bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of guinea‐pig purified immunoglobulin G1 on the responsiveness of tracheal, aortic, vas deferens and ileum smooth muscles
Authors: BIDON J.‐C. , VU A. T. , BLIN M. , GOGNY M. , SOUILEM O. , JONDET A.
Published: April 2006

Background Smooth muscles hyperresponsiveness is a common feature in anaphylaxis and allergic diseases.

Objective The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of in vitro passive sensitization with highly purified immunoglobulin GI (IgGl) on the responsiveness of tracheal, aortic, vas deferens and ileum smooth muscles.

Method Firstly, IgGl, obtained from actively sensitized BFA guinea‐pigs, was purified by Protein A‐Sepharose column and characterized by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoelectrophoresis analysis. Concentration‐response curves to spasniogens (acelylcholine for trachea and vas deferens, noradrenaline for aorta and histamine for ileum) were established before and after in vitro passive sensitizalion with IgGl.

Results Contractile responses and maximal contractions were significantly enhanced after passive sensitization for all the organs. Maximal contractions were significantly increased in the trachea (+46.7%), aorta (+51%), vas deferens (+114.2%) and ileum (+ 117.2%). At the end of the experiments, the application of the sensitizing antigen induced a significant Schultz‐Dale reaction of the smooth muscles.

Conclusion The present results show that the in vitro application of purified IgGl can produce non‐specific smooth muscle hyperreactivity and hypersensitivity. So, IgGl can be considered as the main factor involved in the genesis of sensitization‐induced hyperresponsiveness, and probably play a great role in hyperreactivity observed during allergic diseases and anaphylaxis.
Allergy to pistachio: crossre activity between pistachio nut and other Anacardiaceae
Authors: FERNANDEZ C. , FIANDOR A. , MARTINEZ‐GARATE A. , QUESADA J. MARTINEZ
Published: April 2006

Background Anaphylaxis against Anucardiuccae nuts is uncommon and the allergens involved still poorly characterized. For this reason two patients with allergy towards pistachio nut (a member of the Anacardiaceae family) have been studied.

Objective Identification of immunoallergens present in pistachio nut and analysis of crossreactive antigens in other members of the same plant family, specifically cashew and mango.

Methads Presence of specific IgE for pistachio and cashew nut and for mango seed and pulp was determined by skin tests and radioallergosorbent assay (RAST). The allergenic profile of pistachio and cashew was analysed by sodium dodeeyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) followed by immunoblotting. Crossreactivity between pistachio and the other Anacardiaceae was studied by RAST inhibition.

Results Skin tests were positive for pistachio and cashew in the two children and for mango seed in one. RAST was positive for pistachio and cashew in both patients. On immunoblotting, serum from both patients recognized several pistachio and cashewallergens with a molecular weight ranging from <14.2–70kDa. RAST inhibition demonstrated common antigenic determinants between pistachio and cashew nut. Crossreactivity was also found between pistachio nut and mango seed but not with mango pulp.

Conclusion Pistachio nut contains several protein allergens able to trigger type I hyperscnsitivity reactions. These allergens can be found also in cashew nut and mango seed but not in mango pulp.
Species‐specific measurement of the second group of Dermatophagoides mite allergens, Der p 2 and Der f 2, using a monoclonal antibody‐based ELISA
Authors: YASUEDA H. , SAITO A. , YANAGIHARA Y. , AKIYAMA K. , TAKAOKA M.
Published: April 2006

Background
The group 2 Dermatophagoides mite allergens. Der p 2 and Der f 2, were known to he highly crossreactive, and previous assays to measure Der p 2 and Der f 2 were not species‐specific.

Objective
The aim of this study was to develop a monoclonal antibody‐based ELISA (MoAb‐ELISA) to specics‐spccifically measure Der p 2 and Der f 2.

Methods
The MoAb‐ELISA lor Der p 2 and Der f 2 was performed using species‐specific MoAbs for Der p 2 and Der f 2 and a biotinylated second MoAb which recognized a common epitope on both Der p 2 and Der f 2.

Rcsuits
The assay was highly specics‐spccific, reproducible and sensitive. Thirty‐two house dust samples were assayed by the MoAb‐ELISA for Der p 2 and Der f 2 and by a previously reported radioimmunoassay for Der 2 with rabbit anti‐Der 2 antibodies. The summed values for Der p 2 and Der f 2 by the MoAb‐ELISA detnonstrated a good correlation with the Der 2 values using the radioimmunoassay (r = 0.978). Furthermore, the proportion of the Der p 2 level in the total Der 2 level (Der p 2 divided by Der p 2 plus Der f 2) correlated well with that of the D. pteronyssinus mite number to the total Dermalophagoides mite number identificd by species (r = 0.970).

Conclusion
The MoAb‐ELISA for Der p 2 and Der f 2, as well as that for Der p 1 and Der f 1, will be useful for the standardization of mite extracts and for the assessments of mite allergen exposure.
Characterization of a dominant antigenic determinant of Par o I encoded by recombinant DNA
Authors: D'ABUSCO A. SCOTTO , DE SANTO C. , MENNA T. , COSCIA M. R. , ORESTE U. , GELLER‐BERNSTEIN C. , RUFFILLI A.
Published: April 2006

Background
The pollens from Parietaria judaica and Parietaria officinalis are a major cause of pollinosis in Europe. Par o I (13.5 kDa) and Par j I (12 kDa), the major allergens from these species, are highly crossrcaclive.

