of AS should be preventable, since hypersensitivity tests for both penicillin and hymenoptera venoms are available, and hyposensitization with respect to the latter is feasible.
Inflammatory response in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid after inhaling histamine
Authors: Söderberg M. , Lundgren R. , Bjermer L. , Stjernberg N. , Rosenhall L.
Published: May 2007

To examine the influence of the histamine chloride challenge test on the bronchoalveolar lavage cell population, lavage fluid from 15 subjects was collected 24 h after the histamine test, and was compared with the lavage fluid from a reference group of 25 subjects. Inhaled histamine is commonly used to quantitate non‐specific bronchial responsiveness. Increase in airway responsiveness after exposure to ozone or allergen is associated with airway inflammation. Bronchoalveolar lavage, has therefore become a valuable tool in the study of bronchoalveolar cells and mediators in subjects with asthma and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. The total cell number and differential cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid 24 h after inhalation challenge test with histamine‐chloride were studied. There was a significant increase in lymphocytes, mast cells and neutrophils after histamine test. The conclusion was that inhaled histamine‐chloride can induce an inflammatory cell response in the lung. Thus the histamine‐chloride test should not be performed before bronchoalveolar lavage.
A double‐blind study of hyposensitization with an alginate conjugated extract of D. pteronyssinus (Conjuvac®) in patients with perennial rhinitis
Authors: Corrado O. J. , Pastorello E. , Ollier S. , Cresswell L. , Zanussi C. , Ortolani C. , Incorvaia A. , Fugazza A. , Lovely J. R. , Harris R. L. , Watson H. K. , Davies R. J.
Published: May 2007

The efficacy of hyposensitization with standardised extract of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (D. pteronyssinus) conjugated to alginate and containing known amounts of antigen P1 (Conjuvac®) was tested in a double blind, placebo controlled, multi‐centre study in 66 adult patients with perennial rhinitis. Patients received 11 weekly injections of increasing concentrations of Conjuvac containing from 56 × 101 to 448 × 103 IU D. pteronyssinus or placebo injections of the alginate diluent to some of which 5 μg of histamine has been randomly added This was followed by 15 monthly injections of Conjuvac or placebo. The severity of nasal blockage, sneezing and rhinorrhoea was recorded twice daily in a diary and visual analogue assessments (VAS) made at each clinic visit. Nasal provocation testing (NPT) was performed with increasing concentrations of the same extract of D. pteronyssinus as used in the hyposensitization injections, and changes in nasal airways resistance measured by passive anterior rhinomanometry. VAS was recorded and NPT was performed on entry to the study and after the fifth, ninth and final monthly injection. Conjuvac injections were well tolerated. Large local reactions (> 5 cm) occurred within 30 min in only 1% of patients but later in 23%. No systemic reactions or anaphylaxis occurred within 30 min of injections, but urticaria or worsening of asthma and rhinitis was reported later in 3% of patients. A significant improvement in nasal obstruction occurred in the Conjuvac compared to the placebo treated group (P < 0.01) and there was significant increase in the percentage of patients able to tolerate provocation with the highest concentrations of D. pteronyssinus extract after nine and 15 maintenance injections of Conjuvac compared to the placebo (P 0.02, P < 0.001). Patient use of additional therapy decreased sooner in the Conjuvac treated group but was minimal in both groups after 5 months of the study.
Circulating immune complexes during immunotherapy in allergy to dog
Authors: Valovirta E. , Viander M. , Koivikko A. , Vanto T. , Lindstrom P. , Wager O. , Pekkola‐Heino K. , Ingeman L. , Kekomäki R.
Published: May 2007

