bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Results of biological standardization with standardized allergen preparations
Authors: Dreborg S. , Belin L. , Eriksson N. E. , Grimmer Ø. , Kunkel G. , Malling H. J. , Nilsson G. , Sjögren I. , Zetterström O.
Published: May 2007

The aim of biological standardization (BS) is to equilibrate the activity (potency) of allergen extracts from different source materials. This was done by performing skin prick tests (SPT) on patients who were sensitive to one of the following 10 allergens: Birch, alder, hazel, timothy, rye grass, velvet grass, cultivated rye, mugwort, D. farinae and Cladosporium herbarum. Patient sensitivity varied within a range of diree to four powers of ten for each allergen investigated. The weal size in each patient corresponding to that elicited by histamine 1 mg/ml was calculated using the model log (mean weal diameter) = a + b log (concentration). The correlation coefficients of the regression lines of die allergen dose response relationship were found to be > 0.85 in most cases. The median slope for all extracts was 0.24. The slope for Cladosporium was significantly steeper than that for pollens. The amount of material in ng dry weight (d.w./ml) equal to 1000 biological units/ml (BU/ml) varied within a factor of three between species for all tested purified allergen preparations but Cladosporium. For Cladosporium, about 30 times more material was needed than for D. farinae. When using crude radier than purified material, it was necessary to use five to ten times more to elicit a reaction corresponding to 1000 BU/ml, but the difference was significant only for Cladosporium. The narrow range of allergen concentrations used by us as well as other investigators does not assure positive skin prick test results in all patients with clinical symptoms due to the allergen in question. Skin prick testing should therefore be done over a wide range of concentrations to improve the methods for BS.
Dose response relationship of allergen, histamine, and histamine releasers in skin prick test and precision of the skin prick test method
Authors: Dreborg S. , Holgersson M. , Nilsson G. , Zetterström O.
Published: May 2007

The aim of the present investigation was to study the dose response relationship of allergen, histamine and histamine releasers in skin prick test (SPT) and the precision of the SPT method. In one experiment timothy allergen, histamine HCl, rabbit anti‐human‐IgE and compound 48/80 were studied in seven patients. In a second experiment timothy allergen and histamine and dog allergen and histamine were investigated in two groups of 10 patients. Histamine HCl 1 and 10 mg/ml induced weals about 15 and 25 mm2 (4.5 and 5.5 mm in diameter), respectively. The precision as expressed by the coefficient of variation was about 25 % for histamine and 40 % for allergen for weal areas > 10 mm2. Calculations of the regression lines to test the dose response relationships were based on the method of least squares. The best fit was to a log/log model. The slopes of allergen, histamine and histamine releasers were essentially parallel within patients. The median slope of allergen was estimated to about 0.4 based on weal areas and 0.2 based on mean weal diameters. Furthermore, no significant differences were found between the lower and upper parts of the dose response curves of allergen and histamine, although there was a tendency towards steeper slopes at lower concentrations. These results show that histamine concentrations 1 mg/ml should be used as positive control in SPT and that histamine releasers do not offer advantages over histamine as reference substances in SPT. A common slope for the dose response relationship of allergen and histamine can be used for the estimation of skin sensitivity.
Histamine concentrations in nasal secretion and secretory activity in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Linder A. , Strandberg K. , Deuschl H.
Published: May 2007

The prerequisites for using the assayed histamine concentration in nasal secretion as an objective measure of disease activity in allergic rhinitis were investigated. It was demonstrated that in histamine determination procedures the presence of quenching substances in the nasal secretion could lead to underestimation of the histamine concentration. This bias was eliminated in a modified spectrofluorometric assay. Only an insignificant fraction of the histamine in samples collected by nasal spray washing was bound to unfiltrable particles or cells. The mean histamine concentration in nasal secretions from 15 healthy subjects wss 11.2 μg/ml and in a group of nine patients with allergic rhinitis out of season 3.36 μg/ml. The histamine concentration in the latter group decreased during the pollen season and after positive allergen challenge. It is suggested that this decrease is caused by the increase in volume of the secretion during the allergic response. The use of lithium as an exogenous marker permitted quantitation of the increase in the relative amount of nasal secretion recovered by washing in the symptomatic subjects.
Effect of cinnarizine on IgE antibody‐mediated experimental allergic reactions in guinea pigs
Authors: Nagai H. , Yamada H. , Yakuo I. , Inagaki N. , Choi S. H. , Koda A. , Daikoku M.
Published: May 2007

The anti‐allergic activity and mechanism of cinnarizine was investigated in guinea pigs. Nifedipine, a calcium antagonist, and tranilast, a potent, orally active anti‐allergic agent, were used as comparative drugs. 1) Cinnarizine protected against fatal systemic anaphylactic shock in guinea pigs passively sensitized with IgE antibody. Cinnarizine reduced many of the features of severe respiratory disorders. Nifedipine and tranilast showed similar effects. 2) Cinnarizine and nifedipine inhibited the contractile response to antigen of sensitized tracheal smooth muscle when the challenge was carried out at low antigen concentrations. Tranilast showed a tendency to inhibit the antigen‐induced contraction of tracheal smooth muscle. 3) Cinnarizine and nifedipine inhibited Ca‐induced contraction in potassium‐depolarized tracheal smooth muscle, tranilast had no effect. 4) Cinnarizine showed antagonistic action to the contraction by histamine or leukotriene D4 (LTD4) of tracheal muscle. Nifedipine showed similar antagonistic action, although its potency is lower than cinnarizine. Tranilast showed slight antagonistic action to LTD4. 5) Antigen‐induced release of histamine and slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS‐A) from sensitized lung tissues was inhibited by nifedipine and tranilast but not by cinnarizine. 6) The release of histamine and SRS‐A from lung tissues by calcium ionophore A23187 was inhibited by nifedipine and tranilast but not by cinnarizine. These results suggest that the anti‐allergic action of cinnarizine is mainly due to the antagonistic action to allergic mediators and not by interfering with die release of mediators. Cinnarizine's mechanism seems to be related to its antagonistic action to Ca in smooth muscle, but not to the transport of Ca in releasing the anaphylactic chemical mediators in mast cells and other target cells.
Contact urticaria to cow milk
Authors: Boso E. B. , Brestel E. P.
Published: May 2007