Methods
We have immunoscreened a P. judaica pollen cDNA expression library with a rabbit antiserum specific for Par j I and with a serum pool from allergic patients. An immunopositive clone containing a 26 bp insert was further characterized. The insert sequence was determined and the beta‐galactosidase fusion protein was partially purified by electroelution from sodium dodecyl sulfatc‐poblyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) gels.

Results
This fusion protein specifically and extensively inhibited Par o I and Par j I binding of a rabbit antiserum and of a serum pool obtained from allergic patients. The antifusion‐protein antiserum obtained in a rabbit (anti 6a) specifically precipitated radioiodinated purified Par o I in the double antibody radioimmunoassay (DARIA) and competed with antibodies of sera from allergic patients for the binding to Parietaria pollen extract allergens by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We investigated the prevalence of antibody response towards the 6a epitope in patients naturally sensitized to Parietaria. The presence of 6a specific IgE antibodies was assessed in the sera of 33 patients using inhibition assays. All sera had antibodies with this specificity: the extensive percentage of inhibition reached suggested that they dominated individual ab response.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the antibody response induced by natural exposure to the pollen ofParietaria appears to be higly focused on a single linear antigenic determinant of the major allergens which may play a relevant role in the development of clinical allergy. This report is, to our knowledge, the first description of a dominant linear epitope of a major allergen.
Heating inactivates the enzymatic activity and partially inactivates the allergenie activity of Asp o 2
Authors: BAUR X. , CZUPPON A. B. , SANDER I.
Published: April 2006

Background
Sensitization to various flours and flour additives in the baking industry has been known for some time. However, most studies refer to allergens in their native state.

Objective
The aim of our study was to find out how high temperatures during the baking process influence enzymatic and allergenie activities of the common flour additive alpha‐amylase (Asp o 2), a relevant allergen for bakers derived from Aspergillus oryzae.

Methods
In order to assess the allergenicity of Asp o 2 during the baking process, four to 11 correspondingly sensitized bakers were investigated by Enzyme Allergo‐Sorbent Test (EAST) with native Asp o 2 and Asp o 2 heated to 80, 90, 95, 99.8 or 200 C. Eurthermore, the enzymatic activity was assayed in simulated baking processes at the above mentioned temperatures.

Results
Elevated temperatures resulted in a gradual loss of IgE antibodies’ recognition of Asp o 2 in two commercially available enzyme products. The enzymatic activity decreased more rapidly. Heating the enzyme to 200°C abolished both the enzymatic and the allergenie activity of the enzyme.

Conclusion
Based on these results, alpha‐amylase in flour additives partially retains its allergenicity. This finding could be relevant for consumers.
Pulmonary surfactant given prophylactically alleviates an asthma attack in guinea‐pigs
Authors: LIU M. , WANG L. , LI E. , ENHORNING G.
Published: April 2006

Backgronnd
Previous studies have indicated that the increased airway resistance that develops in asthma may partly be due to a surfactant dysfunction. If so. it might be possible to alleviate the acute signs following an allergen challenge by prophylactically instilling into the airways a well functioning pulmonary surfactant.

Objective
The study was planned and enacted to test the above hypothesis. Methods The lung function (airway resistance, tidal volume, minute ventilation, and dynamic compliance) of 22 immunized guinea‐pigs was studied for 30min following a challenge. Ten of the animals had received a tracheal instillation of 0.5 ml. calf lung surfaetant extract (CLSE, 35mg/mL) prior to the challenge.

Results
The animals receiving the dose of 17.5 mg surfactant were less affected by the challenge than were the controls. Onty one of them died following the challenge, whereas four of the 12 controls succumbed. Lung function was significantly less affected among the nine surviving animals treated with surfactant prior to the challenge than among the eight surviving controls (P< 0.01) and also their blood gases (pCO2 and pO2) were less influenced (P<0.05).

Conclusion
The study indicated that the symptoms developing after a challenge. which to some extent simulate those ot asthma. can be alleviated by a prophylactic airway instillation of pulmonary surfactant.
Anaphylaxis to penicillins after non‐therapeutic exposure: an immunological investigation
Authors: BLANCA M. , GARCIA J. , VEGA J. M. , MIRANDA A. , CARMONA M. J. , MAYORGA C. , MORENO F. , JUAREZ C.
Published: April 2006

Background
There are instances where individuals may come into contact with penicillins without being aware of it. This non‐therapeutic exposure from different sources may cause sensitization and even clinical manifestations in subjects allergic to penicillins.

Objective
To determine the capacity that inadvertent contact with penicillins may have in inducing resensitization and symptoms in patients diagnosed as allergic to penicillins who were followed over a long period of time after their initial evaluation. Methods A follow‐up study of penicillin‐allergic subjects who agreed to be regularly tested for in vitro and in vivo control of their sensitivity. Skin tests were carried out with major and minor determinants of benzylpenicillin (BPO and MDM), amoxicillin (AX), and ampicillin (AMP), and specific IgE antibodies were determined by radioallergosorbent test (RAST). A questionnaire was sent to and answered by the subjects in order to see if they experienced symptoms at any time during the follow‐up period. In addition, if any unexplained symptoms occurred, a bleeper system was used to contact the allergy centre.