Circulating immune complexes (CIC) were determined from dog‐allergic asthmatic children (n= 35) receiving immunotherapy with dog dander and hair extract. The results from CIC are expressed in SDU (standard deviation units) and presented as follows: pretreatment results (n= 20), rush results (n= 11), mid‐schedule results (n= 20), maintenance results (n= 15) and the results of the placebo‐treated group (n= 12). The results of the placebo‐treated group (n= 12) and those of the untreated atopic (n= 12) and non‐atopic (n= 14) were controls. CIC levels were analysed by means of KgB‐ELISA (conglutinin binding enzyme linked immunosorbent assay), C1qB‐ELISA (C1q‐binding enzyme linked immunososrbent assay), RFb‐ELISA (rheumatoid factor binding enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) and by PIPA (platelet 125J‐labelled staphylococcal protein‐A test). The CIC level determined by KgB‐ELISA in dog‐allergic asthmatic children was higher than that of the atopic controls (P < 0.05) already before the onset of the hyposensitization. During conventional hyposensitization with dog dander and hair the CIC level remained the same as before treatment. On day 5 of rush hyposensitization the mean level of CIC showed no increase when compared with the pretreatment values. A statistically significant correlation (P < 0.01) was observed between the dog dander and hair‐specific IgG antibodies and the CIC level measured by KgB‐ELISA during the maintenance period of conventional immunotherapy. The samples of sera to measure this correlation were collected before the injection of allergen and after 2 weeks of injection during maintenance treatment. In general, the treatment was well tolerated in all groups. As expected, immediate reactions after injections were seen during rush hyposensitization. No long‐lasting or late reactions were observed, nor any correlation between adverse reactions and the level of CIC. Mild local reactions were seen during conventional depot hyposensitization. No clinical adverse effects were observed that could have been associated with occasionally high CIC levels (≥ 3 SDU).
Is thrombopenia in cord blood indicative of intra‐uterine sensitization?
Authors: Magnusson C. G. M. , Weck A. L. De
Published: May 2007

The relation between platelet counts (PCT) and IgE was studied in cord blood from 136 European newborns. PCT was significantly lower (P= 0.0014) when cord‐IgE was superior to 1.20 IU/ml (n= 29; 245,000/μl) than when it was inferior to this value (n= 107; 284,080/μl) which resulted in a significant negative Spearman rank correlation between PCT and cord‐IgE (P= 0.002; rs=−0.25). A follow‐up by questionnaire in 97 of the newborns revealed that those newborns who had developed definite atopy within 18 months of age had significantly (P= 0.002) lower PCT at birth (n= 8; 196,000/μl) than those free of atopic symptoms (n= 61; 286,000/μl). Further newborns to atopic mothers (n= 23; 245,000/μl) had significantly (P= 0.014) lower PCT than newborns to non‐atopic mothers (n= 74; 286,000/μl). The lowest PCT was recorded when both the mother was atopic and the newborn had developed definite or probable atopy by the age of 18 months (n= 7; 175,000/μl) as compared to atopy alone in mothers (n= 16; 276,000/μl; P= 0.005), to atopy alone in infants (n= 9; 281,000/μ1; P= 0.005) and to non‐atopic infants of non‐atopic mothers (n= 65; 286,000/μl; P= 0.0007). Significantly (P= 0.03) lower PCT amongst boys (n= 49; 259,000/μl) compared with girls (n= 48; 294,000/μl) was attributed to the higher incidence of elevated cord‐IgE and infant atopy among boys. These findings were limited to PCT, since the erythrocyte count, hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration in cord blood did not significantly (P > 0.10) differ in any of these groups. Paternal atopy and atopy in siblings did not influence PCT, neither did maternal smoking or drug intake (progesterone and β‐mimetics) during pregnancy. These data as a whole are compatible with a direct or indirect role for platelets and their mediators in immediate hypersensitivity reactions. We speculate that a low PCT in cord blood of newborns reflects an on‐going intra‐uterine sensitization and therefore it might be a complementary parameter to family history and cord‐IgE in predicting newborns at high risk of developing atopy.
Occupational asthma caused by iroko wood
Authors: Azofra J. , Olaguibel J. M.
Published: May 2007