A patient with contact urticaria to cow milk is presented contact sensitivity was documented to whole cow milk skim milk commercial condensed milk and milk heated to 80°c for 30 min Contact sensitivity was also documented to casein and lactalbumin Unlike a previous report our patient's sensitivity to heated milk precluded its use in the diet. Thus heating milk does not necessarily reduce allergenicity to its component proteins
Methylprednisolone pulse therapy in severe acute asthma
Authors: Pedersen B. K. , Laursen L. C. , Lervang H. H. , Stjernebjer T. , Weeke B.
Published: May 2007

In a group comparative double blind pilot study six asthmatic patients with an acute exacerbation of their disease were randomly treated with either methylprednisolone pulse therapy (MPPT) (1000 mg daily for 3 days) (n= 2) followed by placebo tablets, or standard doses of methylprednisolone (MP) (50 mg daily gradually decreased to zero over 3 weeks) (n= 4). The results showed that the effect of MPPT did not differ from that of standard doses of MP. MPPT has, however, the potential of being preferable to standard treatment with MP. Because of easy administration and optimal patient compliance.
Clinical comparison of systemic methylprednisolone acetate versus topical budesonide in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: Pichler W. J. , Klint T. , Blaser M. , Graf W. , Sauter K. , Weiss S. , Witschi K.
Published: May 2007

Thirty patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis entered a double blind study comparing budesonide (nasal spray, 400 μg/d) and i.m. injection of 80 mg methylprednisolone acetate. Symptoms were assessed over a “run in” period of 3‐7 days followed by a treatment period of 3 weeks. Pollen counts were evaluated daily. Both the systemic and topical corticosteroid treatment resulted in a significant improvement of nasal and ocular symptoms and were accompanied by reduced antihistamine intake. A comparison of the two treatments in relation to the pollen count yielded statistically significantly fewer nasal symptoms, such as itching, secretion, and sneezing in the budesonide‐treated group. Nasal blockage and ocular symptoms remained unchanged, but the use of eyedrops was significantly reduced in the methylprednisolone‐treated group. Side effects of both treatments were mild and the incidence negligible. Methylprednisolone‐treated patients had a significantly lower cortisol value after 7 days but still had a normal response to ACTH‐stimulation. We conclude that the acute symptoms of allergic rhinitis are at least as well ameliorated by regular topical application of budesonide as by a single injection of methylprednisolone acetate. The accompanying allergic conjunctivitis may require additional treatment.
Role of protein kinase C in histamine release from human basophils
Authors: Morita Y. , Takaishi T. , Honda Z. , Miyamoto T.
Published: May 2007

In this study, we investigated the role of calcium and phospholipid‐dependent protein kinase (protein kinase C, PKC) in the modulation of histamine release from human basophils. A novel and potent inhibitor of PKC, K‐252a, inhibited the release of histamine induced by anti‐IgE in a dose‐dependent manner with ID50 (the dose required for 50% inhibition of histamine release) of 2.2 × 10‐8M. Histamine release stimulated with 12‐0‐tetradecanoyl‐phorbol‐13‐acetate(TPA) was also suppressed by K‐252a with maximal inhibition of 48.0 ± 9.3% at lO‐7M. In contrast, K‐252a did not inhibit the release of histamine in response to FMLP and ionophore A23187. Another inhibitor of PKC, H‐7, exhibited a dose‐dependent inhibition of anti‐IgE‐induced histamine release with ID50 of 8.6 × 10‐4M. H‐8 and HA1004, which closely resemble H‐7 in chemical structure but are less potent in inhibiting PKC, did not inhibit histamine release stimulated with anti‐IgE, but rather enhanced the release at higher concentrations. These results strongly suggest that PKC activation plays a crucial role in the mediation of IgE‐mediated histamine release from human basophils.
Cell‐mediated immunity assessed by skin testing (Multitest®)
Authors: Moesgaard F. , Nielsen M. Lykkegaard , Larsen P. Nørgaard , Christophersen S. , Mosbech H.
Published: May 2007