Results
Seven subjects experienced anaphylactic reactions with no obvious cause. At the time of their initial allergic reaction, which was caused by exposure to prescribed penicillin, the subjects had one or more positive skin tests and/or RAST results to penicillin related reagents. However, over the following 2–4 years all their tests became negative. After reporting their unexplained reaction all seven had one or more positive skin tests and/or RAST results again and when retested 1 week later RAST measure ments showed that levels of penicillin‐specific IgE were maintained or increased. None of the subjects had knowingly received penicillin but the questionnaire showed that six had been exposed to it and in the seventh case exposure was likely. In two cases contact was by sexual intercourse with a partner who was receiving penicillin, three subjects had handled penicillin formulations and one had drunk from a glass previously used for giving penicillin. In the seventh case exposure could have occurred whilst in hospital for surgery, although this was not proven.

Conclusions
these results show that non‐therapeutic exposure to penicillin can cause severe symptoms and that in vitro and in vivo testing can help in the diagnosis of such cases.
Influence of bee venom immunotherapy on degranulation and leukotriene generation in human blood basophils
Authors: JUTEL MAREK , MÜLLER U. R. , ERICKER M. , RIHS S. , PICHLER W. J. , DAHINDEN C.
Published: April 2006

Background
Rapid clinical tolerance can be induced over several hours by very fast bee venom immunotherupy (VIT) protocols.

Objective
To investigate the mechanisms underlying VIT we examined the changes of blood basophil responsivetiess during VIT.

Methods
Seven bee venom allergic patients with a history of severe systemic reactions after a bee sting were investigated. A cumulative dose of 111.1 μg bee venom (BV) was administered sc over 3.5 h under intensive care conditions according to an ultra‐rush protocol. The release of histamine and the formation of leukotrienes in response to BV, major BV allergen Phospholipase A2 (PLA), IgE receptor cross‐linking with the use of monoclonal antibodies against IgE and IgE receptor, as well as IgE independent activation in response to C5a were determined in vitro before and after ultra‐rush VIT.

Results
We demonstrated a decrease of total histamine in peripheral blood leucocytes just after VIT. Histamine release in response to all the stimuli used is not affected by ultra‐rush VIT, if expressed as per cent release of total histamine. However, the absolute amount of product released in response to stimulation was decreased, particularly with allergen (BV, PLA). We also found a significant reduction of LTC4 formation after VIT in samples stimulated with specific allergen (BV, PLA).

Conclusion
Blood basophils are a target for VIT, which induces impaired release of both preformed and newly generated mediators. However, we believe the basic mechanisms of rapid clinical tolerance induced by ultra‐rush VIT remain to be investigated.
Sustained eosinophil cationic protein release into tears after a single high‐dose conjunctival allergen challenge
Authors: MONTAN P. G. , VAN HAGE‐HAMSTEN M. , ZETTERSTRÖM O.
Published: April 2006

Background
The appearance of eosinophils is a hallmark sign of the allergic late‐phase response (LPR). Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), a readily measurable product released from activated eosinophils, has so far not been evaluated in the ocular LPR.

Objective
Two sets of trials were performed in order to investigate changes of local and systemic eosinophil activity and their possible link with symptoms and hyper‐reactivity in the allergic LPR in the eye.

Methods
In the first experiment, ECP was analysed in tears and serum and the clinical reaction was evaluated during a 72‐h time–course after a single, high‐dose allergen challenge out of season in one eye of 15 pollen‐sensitized volunteers. In a second experiment, the hypothesis of an increased clinical response to an allergen challenge in an eye that had been provoked with allergen 48h previously was tested in nine sensitized individuals.

Results
In the first experiment, symptoms at 10 min and 2, 4, 6, 8 and 24 h significantly exceeded base line scores of the challenged eyes. Tear ECP was significantly elevated in challenged eyes compared to contralateral eyes at 6, 8 and 24 h. In addition, symptoms and ECP release correlated significantly at the 24‐h evaluation. Serum ECP remained unchanged throughout the study period. In the second experiment, conjunctival hyperreactivity 48h after an allergen challenge was not confirmed.

Conclusion
ECP secretion occurs in the experimental ocular LPR and is in part associated with the magnitude of the clinical reaction, which suggests a truly pathogenic role of the activated eosinophil in pollen‐induced allergic conjunctivitis.
Detection of Pityrosporum orbiculare reactive T cells from skin and blood in atopic dermatitis and characterization of their cytokine profiles
Authors: LINDER M. TENGVALL , JOHANSSON C. , ZARGARI A. , BENGTSSON Å. , VAN DER PLOEG I. , JONES I. , HÄRFAST B. , SCHEYNIUS A.
Published: April 2006

Background
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with increased levels of serum igE. and T‐helper (Th) cells are thought to a play role in the pathogenesis. Individuals with AD often develop IgE antibodies against the yeast Pityrosporum orhiculare. a member of the normal cutaneous flora.

Objective
The role of P. orbiculare in atopic dermatitis was investigated by examining the T‐cell reactivity for P. orbiculare.

Methods
Freshly isolated peripheral blood monoruclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from 10 AD patients with serum IgE antibodies against P. orbiculare, and from six healthy controls. The proliferative response after P. orbiculare stimulation, measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation, was examined in the PBMC and in T‐cell clones (TCC) obtained from skin and blood of one patient. The cytokine profile of the TCC was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorhent assay (ELISA). radioimmunoassay (RIA) and reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) following challenge with either P. orbiculare extract or anti‐CD3 antibodies and phytohaemag‐glutinin.