We report on a patient with occupational asthma caused by iroko. BPT induced an early and late response with a long recovery period, and absence of inhibition on pretreatment with cromoglycate and beclomethasone. Three months after leaving his job, the patient was symptom‐free, but non‐specific bronchial hyperreactivity was still demonstrated.
CD‐1 (T6), HLA‐DR‐expressing cells, presumably Langerhans cells, in nasal mucosa
Authors: Fokkens W. J. , Vroom T. M. , Rijntjes E. , Mulder P. G. H.
Published: May 2007

In the skin, epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) constitute a major population of antigen‐presenting cells. These cells are characterized by the expression of both CD‐1 (T6) and HLA‐DR on the cell membrane. We wanted to know whether similar CD‐1/HLA‐DR‐positive cells occur in the nasal mucosa of patients with an isolated grass pollen allergy and in non‐allergic controls. CD‐1/HLA‐DR‐positive dendritic cells were found in columnar and cuboidal epithelium and the lamina propria of the nasal mucosa. These CD‐1/HLA‐DR‐positive cells presumably correspond with LC in the skin. We also found significantly more CD‐1‐positive cells in nasal biopsy samples of allergic than in those of the non‐allergic controls. In the allergic patients some of the CD‐1‐positive cells were found to be surface IgE‐positive, possibly due to passive adherence of IgE to Fc receptors.
Effect of anti‐IgE antibodies on IgE binding to CD23
Authors: Nakajima K. , Weck A. L. De , Stadler B. M.
Published: May 2007

Human sera contain anti‐IgE autoantibodies. Using a human B lymphoblastoid cell line (Wil‐2WT cells) and monoclonal murine anti‐IgE antibodies (BSW17 and Le27) we investigated a possible role of such anti‐IgE antibodies. A 100‐fold excess of monoclonal anti‐IgE antibodies inhibited binding of 125I labeled IgE to FcɛRII on Wil‐2WT cells. Further, both monoclonal anti‐IgE antibodies dissociated surface bound IgE from FcɛRII on Wil‐2WT cells. However, BSW17 which does not trigger histamine release from human leucocytes, was much more effective in dissociating FcɛRII bound IgE than Le27 which triggers histamine release. These results may suggest that naturally occurring IgG anti‐IgE antibodies are able to inhibit binding of IgE to its receptor.
Comparative evaluation of RAST and FAST for 11 allergens in 288 patients
Authors: Gueant J. L. , Moneret‐Vautrin D. A. , Dejardin G. , Algalarondo C. , Nicolas J. P. , Grilliat J. P.
Published: May 2007

The specific IgE levels for 11 allergens were compared in 288 patients by means of the Phadebas RAST and the IgE‐FAST. Agreement (< 1 class difference) was observed in 78.7% of the cases. The best agreement was observed with Phleum pratense, egg white, corn, Betula verrucosa and cat epithelium. In 91 cases the results were retrospectively compared with clinical data and skin tests. When RAST and FAST differed (n= 31) 93.5% and 51.6% of the respective results were in agreement with the skin test. When RAST and FAST were similar (n= 60) 81.7% and 80.0% of the respective results were in agreement with the skin test. It was concluded that the RAST and the FAST gave similar results in most cases but that the RAST was more sensitive than the FAST, especially when the results obtained with both methods differed.
Prevalence and predictors of bronchial hyperresponsiveness in children aged 7‐16 years
Authors: Backer V. , Bach‐Mortensen N. , Dirksen A.
Published: May 2007