In 60 healthy adult volunteers and 58 patients with gastrointestinal disease a test system (Multitest®) consisting of a plastic disposable multiple‐puncture device capable of simultaneously applying seven delayed‐type hypersensitivity antigens and a glycerin/saline diluent (negative control) was assessed. The Multitest device was applied on both the inner side of the forearm and on the back for assessment of cell‐mediated immunity (CMI). The antigens used were two toxoids, tetanus and diphtheria, three bacterial antigens. Streptococcus, tuberculin and Proteus and two fungal antigens, Candida and Trichophyton. A scoring system based on both number and size of positive response revealed a median “score” on arm and back of 19 mm and 14 mm respectively, in the healthy volunteers and a median “score” of 12 mm and 8 mm respectively in patients with gastrointestinal disease. In both groups a significant difference was found between back and arm (P < 0.01). The coefficient of determination (r2) shows that only 64% of the variability in scores on the back is explained by the regression line. Therefore, scores obtained from tests on the back cannot be interpreted with reference to normal values originating from tests applied to the inner side of the forearm
Allergic reactions to raw, pasteurized, and homogenized/pasteurized cow milk: a comparison
Authors: Høst A. , Samuelsson E.‐G.
Published: May 2007

Five children aged 12‐40 months with IgE‐mediated adverse reactions to cow milk (immediate onset clinical pattern of cow milk allergy) were orally challenged double‐blind in random order with three different milk preparations processed from the same batch of milk 1) raw untreated cow milk, 2) pasteurized cow milk, 3) homogenized and pasteurized cow milk, and 4) Nutramigen®(a commercial hypoallergenic infant formula based on hydrolysed casein) as placebo. Skin prick tests with the same preparations were also performed. On oral challenge the three different processed milk types provoked significant and similar allergic reactions in each child, and no adverse reactions followed the challenge with placebo (Nutramigen). Skin prick test with the same milk products were positive in all children and comparable to the results with an extract of purified raw cow milk protein (Soluprickreg;), whereas Nutramigen did not elicit any skin reactions. A tendency towards a lower threshold of reaction and larger skin reactions induced by the processed milk preparations might indicate an increased ability of pasteurized and homogenized/pasteurized milk to evoke allergic reactions in patients allergic to milk.
Variations in histamine concentration in nasal secretion in patients with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Linder A. , Strandberg K. , Deuschl H.
Published: May 2007

The histamine concentration and content in nasal secretion and the volume of nasal secretion in nasal washing samples were measured under different conditions in 28 patients with allergic rhinitis sensitive to birch pollen. The mean histamine concentration was significantly lower after intranasal birch pollen challenge (2.08 μg/ml) than in prechallenge samples (6.96 μg/ml), and was also significantly lower in untreated patients during the birch pollen season (2.30 μg/ml) than off‐season (7.18 μg/ml). The same relationship was found between the histamine content of the secretion samples obtained on these occasions. The mean secretion volume was greater after than before challenge, but not significantly higher during the season than off‐season. A partial reversion of the changes in histamine concentration and content that occurred during the season was observed during intranasal corticosteroid therapy. The concentration and content of histamine in nasal secretion from symptomatic patients after intranasal histamine challenge did not differ significantly from those in asymptomatic subjects before challenge. It was concluded that although the histamine level in nasal secretion can be used as a marker of changes in the severity of allergic rhinitis, it is not ideal for this purpose.
Positive skin tests to aero‐allergens and month of birth
Authors: Quoix E. , Bessot J. C. , Kopferschmitt‐Kubler M. C. , Fraisse P. , Pauli G.
Published: May 2007

The month of birth distribution for 1301 French patients born between 1953 and 1975 with at least one positive skin test was compared to that of the whole population. A chisquare test was performed, and the expected birth month distribution of the groups calculated from the INSEE* data for 1953‐1975. All patients underwent skin testing with house dust, Dermatophagoides pternyssinus (Dpt), cat and dog allergens, grass, tree and weed pollens, and moulds. The only study criterion was a positive skin test unrelated to any specific disorder. A significant difference in month of birth distribution was observed 1) for patients with positive skin test to grass pollen, with a high rate of births from January to May, and 2) for patients with mould sensitization, with a low rate of births in April, May and December. Tree and weed pollens, house dust and Dpt showed no significant relation with month of birth. For cat and dog allergens, the observed and expected distributions of birth month were similar. For the whole sensitized population the birth rate tended to be low in December except for the cat and dog sensitized. Our study confirms the well‐known seasonal peak of births in the first 5 months of the year for grass pollen sensitized patients. No consistent monthly or seasonal tendency could be statistically demonstrated for other allergens except moulds.
Basophil histamine release in insect venom allergy
Authors: Engel T. , Heinig J. H. , Weeke E. R. , Schwartz B. , Ingemann L.
Published: May 2007

The aim of the present study was to investigate venom‐related and venom‐non‐related immunological reactions in patients stung by bee or wasp. Sixteen consecutive patients (7 with local and 9 with systemic reactions) were tested with skin tests, RAST and basophil histamine release (BHR) test immediately after the insect sting and 2, 4, and 16 weeks later. No test was useful immediately after the insect sting, the “anergic period”. In agreement with earlier findings, the SPT was the only allergy test that showed statistically significant differences between patients with local and systemic reactions, although a great overlap was found. Release of histamine from basophils after incubation with anti‐IgE also showed statistically significant differences between local and systemic reactions. Further studies are needed, especially measurement of BHR after incubation with anti‐IgE before insect stings.
Lactoferrin, myeloperoxidase, lysozyme and eosinophil cationic protein in exudate in delayed type hypersensitivity
Authors: Lerche A. , Bisgaard H. , Christensen J. D. , Venge P. , Dahl R. , Søndergaard J.
Published: May 2007