Results
The PBMC response to P. orbiculare was significantly higher in the AD patients than in the control group (P < 0.05). Twenty‐nine out of 36 tested TCC derived from one responding patient were reactive for P. orhiculare. The clones were CD2+ and CD4+, except for one CD8+ blood clone. A majority of the TCC derived from lesional skin showed a Th2‐ or Th2/Th0‐like cytokine profile. A co‐expression of interIeukin‐5 (IL‐5) mRNA and II‐13 mRNA was detected in five out of six P. orhicularc‐reative clones analysed for their cytokinc gene expression with RT‐PCR.

Conclusion
Our data suggest that P. orhiculare can induce a T‐cell response in AD patients. The Th2‐like profile of P. orbiculare‐reactive TCC derived from lesional skin indicates that P. orhiculare may play a role in maintaining IgE‐mediated skin inflammation in AD.
Human T and B cell immune responses to Fel d 1 in cat‐allergic and non‐cat‐allergic subjects
Authors: MARK P. G. , SEGAL D. B. , DALLAIRE M. L. , GARMAN R. D.
Published: April 2006

Background
In allergic individuals exposure to allergen leads to the induction of allergen‐specific IgE which, upon binding to its high affinity receptors on mast cells and basophils. primes these cells for degranulation. This degranulation. a result of specific IgE allergen‐interaction, initiates the debilitating symptoms of allergy and the potentially life‐threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis. The lack of symptoms following antigen encounter by non‐allergic individuals is probably due to the undetectable levels of allergen‐specific IgE in the plasma of non‐allergic individuals.

Objective
To compare the immune responses of allergic and non‐allergic individuals.

Method
We compared the immune responses of 42 cat‐allergic subjects with 16 nem‐cat‐allergic subjects to the major cat allergen. Fel d I. We have measured plasma immunoglobulin levels and the proliferative responses of fel d 1 primed T cell lines to Fel d 1 peptides.

Results
While these two groups have similar levels of Fel d 1 specific IgG. only subjects in the cat‐allergic group have detectable Fel d 1 specific IgE. Affinity purified Fel d 1 was used to generate T cell lines from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of these same subjects. The proliferative responses of these T cell lines to intact Fel d 1 and a set of overlapping peptides covering the entire sequence of the molecule demonstrated that the pattern of epitope recognition was similar in both groups.

Conclusion
Our data suggest that factors other than T cell recognition of specific epitopes are responsible for the nature of allergic immune responses generated when allergen is encountered.
Isolation, cDNA cloning and expression of Lig v 1, the major allergen from privet pollen
Authors: BATANERO E. , DE LA PEÑA M. A. GONZALEZ , VILLALBA M. , MONSALVE R. I. , MARTIN‐ESTEBAN M. , RODRIGUEZ R.
Published: April 2006

Background
An olive allergen‐like protein has been detected in privet pollen. This protein could be involved in the allergenic cross‐reactivity described for privet and olive tree pollen extracts.

Objective
Isolation and characterization of natural Lig v 1. Cloning and expression of its cDNA in order to assess its structural similarity with the olive allergen.

Methods
Current chromatographic methods were used to isolate the privet counterpart of Ole e 1. A pool of sera from subjects allergic to olive tree pollen was used to immunodetect the protein in the elution profiles. Ole e 1‐specific polyclonal antibody and allergic sera were used in immunoblotting assays of the isolated protein, Polymerase chain reaction amplification of the first strand cDNA synthesized from the privet pollen total RNA was carried out to prepare a full‐length fragment encoding Lig v 1. After nucleotide sequencing, expression of one clone was performed in Escherichia coli, under the form of a fusion protein with glutathione S‐transferase. The IgE binding capability of the recombinant protein was also analysed.

Results
The major allergen from privet pollen, Lig v 1, was purified to homogeneity by two gel filtration chromatographies and one reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. Its amino acid composition and N‐terminal amino acid sequence were determined. Two different clones encoding Lig v 1 were sequenced. Strong sequence similarity between Lig v 1 and Ole e 1 was observed, the identity being 85 and 96%. One of the sequenced clones was expressed and the recombinant product exhibited IgG and IgE binding activities against both anti‐Ole e 1 polyclonal antibodies and olive‐allergic sera.

Conclusion
Privet pollen contains a protein structurally and immunologically related to the major allergen of ohve pollen. The similarity exhibited by these proteins could explain the cross‐reactivity observed between the two pollen extracts. Since these allergens are highly polymorphic, the expression of an immunologically active recombinant Lig V 1 will permit the preparation of well defined molecules for both research and chnical purposes.
Granulocyte function in the airways of allergen‐challenged pigs: effects of inhaled and systemic budesonide
Authors: FORNHEM C. , PETERSON C. G. B. , DAHLBÄCK M. , SCHEYNIUS A. , ALVING K.
Published: April 2006

Backgroumd
Late airways obstruction and eosinophil infiltration after allergen challenge are often seen in human asthma and animal models of allergy. This inflammatory reaction, which may be a link between acute and chronic asthma, is blocked by glucocorticoid pretreatment. However, the role of eosinophils in late airways obstruction and the primary site of action of glucocorticoids, i.e. locally or systemically, have not been fully determined.

Objectives
This study was initiated to find out the role of eosinophils and neutrophils in allergen‐induced late airways obstruction in the pig. The effect of pretreatment with budesonide (BUD) given locally or systemically on cellular responses seen within 8 h after allergen challenge was also studied.