To study the prevalence and possible predictors of bronchial responsiveness we examined a cross‐section of 527 children aged 7–16 years from Copenhagen. The method used included an interview with the child and the parents, skin prick test with common allergens and se‐IgE. Bronchial responsiveness was measured by a histamine inhalation test. We found that 79 (16%) of the children had bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BH), defined as a 20% fall in FEV1 with a provoking concentration of histamine (PC20) at 8 mg/ml or less. Atopic symptoms defined as asthma, rhinitis or eczema were significantly (P < 0.001) correlated to BH both in prevalence and degree of BH. None of the children with urticaria had BH. The degree of bronchial responsiveness was also significantly influenced (P < 0.001) by family disposition to atopy, whereas we found no correlation between BH and “passive” smoking, specific skin test in unselected children, or elevation of IgE in children without atopic symptoms. We conclude that BH is severest in children with asthma, independent of elevated IgE or positive skin prick test. Children with rhinitis, dermatitis, or asymptomatic BH have the same degree of BH; this differed from that in children with asthma.
Clinical comparison of inhaled budesonide delivered either via pressurized metered dose inhaler or Turbuhaler®
Authors: Engel T. , Heinig J. H. , Malling H.‐J. , Scharling B. , Nikander K. , Madsen F.
Published: May 2007

The aim of this open, randomized cross‐over study was to compare the efficacy and safety of inhaled budesonide administered either via a pressurised metered dose inhaler with a 750 ml spacer attached, or via a new dry powder inhaler, Turbuhaler®, in 28 patients with stable bronchial asthma. During the 2‐week run‐in period, the patients received their ordinary inhaled steroid treatment. This was followed by two 4–week periods of active treatment with inhaled budesonide given via Turbuhaler or pressurized MDI. The patients were divided into two groups according to their previous, inhaled steroid doses. Group A received 400 μg of budesonide b.i.d, and Group B 800 μg of budesonide b.i.d. Diary cards were used by the patients at home to report asthma symptoms, (32‐agonist consumption, and PEF twice daily, as well as the number of coughs experienced in a 5‐min period after steroid inhalation. Budesonide Turbuhaler produced a significantly better effect on morning peak flow than budesonide MDI. The number of coughs in the 5 min after steroid inhalation was significantly lower with the Turbuhaler than with the MDI. In all other parameters recorded (e.g. FEV1, evening PEF, histamine PC20 and other diary measurements) there were no statistically significant differences between the two devices. Turbuhaler was significantly more appreciated than MDI in all questions of preference. The study showed that budesonide via Turbuhaler was at least as effective and safe as budesonide via a pressurized MDI at daily doses of 800 and 1,600 μg. The absence of additives, the lower incidence of cough after dose intake, the easiness of use, and higher preference, make Turbuhaler a valuable contribution in the treatment of asthmatics.
Specific IgE and IgG antibody responses in children to timothy pollen components during immunotherapy
Authors: NORDVALL S. L. , RENCK B. , EINARSSON R.
Published: May 2007

Fourteen children with timothy grass pollinosis were given immunotherapy (IT) for 3 years with a purified and characterized timothy grass pollen preparation or a crude aqueous timothy pollen extract. Crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis (CRIE) showed that 75% of the children under 11 years of age developed new specificities of IgE antibodies against timothy antigens, in contrast to older children, where no development of IgE antibodies against new timothy antigens could be detected. IgE antibodies were only detected against antigens formerly known as allergens. Timothy‐specific IgG antibodies increased in most children during hyposensitization against the major allergens Ag 19 and Ag 24/25 and several other IgE‐binding timothy antigens.
House dust mite, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and its allergens: effects of washing
Authors: ANDERSEN A. , ROESEN J.
Published: May 2007

The study was undertaken to evaluate the effect washing at various temperatures would have on the house dust mite, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and its allergens. Young and old mite cultures underwent a simulated washing programme. To record the number of live mites prior to and after washing a new counting method was applied. The findings demonstrated that although washing reduced the number of live mites, a washing programme at minimum temperature 58°C was required in order to achieve complete extermination of the house dust mites. A distinct protein loss was observed when washing at higher temperature, thus further reducing the total allergen pool without loss of allergen activity as determined by direct RAST.