A skin window technique was used to study the morphology of leucocytes in upper dermis and exudate during nickel challenge in patients with contact allergy to nickel. Contact allergic patients and healthy volunteers tested with a skin widow without addition of nickel to the chamber medium served as controls. The morphology of the leucocytes in dermis was studied in biopsies taken 8, 24, or 48 h after skin window application, and in a parallel test the morphology of the exudate was examined by sequential collection of the chamber medium during a 48 h period. The infiltrate in dermis of contact allergic patients with nickel challenge in the chamber medium showed a time‐dependent increase of mononuclear cells, eosinophils and basophils and a concomitant decrease of polymorphonuclear granulocytes, characteristic of a combined specific and unspecific inflammation. The morphology of the exudate in contact allergic patients exposed to nickel showed a dominance of polymorphonuclear granulocytes throughout the study period, while mononuclear cells, eosinophils and basophils were detected at a much lower quantity and with a considerable delay. Further, we studied the kinetics of the leucocyte granule proteins: lactoferrin, myeloperoxidase, lysozyme and eosinophil cationic protein in exudate fluid in a parallel test. A significant higher flux was found for all during the second day of allergen exposure compared to contact allergic patients without allergen challenge as well as normal volunteers. The increased protein fluxes were not accompanied by an increased flux of polymorphonuclear granulocytes in the exudate. An unexpected difference in the kinetic profiles between the secondary granule proteins lactoferrin and lysozyme was observed in patients with and without nickel challenge as well as in controls, indicating a difference in diffusion or degradation of the two proteins before entering the chambers.
Lymphocyte proliferative responses to the purified Dermatophagoides farinae major allergen in untreated and hyposensitized atopic patients
Authors: Cavaillon J.‐M. , Fitting C. , Guinnepain M.‐T. , Rassemont R. , David B.
Published: May 2007

We investigated the proliferative response of lymphocytes from mite‐sensitive patients (RAST D.far > 3.5 PRU/ml) in the presence of the major allergen Der.f.I purified from Dermatophagoides farinae. Comparative studies were carried out with peripheral blood mononuclear cells from non‐atopic donors (RAST = 0), and from patients undergoing hyposensitization treatment (5 to 24 months). According to Student's t‐test, there was no significant difference in the Der.f. I‐induced proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from normal donors, untreated atopic patients and hyposensitized patients. In conclusion, it was impossible to discriminate between normal donors, atopic patients and hyposensitized patients with regard to their circulating lymphocyte responses to the purified major allergen Der.f.I.
Serum IgE in non‐atopic adults and in dermatitis patients
Authors: Peltonen L. , Havu V. K. , Mattila L.
Published: May 2007

Total serum IgE was determined with the PRIST® technique, and specific reaginic antibodies against 10 allergens were measured in 163 healthy adults with no personal or family history of symptoms indicative of atopy (Group A). 103 non‐atopic adults with a family history of atopic diseases were similarly investigated (Group B). When all subjects who at the second interview presented with a history of atopic symptoms and those with positive RAST results were excluded, the geometric mean serum IgE value for Group A was 14.5 (SD = 2) ‐ 94.4 U/ml and for Group B 14.4 (SD = 2) ‐ 130.2 U/ml. There was no significant difference in the IgE values between men and women. Subjects under 40 years of age had significantly higher IgE values than subjects over 40 years. In the series of 276 dermatitis patients the geometric mean IgE value for the men was significantly higher (46.8) than for the women (28.8 U/ml). There was a highly significant difference in the mean serum IgE levels between the patients with a personal history of atopic diseases and the other patients. Patients with present atopic disease had significantly higher mean IgE values than those with past atopic disease while no significant difference was discernible in the mean IgE levels between the non‐atopic patients from atopic families and those with no personal and family atopy. Three years later, total serum IgE was controlled in subjects with initial IgE levels > 100 U/ml. During this time, eight subjects had developed an atopic disease. In most cases, there were only slight variations in the IgE values.
Lymphocyte transformation by grass pollen allergens: a study of atopic patients receiving immunotherapy
Authors: Broman P. , Möuller E.
Published: May 2007

We have previously reported on peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) transformation by allergen, PPD as a control antigen and PHA as a mitogen during and after a preseasonal immunotherapy period. The present report describes similar parameters during and after the ensuing maintenance treatment period. Ten patients with grass pollen rhinitis were treated with Allpyral extract and 10 with Conjuvac two‐grass mixture. Lymphocyte transformation responses to grass antigen continued to be low for PBL from patients during the maintenance treatment. Postseasonal values were higher during treatment. In late autumn 1980, when treatment had been stopped, there was a spontaneous fall in lymphocyte stimulation values. Occasional high values were noticed in some patients, two of whom had treatment side effects (urticaria). Clinical data during the whole treatment period (skin prick test, provocation tests, serological parameters, total IgE, grass‐specific IgE, grass‐specific IgG, pollen counts, symptom scores, clinical effect and adverse reactions) have been published separately.
Value of a new screening test for respiratory allergy
Authors: Duc J. , Peitrequin R. , Pécoud A.
Published: May 2007