Methods
Twenty‐five minipigs were actively sensitized with Ascaris suum antigen and challenged under anaesthesia with antigen in the lower airways. Pigs were given BUD as an aerosol (l0μg/kg) or an intravenous infusion (5μg/kg) 1 h before allergen challenge. In one group, high doses of BUD (50μg/kg) were infused twice with a 3‐h interval before allergen challenge. As a positive control, one group was given the BUD vehicle as an infusion and as a negative control, one group not treated with BUD was given the irrelevant antigen ovalbumin. Eosinophils and neutrophils in lung tissue specimens were detected and levels of eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were measured using specific antibodies against porcine EPO and MPO.

Results
The number of eosinophils in lung tissue and BAL fluid and the level of EPO in BAL fluid were significantly increased 8 h after A. suum challenge in pigs not treated with BUD. With regard to possible recruitment and activation of neutrophils the only significant finding was an increase in the number of cells in BAL fluid. The eosinophil numbers and the level of EPO in BAL fluid were shown to be decreased by all BUD treatments in all the compartments studied compared to the positive control. However, the number of eosinophils in lung tissue and EPO levels in BAL fluid did not correlate with the magnitude of the late airways obstruction.

Conclusion
Although eosinophils are present in the bronchial wall and lumen and are apparently activated, a causative relationship between this granulocyte and the late bronchial obstruction could not be established in this model.
Unilateral nasal allergen challenge leads to bilateral release of prostaglandin D2
Authors: WAGENMANN M. , BAROODY F. M. , DESROSIERS M. , HUBBARD W. C. , FORD S. , LICHTENSTEIN L. M. , NACLERIO R. M.
Published: April 2006

Background
Multiple mediators including prostaglandin D2 and leukotriene B4 have been shown to increase in nasal secretions during the early response to nasal challenge with antigen.

Objective
Our objective was to investigate the time course of prostanoid and leukotriene B4 release into nasal secretions on both the ipsilateral and contralateral side after a unilateral nasal allergen challenge.

Methods
We performed a controlled, randomized trial. Six volunteers were challenged unilaterally with antigen or diluent in a randomized order and discs were used to collect nasal secretions from both nostrils at 2 min intervals for 20 min after the challenge. Prostanoids and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in recovered nasal secretions were measured by combined capillary gas chromatography‐negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

Results
Nasal allergen challenge resulted in a significant and immediate increase in symptoms and sneezing. PGD2 was significantly elevated above diluent values (0.6 ± 0.6pg) 30s after removal of the allergen disc (P<0.05), reached its peak (423.2 ± 182.4pg) at 2 min and then slowly decreased. PGD2 also increased on the contralateral side after unilateral allergen challenge, reaching peak values about six times lower than on the ipsilateral side (70.8 ± 2l.7pg at 6 min). Levels of 9a, Ub‐PGF2 after antigen provocation became significantly higher than after diluent (0 ± 0pg) on the ipsilateral side at 2 min (17.2 ± 5.9 pg), and reached peak levels at 4 mm (25.1 ± 8.0 pg). LTB4 also increased significantly on the side of ehallenge. For the other prostanoids measured (PGF2, PGF2α TxB2, 6kPGF1α), no significant changes in either ipsilateral or contralateral secretions were observed after allergen challenge.

Conclusions
Our study described the kinetics of PGD2 and LTB4 release as well as the contralaterai release of PGD2.
Enhanced IgE response to Candida albicans in postoperative invasive candidiasis
Authors: SAVOLAINEN J. , RANTALA A. , NERMES M. , LEHTONEN L. , VIANDER M.
Published: April 2006

Background
Invasive candidiasis is a life‐threatening complication problem in postoperative and immunocompromized patients, e.g. those treated by intensive care. Candida is frequently cultured from the mucous membranes of hospital patients and fungal cultures offer httle diagnostic help. Other diagnostic methods, such as blood cultures, serology and diagnostic imaging techniques produce results too late and, if positive, low sensitivity.

Objective
To study the value of Candida‐specific antibodies, especially those of IgE class, in diagnosing invasive Candida infection.

Methods
The immunoglobulins IgE, IgG and IgM responses to antigens of Candida albicans in the sera of 14 patients with culture, biopsy and/or autopsy proven postoperative invasive candidiasis and of 11 colonized and 19 non‐colonized operated patients were studied by mannan radioallergosorbent test (RAST), mannan enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblotting.

Results
Detection of IgE antibodies to C. albicans polysaccharide (mannan) and protein antigens proved specific and sensitive in diagnostics of invasive candidiasis after major abdominal surgery. IgE rose early in the course of the infection and the method made a clear distinction between invasive infection and mucous colonization. Immunoblotting for protein antibodies was most sensitive while nitrocellulose‐RAST for mannan antibodies was most specific. The combined use of immunoblotting and RAST increased the sensitivity and the specificity. Determinations of anti‐Candida IgG and IgM antibodies had low sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusion
Critically ill patients with invasive candidiasis develop IgE antibodies to Candida antigens probably because of disturbed TH1/TH2 responses. Determination of specific IgE antibodies can be used as a diagnostic aid in the early stage of invasive Candida infection.
Major Dermatophagoides mite allergen, Der 1, in soft toys
Authors: NAGAKURA T. , YASUEDA H. , OBATA T. , KANMURI M. , MASAKI T. , IHARA N. , MAEKAWA K.
Published: April 2006

Background
Allergen avoidance is recommended when treating atopic asthma. Objectives Soft toys are often kept in close proximity to children and may serve as a source of exposure. Due to the potential danger from the mite allergen content of these toys, Der 1 from toys was measured.

Methods
We quantified the level of Der I (Der p 1 + Der f 1) in both 30 new and 174 old soft toys (weight 216 ± 2.5g, height 26.5 ± 3.4cm), as well as in washed and in vacuumed soft toys. Dust was collected using an electrie vacuum cleaner. Der 1 was measured by monoclonal antibody‐based enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (MoAb‐ELISA).

Results
In brand new toys Der 1 was 0. I μg/g of dust, and in toys used for 1 year, 9.0; 2 year, 22.2; 3 year, 18.9; and more than 4 year, 22.7μg/g or dust. Der 1 in new toys was measured every 4 months for 1 year. Der I rapidly increased 10‐ to 20‐fold in the first 4 months, but there was no clear seasonal change. In toys washed using a chemical detergent or cleaned using a vacuum cleaner, there was a stastistically significant (P<0.00I) decrease in Der I in the washed group, but not in the vacuumed group. Conclusion These results confirm that mite allergens accumulate rapidly in toys to form a potentially important source of allergens and that washing toys with a chemical detergent is eflective in the reduction of allergens.
Characteristics of histamine release from cultured human mast cells
Authors: IGARASHI Y. , KUROSAWA M. , ISHIKAWA O. , MIYACHI Y. , SAITO H. , EBISAWA M. , IIKURA Y. , YANAGIDA M. , UZUMAKI H. , NAKAHATA T.
Published: April 2006

Background
The mtist cell is one of the important cells In the pathogenesis of allergic disorders. However, isolating human mast cells is a laborious procedure. Recently, cultured human mast cells raised from umbilical cord blood cells have become available. It is necessary to examine whether these cells are useful in investigating the role of mast cells in human diseases.

Objective
The phenotype of mast cells depends on their anatomical sites. To examine which phetiotype of mast cells these cultured mast cells most closely resemble, their ability to release was investigated.

Methods
The mast cells were raised from human umbilical cord blood cells in the presence of stem cell factor and interIeukin‐6. To determine the mast cell subtypes, the mast cells were immunocytochemically stained for tryptase and chymase. The cultured mast cells were then stimulated with various secretagogues, and histamine release was measured by a fluorometric technique using high‐performance liquid chromatography. Results The immunocytochemical staining for mast cell proteases revealed that virtually all cells contained tryptase, the definitive marker of mast cells, and that about a quarter of the cells contained chymase. Anti‐TgE effectively stimulated these mast cells to release histamine in a dose‐dependent, lime‐dependent manner. The release was completed in about 30 min. One of the non‐specific stimuli, calcium ionophore A23I87. also induced histamine release in a dose‐dependent, time‐dependent manner. In contrast, compound 48/80 and substance P failed to induce histamine release from these cells. Conclusion Cultured human mast cells resemble lung mast cells in their ability to release histamine. They will help in studying the functional properties of human mast cells and may contribute to clarifying the pathophysiology of human allergic diseases.
Parainfluenza‐3‐virus infection enhances allergic sensitization in the guinea‐pig
Authors: RIEDEL F. , KRAUSE A. , SLENCZKA W. , RIEGER C. H. L.
Published: April 2006

Background
Viral respiratory tract infections have been previously considered to be associated with induction of allergic sensitization.

Objective and Methods
In order to investigate this relationship in an animal model, guinea‐pigs were inoculated intranasally with Parainfluenza‐3‐(PI‐3) virus (n= 16) or virus‐free culture medium (controls, n= 12), sensitized at day 4 with inhaled ovalbumin (OA) and challenged 3 weeks later with inhaled OA using specific bronchial provocation testing with body piethysmographic measurement of compressed air (CA). Furthermore, specific anti‐OA‐IgGl‐antibodies in serum before challenge were determined by enzyme hnked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). For investigation of airway epithelium permeability horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was inhaled at day 4 after inoculation by six animals, and HRP serum concentrations were determined by a direct ELISA 30 min after inhalation.

Results
PI‐3 infected animals were found to be significantly more sensitized to OA compared with controls, with higher CA values (P < 0.001) on specific bronchial provocation and with increased specific anti‐OA‐IgGl titers. Serum‐HRP concentrations were about 20 times higher in the infected animals compared with controls. PI‐3 infected and sham‐infected animals had comparable bronchial reactions on specific provocation with OA when sensitized systemically.

Conclusions
We conclude that viral respiratory tract infection with PI‐3 virus enhances inhaiative allergic sensitization in the guinea‐pig. Increased mucosal permeability to antigens may be an important pathophysiological mechanism.
Bronchial inflammation and the common cold: a comparison of atopic and non‐atopic individuals
Authors: TRIGG C. J. , NICHOLSON K. G. , WANG J. H. , IRELAND D. C. , JORDAN S. , DUDDLE J. M. , HAMILTON S. , DAVIES R. J.
Published: April 2006

Background
Cold virus infections are associated with asthma attacks and with increased bronchial responsiveness even in normal subjects. Possible mechanisms include epithelial damage, interaction with adhesion molecules or with T‐helper cell subsets.

Objective
To determine whether colds increase lower airway inflammation, comparing atopic with non‐atopic normal subjects.

Methods
Thirty healthy volunteers (15 atopic) took part. Basehne tests included viral serology. microbiological culture and polymerase chain reaction for rhinovirus infection (HRV‐PCR), histamine bronchial provocation and bronchoscopy. Twenty subjects (eight atopic) underwent repeat tests when they developed a cold.