Phadiatop™ (Pharmacia) is a new in vitro screening test for respiratory allergy which detects in serum the presence of specific IgE to a mixture of common inhalant allergens; results are eithere positive or negative. Among 100 patients suffering from rhinitis and/or asthma, investigated with 15 skin prick tests (SPT) and RAST for frequent allergens, the Phadiatop was positive in 63: all 63 had at least one positive SPT and RAST (specificity: 100%), Conversely, ther were 67 patients who had a positive RAST for at least one allergen: among these 67 the total IgE concentration in serum was high (> 100 kU21) in 43 (64%) and the Phadiatop was positive in 63 (94%), Phadiatop was negative in serum obtained from 10 cord bloods and 10 non‐allergic subjects (disease‐free, 15 negative SPT and RAST), Results of the radio‐immunoassay originally proposed by the manufacturer were similar to those obtained with a modified enzymo assay using a fluorometric substrate. In the prediction of respiratory allergy, Phadiatop was found to be specific and more accurate than the determination of total IgE in serum.
Human immune response to allergens of house dust mite, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinius
Authors: Saint‐Remy J. M. R. , Lebrun P. M. , Lebecque S. J. , Masson P. L.
Published: May 2007

Specific antibodies isolated by immunoabsorption on four main insolubilized allergens from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DPT) had the following isotypic distribution: in 16 atopic patients, 52% IgG, 40% IgM, 8% IgA, 0.1% IgE and, in 12 non‐atopic individuals, 48% IgG, 46% IgM, 6% IgA, 0.03% IgE. The ratios between geometric means of antibody values in each class (atopic vs non‐atopies) were 2.4 for IgG, 2.0 for IgM, 2.8 for IgA and 66.7 for IgE. The amount of anti‐DPT antibodies in IgG subclasses (did not follow the usual distribution of total IgG subclasses, i.e., IgG1 > lgG2 > IgG3 > IgG4. In atopies the order was IgG2 > IgG1 > IgG4 > lgG3 and in non‐atopies, IgG4 > IgGl ‐ IgG2 > IgG3 although 6/12 of the latter had no detectable (< 0.5 μg/ml plasma) IgG4.
Cumulative dose response relationship of terbutaline delivered by three different inhalers
Authors: Fuglsang G. , Pedersen S.
Published: May 2007

In a controlled, open cross‐over study 15 asthmatic children received increasing doses of terbutaline (0.125 mg + 0.125 mg + 0.25 mg + 0.5 mg + 0.I mg) delivered by a pressurized aerosol alone or with a tube spacer or a nebuhaler attached. At no time was there any significant difference in measured FEV1 or percent increase in FEV1 between the three inhalers. However, when eight patients with bronchodilation > 50% on all tests days were studied separately, a significantly greater improvement in FEV1 was seen after the first three inhalations of terbutaline when a nebuhaler or a tube spacer was used compared with the response after the pressurized aerosol (P < 0.05) Bronchodilation measurements did not differ after use of the two spacers. There was no statistically significant difference in side effects between the three inhalers, but there was a trend towards a higher occurrence of side effects when the pressurized aerosol was used alone.
Immunotherapy with partially purified and standardized tree pollen extracts
Authors: Petersen B. Nüchel , Janniche H. , Munch E. P. , Wihl J.Å. , Böuwadt H. , Ipsen H. , Löswenstein H.
Published: May 2007

Fifty‐four adult patients with tree pollen‐induced rhinitis (28), asthma (1), or rhinitis and asthma (25) were selected for immunotherapy with standardized and partly purified tree pollen extracts using a double blind protocol. The selection was based on clinical history, results of nasal or bronchial challenge, skin prick tests and RAST. Further, based on crossed radio‐immunoelectrophoresis, sex, age and severity of symptoms, the patients were allocated in matched pairs and the treatment alternatives were randomly distributed within the pairs. Twenty‐three patients treated with extracts composed of any combination of alder, birch and hazel pollen which matched their IgE response in CRIE (Group 1 (ABC)) and 22 patients receiving birch pollen extracts (Group 2 (B)) completed ail 3 years of treatment. The in vivo results comprising symptom and medicine consumption scores are given here. Changes in specific skin and nasal reactivity as well as in immunological parameters arc presented separately. No significant differences were demonstrated between the treatment groups in the two parameters. Both extracts were effective and reduced in general the symptom scores to one tenth of the starting level. Expressed another way, at the end of the study, the patients tolerated 30 times more pollen until symptoms of the same severity were elicited, compared to before. In the Nordic countries, spring‐time asthma and rhino‐conjunctivitis caused by pollen from deciduous trees can be effectively treated with an extract of birch pollen alone.
Immunotherapy with partially purified and standardized tree pollen extracts
Authors: Wihl J. Å. , Ipsen H. , Petersen B. Nüchel , Munch E. P. , Janniche H. , Løswenstein H.
Published: May 2007

Patients allergic to tree pollen entered a 3‐year course of immunotherapy (1980–83) with either birch pollen extracts alone (n= 26) or patient‐tailored extracts of birch, alder and hazel pollen (n= 21). The clinical and immunological results of this study are published elsewhere. This paper contains an evaluation of skin prick test and nasal provocation test results. There were no significant differences between the two treatment groups concerning these two parameters. In both groups the allergen‐specific sensitivity in the skin showed seasonal variations but a significant decrease. During the years of treatment there was also a significant decrease in the specific sensitivity of the nasal mucosa. With the present demands for purification and standardization of allergen extracts it is of practical and economic interest to know that tree pollen‐allergic patients showing positive reactions to birch, alder and hazel extracts can be effectively treated using birch pollen extract alone.
Immunotherapy with partially purified and standardized tree pollen extracts
Authors: Ipsen H. , Schwartz B. , Wihl J.‐Å. , Petersen B. Nüchel , Munch E. P. , Janniche H. , Løwenstein H.
Published: May 2007

Patients allergic to pollen from alder, birch and hazel were hyposensitized during a 3‐year period with either birch pollen extract alone (n= 24) or a mixture of one or more of alder, birch and hazel pollen extracts (n= 27). The effect of the treatment was evaluated by RAST and tandem crossed‐radioimmunoelectrophoresis (tandem‐CRIE). The patient' specific IgE response to the major allergens of alder (Aln g I), birch (Bet v I) and hazel (Cor a I and Cor a II), as measured by tandem‐CRIE, and the total specific IgE response, measured by RAST, decreased significantly (Pc < 0.05) during immunotherapy, irrespective of the extract used during the treatment. There was no significant difference (Pc < 0.05) between the two treatment groups. The results obtained indicate either that birch pollen extract alone is adequate in the treatment of the studied patient group or the patients had been sensitized towards birch pollen alone.
Modification of the late asthmatic reaction by hyposensitization in asthmatic children allergic to house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) or grass pollen
Authors: Van Bever H. P. , Bosmans J. , De Clerck L. S. , Stevens W. J.
Published: May 2007

The frequency and severity of the late asthmatic reaction (LAR) was studied in asthmatic children allergic to house dust mite (HDM) or grass pollen (GP) with and without hyposensitization (HS). The four groups were comparable according to their severity of asthma. AU children were allergic to HDM (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) or GP according to history, skin testing and specific IgE determination via the RAST. The LAR occurred less frequently (29% versus 73%) (P < 0.001) and was less severe in children receiving HS. The difference was significant between the children allergic to HDM as well as between children allergic to GP. The immediate asthmatic reaction (IAR) was also less severe in children allergic to HDM who received HS, compared to those who never received HS, (P=0.033) although the PD20 of the HDM challenge (PD20HDM) was not different between the two groups. In children allergic to GP, there was no difference in PD20 of the GP challenge (PD20GP) or in severity of the IAR, whether the children received HS or not. There was no difference between the PD20HDM in patients who developed a LAR and in patients who did not. There was no relation between the type of asthmatic reaction following the allergen provocation test and the level of circulating immune complexes (CIC) and the level of house dust mite‐specific IgG (IgGHDM) or grass pollen‐specific IgE (IgGGP) in the different groups, determined before the challenge. There was a decrease in the level of IgG containing GIG (IgGCIC) during the LAR. It is concluded that the LAR occurs less frequently and is less severe in asthmatic children who receive HS.
Effect of topical levocabastine on allergic and non‐allergic perennial rhinitis
Authors: van de Heyning P. H. , van Haesendonck J. , Creten W. , Rombaut N.
Published: May 2007

Forty‐four patients, with symptoms of nasal obstruction, sneezing, itching and/or rhinorrhea, were entered into a placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a topical antihistamine drug, levocabastine, applied 4 times a day for 14 days. At the end of the treatment the placebo patients were treated with levocabastine and the levocabastine patients were treated with beclomethasone dipropionate in a single‐blind design for another 14 days. This study showed that levocabastine is significantly more active than placebo with reference to nasal discharge and sneezing. Placebo application improved the symptom score. Levocabastine could not be proved to be more effective against nasal obstruction than placebo in the double‐blind trial. In the single‐blind setup, levocabastine resulted in an additional improvement in the score for obstruction, after the placebo period. Although the allergic group tended to respond better, no statistically significant difference could be detected between allergic and non‐allergic patients. After treatment with levocabastine, beclomethasone dipropionate administration could not improve the results for nasal discharge and sneezing. For nasal congestion, beclomethasone dipropionate proved to be superior to levocabastine.
The in vivo effect of triethylphosphine gold (auranofin), sodium aurothiomalate and azathioprine on lymphocyte subsets of patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Pedersen B. K. , ÅBom B.
Published: May 2007

The percentages of CD5 + (pan T), CD8 + (mainly T suppressor) and CD4 + (mainly T helper) cells were studied in 80 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), grouped according to medication into four groups: 1) controls, not receiving remission‐inducing therapy, 2) patients on oral gold (triethylphosphine gold, auranofin), 3) patients on parenteral gold (sodium aurothiomalate) and 4) patients on azathioprine. The total number of lymphocytes was not influenced by treatment with auranofin or sodium aurothiomalate, while the number of lymphocytes was depressed in the azathioprine‐treated group (P < 0.01). Neither treatment with azathioprine or parenteral gold, nor treatment with azathioprine influenced the CD4 +/CD8 + ratio.
Cord serum IgE in relation to family history and as predictor of atopic disease in early infancy
Authors: Magnusson C. G. M.
Published: May 2007