Results
Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was significantly lower during colds (‐0.19L [95% confidence mterval ‐0.10, ‐0.29], P= 0,0004) and there was a significant increase in bronchial responsiveness (+0.62 doublings of the dose‐response slope [+0.24, +1.00], P=0.003). Eight subjects (two atopic) had a diagnosed viral infection: two HRV. three coronavirus (HCV), one HRV + HCV, one parainfluenza III(PI) and one respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (also Haemophilus influenzae). In biopsies, during colds, total eosinophils (EG1+) increased significantly (geometric mean 6.73‐fold [1.12,40.46], P=O.04). Activated eosinophils (EG2+) only increased significantly in the subgroup without diagnosed viral infection and particularly in atopic rhinitics. T‐suppressor (CD8+) cells also increased significantly (median +178.3 cells mm2, P= 0.004). Epithelial expression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) expression increased in four atopic rhinitics during colds. Bronchial washings showed a significant increase in neutrophils (GM 1.53‐fold [1.04,2.25], P= 0.02).

Conclusion
Lower airway inflammation was present in atopic and non‐atopic normal subjects with colds. Atopic subjects differed in that they were less likely to have positive virological tests and were more likely to show activated eosinophilia in the lower airway, despite a similar spectrum of symptoms.
Effect of cetirizine on the inflammatory cells in mosquito bites
Authors: KARPPINEN A. , RANTALA I. , VAALASTI A. , PALOSUO T. , REUNALA T.
Published: April 2006

Background
Mosquito bites frequently cause wealing and delayed papules which appear within a few hours after the bites and may persist for several days. Cetirizine is an effective drug against mosquito bites by decreasing wealing and also the size and pruritus of the delayed bite papules.

Objectives
To characterize inflammatory cells in the delayed mosquito‐bite lesions, and to study the effect of cetirizine on the inflammatory cell response.

Methods
Twenty‐six mosquito‐bite sensitive subjects received cetirizine 20 mg (14 subjects) or placebo (12 subjects) in a double‐blind fashion. Aedes aegypti‐bites were given on a forearm and serial punch biopsies were taken at 2‐, 6‐ and 24 h after the bite exposure, Eosinophils, neutrophils, mast cells, mononuclear cells and T‐ helper (CD4+) and suppressor (CD8+) lymphocytes were counted from dermal infiltrates.

Results
Eosinophils and neutrophiis were found already in 2‐h bite lesions. Moreover, the number of mononuclear and CD4+ cells increased significantly (P < 0,01) from 2‐ to 24‐h bite lesions. Unexpectedly, the overall numbers of eosinophils (P < 0.05), mononuclear cells (P < 0.01) and CD4f cells (P < 0.01) were significantly higher in the cetirizine‐treated subjects compared with the placebo‐treated subjects.

Conclusions
The results suggest that the inflammatory cell response in the delayed mosquito‐bite lesions is similar to that occurring in allergic late‐phase responses, i.e. an early influx of eosinophils, neutrophils and subsequent accumalation of CD4+ lymphocytes. The reason for the high numbers of eosinophils and CD4+ cells in the cetirizine‐treated subjects is not known.
Airway function correlates with circulating eosinophil, but not mast cell, markers of inflammation in childhood asthma
Authors: RAO R. , FREDERICK J. M. , ENANDER I. , GREGSON R. K. , WARNER J. A. , WARNER J. O.
Published: April 2006

Background
Lung function tests, including forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced expiratory flow at 25–75% of vital capacity (FEF25–75%) and provocation concentrations of histamine which reduce FEV] by 20% (PC20), are used as indicators of airway form and function in bronchial asthma. Recently, markers of eosinophil activation in bronchial lavage and serum have been suggested as a measure of eosinophil mediated inflammation in the airways. These include eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), eosinophil protein X (EPX) (also known as eosinophil derived neuro‐toxin) and eosinophil peroxidase (EPO). Similarly, serum tryptase has been used as a marker of mast cell activation in systemic anaphylaxis.

Objectives
We measured both sets of indices in a group of children with moderately severe asthma to assess the contribution of eosinophil and mast cell mediated events to airflow limitation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

Methods
Forty‐eight children aged 5–10 years had spirometric assessments, histamine challenges and blood sampling on the same occasion. After analysis of sera, the indices were compared.

Results
The eosinophil markers ECP and EPX correlated very well with each other. They showed a moderate negative correlation with PC20 for histamine. EPX was also found to negatively correlate with FEV, and FEF25–75%. Serum tryptase levels showed no such correlates with airway function.

Conclusion
These results suggest that serum markers of eosinophil activation correlate with airway function in childhood asthma, and may be of value in assessing the severity of the disease. It further supports the notion that childhood asthma has a similar immunopathology to that occurring in adults, with predominance of eosinophil mediated inflammation.
Damage to respiratory epithelium by guinea‐pig eosinophils stimulated with IgG‐coated Sepharose beads
Authors: HIRATA A. , MOTOJIMA S. , FUKUDA T. , MAKINO S.
Published: April 2006

Background
There are no reports of respiratory epithelial damage induced by immuiioglobulin‐stimulated eosinophils.

Objective
We tried to induce damage to respiratory epithelium by guinea‐pig (GP) eosinophils stimulated with guinea‐pig IgG (GP‐lgG)‐coated Sepharose 4B beads. Methods GP tracheal epithelium was cultured together with GP eosinophils that had been collected from the peritoneal cavity, purified on a Percoll gradient, and stimulated with GP‐lgG‐coated beads (GP eosinophils:beads = 20:1). Damage to the epithelium was observed with an inverted microscope.