Cord serum IgE was assayed by particle counting immunoassay (PACIA) in an unselected series of European newborns (n = 190; geom mean = 0.37 IU/ml) and a cutoff limit established (≥ 1.20 IU/ml) for prediction of atopy. At control follow‐up by questionnaire 18 months after birth, 38 infants (20.0%) had developed definite (9.5%) or probable (10.5%) atopy with a significant predominance of boys (P < 0.03). Infants with a positive immediate family history (IFH) had a higher risk of developing atopy (P < 0.0025) and also had a higher incidence of elevated cord IgE (P < 0.02) than infants with a negative IFH. Maternal atopy influenced cord IgE levels significantly (P < 0.00005), whereas paternal atopy did not (P= 0.23). No fetal IgE antibodies against five common allergens could be demonstrated in 36 cord sera tested. Breast‐feeding for 3 months was not sufficient to prevent atopic symptoms. The predictive value of cord IgE was high since 26 of 36 newborns (positive predictive value = 72.2 %) with elevated cord IgE had developed atopic symptoms before follow‐up. Of the 38 infants who developed atopic symptoms, 26 had elevated cord IgE (sensitivity = 68.4%) compared to only 10 (6.6%) of the 152 atopy‐free infants (P < 0.00005). The data indicate that elevated cord IgE as determined by PACIA is a good predictor of early‐onset atopy, better than family history (P < 0.008), and that primarily maternal atopy seems to affect fetal IgE synthesis.
The spectrum of allergenic pollens in Italy A computerized method of aerobiological monitoring
Authors: D'Amato G. , Lobietti A. , Mandrioli P. , Moro A. , Spediacci C. , Tursi A.
Published: May 2007

The monitoring of airborne pollens that provoke allergy is of interest to clinicians to enable them to correlate chronologically the relationship between pollen concentrations in the atmosphere and the symptoms of patients with pollen‐related allergies. In Italy there are now 60 centres for monitoring airborne allergenic pollens, the data from which arc compiled and filed using software developed by the Italian Association of Aerobiology (AIA) and run on personal computers. These data are then fed into a central data bank to which all centres have access. This information system makes it possible to achieve the following objectives: 1) to standardise monitoring methods, 2) to recognise varieties of pollen that cause allergies, 3) to improve the exchange and comparison of information among operators by compiling the results in graphs, and 4) to notify clinicians about atmospheric concentrations of allergenic pollens so that improved therapy can be provided.
Allergy screening including a comparison of prick test results with allergen‐coated lancets (Phazet®) and liquid extracts
Authors: Kjellman N.‐I. M. , Dreborg S. , Fälth‐Magnusson K.
Published: May 2007

During an allergy screening of families with a history of allergy in one or more subjects, skin prick tests (SPT) were performed in duplicate in 314 adults. The tests were performed with a new type of lancet with a 0.9 mm long point, loaded either with allergen (Phazet®) or used together with standardized extracts (10,000 and 100,000 BU/ ml). Wheals obtained with both methods were compared, and related to total IgE concentrations and history. A wheal area of 3 and 7 mm2was used as cut‐off limit. Results with Phazet were close to those with Pharmalgen 100,000 BU/ml. With both methods precision was good for allergens, but less for Phazet histamine than for the corresponding wet test. SPT results obtained with Phazet and 100,000 BU/ml correlated better with history than the results with 10,000 BU/ml. Using a wheal size of 7 mm2as cut‐off limit the efficiency for five tested allergens was 91%. “False positive” tests, possibly indicating an unobserved or latent type of allergy, were found more often with higher serum IgE concentrations. The safety of SPT was confirmed and Phazet was well accepted by nurses and tested subjects.
Fiberoptic bronchoscopy and bronchial mucosal biopsies in asthmatics undergoing long‐term high‐dose budesonide aerosol treatment
Authors: Laursen L. C. , Taudorf E. , Borgeskov S. , Kobayasi T. , Jensen H. , Weeke B.
Published: May 2007

Mucosal biopsies from the pharynx, right main stem bronchus and right lower lobe were obtained during flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy and were examined with light microscopy (LM) and electron microscopy (EM) in 10 asthmatics after 11 month's (range 7–15 months) treatment with high doses of inhaled budesonide via the Nebuhaler®, i.e. 1600 μg daily. Results were compared with biopsies from 10 controls suspected of having focal, malignant lung diseases. Visual inspection of the trachebronchial tree showed no signs of atrophy, ulcerations or thrush patches, and LM and EM showed no specific signs of mucosa and connective tissue atrophy; however, epithelial desquamation was seen in the asthmatics. No complications were observed.
Natural killer and interleukin‐2 induced cytotoxicity in asthmatics
Authors: Jira M. , Antosova E. , Vondra V. , Strejcek J. , Mazakova H. , Prazakova J.
Published: May 2007

Natural killer (NK) cell activity and interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) induced cytotoxicity to NK‐resistant targets T24 in a group of patients with grass pollen seasonal asthma were investigated. Acute bronchial provocation with this antigen was also performed and blood samples were taken before and 15 min after the maximal clinical response. NK activity was elevated in this group but there was a significant decrease after acute challenge. IL‐2 induced cytotoxicity was also increased and declined after antigen challenge. Limiting dilution analysis for minimal frequencies of precursors of the IL‐2 induced killer cells was introduced and showed increased numbers of lymphokine‐activated killing precursors in this group of patients. These data might indicate the abberations of the IL‐2 system in immediate type allergy but the clinical significance of these findings remains to be determined.
Serotonin in nasal secretion
Authors: Tønnesen P. , Hindberg I.
Published: May 2007

The aim of this study was to investigate the serotonin content in nasal secretion. Histamine‐ and methacholine‐induced nasal secretions were collected during a 5‐min period after challenge in 33 normal subjects. Serotonin was determined radio‐enzymatically and was found in 66% of pure, blown secretions. The median concentration of serotonin in histamine‐ and methacholine‐induced secretions was 6.3 nmol/1 (range < 1.6–52.0) and 2.3 nmol/1 (range 1.6‐140.0) (NS), respectively. The serotonin concentration in allergen‐induced nasal secretions in 7 rhinitis patients was 0.8 to 159 nmol/1, median 10.4 nmol/1 which did not differ from the serotonin levels in the normal subjects. The serotonin concentration in nasal lavage fluids in 5 subjects was low (below the detection limit in 78% of the samples). Further studies of serotonin in patients with nasal hypersecretion are indicated.
Bronchial asthma: pathophysiological mechanisms and corticosteroids
Authors: Norn Svend , Clementsen Paul
Published: May 2007

The clinical effects in asthma of corticosceroids can be ascribed to their strong anti‐inflammatory action. The pathophysiology of asthma is complex. A diversity of mediators and interactions between mediators and between mediators and various cell types enhances and maintains the inflammatory process in the airways resulting in severe asthma. This is a vicious circle. Penetration through the airway epithelium of allergens and other insulting particles trigger release of inflammatory mediators and neurotransmitters, which, by chemotaxis and activation of inflammatory cells, results in enhanced and prolonged mediator release. Several of these mediators possess tissue‐toxic properties enhancing the airway inflammation. The glucocorticoids have several points of action affecting both mediator release and accumulation and activation of inflammatory cells, which explains their favourable effect in asthma.
Effects of withdrawal of sustained‐release theophylline in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease
Authors: Aamodt T. , Dahle R. , Horgen O.
Published: May 2007

In a double‐blind, cross‐over study, sustained‐release theophylline was withdrawn to determine whether the drug was still effective after long‐term treatment. Twenty adult out‐patients with stable, chronic obstructive lung disease and who had been on continuous long‐term treatment for at least 6 months, were studied. Lung function, plasma theophylline concentration, symptom score, number of nocturnal dyspnoea attacks, requirement for additional beta2‐stimulant aerosol, and side effects, were recorded before withdrawal, after withdrawal and after reinstitution of treatment. When theophylline was withdrawn, all parameters were significantly worsened, but after reinstitution of treatment they all improved .significantly. The results show that sustained‐release theophylline remains effective after at least 6 months' continuous treatment in adult patients.
Immunological changes associated with a successful outcome of pollen immunotherapy
Authors: Fennerty A. G. , Jones K. P. , Davies B. H. , Fifield R. , Edwards J.
Published: May 2007

Changes in immunological measurements thought to be important in the mechanism of immunotherapy for hay fever were related lo objective measurements of treatment outcome. Antigen‐specific IgE and IgG, and T suppressor cell status, using monoclonal antibodies and a specific functional assay, were measured before and after immunotherapy. Treatment outcome was assessed using nasal and conjunctival challenge tests. Seventeen subjects received immunotherapy for 6 months. Nine showed a decrease in nasal and/or conjunctival sensitivity, compared with 2 of 13 control subjects (P < 0.05). Subjects responding to immunotherapy had a significantly higher post treatment IgE level and a higher pre‐ and post‐treatment IgG level than non‐responders and controls. Immunotherapy had no effect on suppressor cell status.
Intramuscular betamethasone dipropionate vs. topical beclomethasone dipropionate and placebo in hay fever
Authors: Laursen L. C. , Faurschou P. , Munch E. P.
Published: May 2007

A double‐blind, double‐dummy comparative study was made of 30 adult birch pollen‐allergic outpatients with seasonal rhinoconjunctivitis. They were treated with either topically applied beclomethasone dipropionate 100 μg in each nostril twice daily for 4 weeks, placebo, or an injection of 2 ml of a suspension containing 5 mg bethamethasone dipropionate and 2 mg betamethasone disodium phosphate per ml (Diprospan®) immediately prior to the birch pollen season. Placebo‐ and topical steroid‐treated patients experienced an increase in rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms, i.e. nasal blockage, nasal itching, rhinorrhea, sneezing and eye symptoms, and placebo‐treated patients used significantly more antihistamine tablets during the pollen season. Diprospantreated patients experienced fewer symptoms on all measured parameters. We concluded that one injection of Diprospan immediately prior to the birch pollen season produces significantly fewer rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms than does placebo and topical steroid treatment.
Interleukin‐1 affects the function of cultured human thyroid cells
Authors: Rasmussen Å. Krogh , Bech K. , Feldt‐Rasmussen U. , Poulsen S. , Holten I. , Ryberg M. , Dinarello C. A. , Siersbæ‐Nielsen K. , Friis T. , Bendtzen K.
Published: May 2007

Cytokines are peptide hormones essential for cellular communication in the immune response. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of cytokines, especially recombinant interleukin 1β (rIL‐1β), on human thyroid cells. Thyroglobulin (Tg) was measured by a double antibody radioimmunoassay, and cyclic AMP (cAMP) by a competitive protein binding assay. Supernatants from unstimulated and phytohaemagglutinin‐stimulated blood nononuclear cells were added to human thyroid cells cultured in monolayers. A dose‐dependent inhibition of the secretion of Tg and cAMP was demonstrated. Both subcultured and primary cultured cells incubated with rIL‐1β at pharmacological levels (10−1−102 U/ml) exhibited an inhibition of Tg and cAMP secretion, while at physiological levels (10−5‐10−3 U/ml), the secretion of Tg was enhanced. The similar stimulation of cAMP was demonstrated in subcultures. These in vitro studies suggest that IL‐1β may play a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid diseases. Further, the stimulations at low concentrations indicate that IL‐1β may regulate the function of the thyroid gland under physiological conditions.