Results
After 24 h of culture with three 106 eosinophils. irregularity of the surface of the epithelium, desquamation. shedding of cilia, and abnormal beating of cilia were observed. This damage was first observed after 12 h of incubation, and was more severe at 24 h. No damage was found when beads coated with human serum albumin (HSA) were used. GP eosinophils stimulated with GP‐IgG released significantly more EPO than those stimulated with HSA. at 6 and 24 h. Heparin and eatalase partially inhibited the epithelial damage. O2‐production by eosinophils was also enhanced with GP‐IgG‐coated beads. Conclusion Both granule basic proteins and reactive oxygen radicals may be responsible for epithelial damage, probably via an EPO + H2O2+ halide system. These results confirmed that stimulated eosinophils can damage respiratory epithelium.
Neuroregulation of the nose and bronchi
Authors: WIDDICOMBE J. G.
Published: April 2006

The vascular beds, submucosal glands, and airway vasculature are the three primary effector tissues in the airways, and all are under the control of the parasympathetic (vagal) and sympathetic nervous systems. Parasympathetic nerves play a more important role in smooth muscle contraction and gland secretion. The complex neurogenic mechanisms initiated by activation of sensory nerves have been clarified to a large extent by studies on experimental animals. For example, inflammation or an allergic response will cause neurogenic inflammation due to axon reflexes; central nervous reflexes will modulate activity in all of the effector tissues; and these reflex responses will be modulated by local reflexes via parasympathetic ganglia. Similar mechanisms are suspected in humans, but their importance still needs to be fully established.
Pentoxifylline attenuates LPS‐induced bronchial hyperresponsiveness but not the increase in exhaled nitric oxide
Authors: ROLLA G. , BUCCA C. , BRUSSINO L. , DUTTO L. , COLAGRANDE P. , POLIZZI S.
Published: April 2006

Background Inhaled endotoxin (LPS) may cause a transient increase in airway responsiveness, possibly through a cytokine‐mediated airway inflammation, which is associated with an increase in nitric oxide synthesis and release. Objective We wondered whether pentoxifylline (PTX), which may attenuate cytokine release induced by LPS. could inhibit LPS‐induced increase in airway responsiveness.

Objective Methacholine (Mch) bronchial responsiveness was assessed 2 and 24 h after saline or LPS inhalation in eight subjects with bronchial hyperresponsiveness (PD20FEV1 610 ± 53 μg), treated with iv saline or PTX, in a double‐blind crossover design. Nitric oxide (NO) in the exhaled air, which was expected to increase after LPS inhalation, and PEFR values were also measured at baseline, hourly for 6h and 24 h later.

Results After LPS inhalation PEFR decreased significantly compared with placebo inhalation, reaching a maximum decrease of 11.25 ± 1.05 and 4.5 ± 0.84% of baseline, at 2h, respectively during saline and PTX infusion, P < 0.001. Exhaled NO were elevated after LPS compared with placebo inhalation at 1h (35.6 ± 4.8 vs 18 ± 2.8 ppb, P < 0.001), with no difference during saline or PTX infusion. Exhaled NO remained elevated until the 6th hour. PD20FEVI 2h after LPS inhalation was significantly lower than after placebo inhalation both during saline infusion (234 ± 29 vs 625 ± 62 μg, P < 0.001) and during PTX infusion (441 ± 47 vs 616 ± 48 μg, P < 0.001), the difference between saline and PTX being significant (P < 0.01). At 24 h no difference in PEFR, PD20FEV1 and exhaled NO was observed in comparison with pre‐study values.

Conclusion PTX attenuates both the decrease in airway patency and the increase in bronchial responsiveness induced by LPS inhalation, without any significant change in exhaled NO, which is increased by LPS inhalation.
Sibship size and self‐reported inhalant allergy among adult women
Authors: STRACHAN D. P. , HARKINS L. S. , GOLDING J. ,   the ALSPAC Study Team
Published: April 2006

BackgroundAn association of allergic sensitization with small families and low birth order has been described and attributed to a protective effect of early infection. The influence of like‐sex and unlike‐sex siblings has not been investigated, although the severity of viral infections may be greater if acquired from unlike‐sex siblings.

ObjectiveTo investigate the association of self‐reported inhalant allergy with family composition.

MethodsReports of allergy to grass, dust or cats by 11042 pregnant women recruited to a longitudinal study of pregnancy and childhood in Avon, UK, were analysed in relation to respondent's age, maternal age and sibship composition (older and younger brothers and sisters) by multiple logistic regression.

ResultsThe prevalence of self‐reported inhalant allergy decreased with increasing numbers of brothers (test for trend:P< 0.0001), but was unrelated to the number of sisters. The unadjusted prevalences for subjects with none, one, two and three or more brothers were 26%, 23%, 20% and 17%, respectively. The corresponding prevalences for numbers of sisters were 23%, 24%, 22% and 23%. After adjustment for total sibship size, offspring of older mothers were more likely to report allergy (test for trend:P< 0.001), but there was no association with position in the sibship.

ConclusionAlthough it is not possible to determine whether brothers speciflcally, or unlike‐sex siblings in general, are inversely associated with inhalant allergy, these findings are consistent with the hypothesis that patterns of sibling interaction within young families influence the risk of future aeroallergen sensitization.