bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topical levocabastine protects better than sodium cromoglycate and placebo in conjunctival provocation tests
Authors: Rimaus M. , Kjellman N.‐I. M. , Blychert L.‐O. , Bjöurkstén B.
Published: May 2007

Levocabastine is a new H1 receptor blocking antihistamine which is intended for topical use in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. The protective effect of the drug in conjunctival provocation test (CPT) was evaluated in a double blind study of 25 children aged 9–17 years with confirmed pollen allergy. One drop of levocabastine, cromoglycate or placebo was instilled into the conjunctival sac of both eyes. After 15 min CPT was performed, starting with 320 BU of pollen extract. The allergen dose was increased every 10 min in half 10‐log steps in the right eye until a positive reaction occurred, or the top dose 320,000 BU was reached. The lowest dose resulting in a positive CPT reaction, i.e. at least 50% of the conjunctiva with erythema, was defined as the allergenic threshold dose (ATD). Pretreatment with levocabastine resulted in a median ATD of 32,000 BU, compared with 10,000 after cromoglycate (p<0.001) or placebo (P<0.01). Levocabastine was also superior in reducing subjective itch in the eyes. Determination of the ATD can be used as a relatively quick assessment of drugs intended for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis.
Immunoblotting analysis of concanavalin A ‐isolated allergens of Candida albicans
Authors: Savolainen J. , Viander M. , Einarsson R. , Koivikko A.
Published: May 2007

The carbohydrate‐containing Traction of Candida albicans was isolated from the crude extract with ConA Sepharose affinity chromatography and studied by IgE‐immuno‐blotting with individual and pooled sera from C. albicans‐allergic subjects. In the ConA‐bound fraction there was a diffuse IgE binding in the high molecular weight area which also gave a carbohydrate stain (PAS). A distinct band corresponding to a molecular weight of 70 kD bound specific IgE antibodies. This glycoprotein, presumably a mannoprotein, gave a weak carbohydrate staining and a strong protein staining. further biochemical studies are needed to reveal the exact nature of the epitopes in the ConA‐bound mannose‐containing fraction of C. albicans.
Distribution of water soluble antigens and allergens of Candida albicans in blastospore cell extract fractions
Authors: Savolainen J. , Vianderl M. , Koivikko A.
Published: May 2007

Watersoluble antigens of Candida albicans were sequentially extracted from intact and disrupted yeast cells grown on protein‐free agar, and analysed on immunoblots after SDS‐PAGE. Washing of the cells in saline before proper extraction resulted in loss of 47.2% of the total carbohydrate and 1.5% of the total protein. The protein fraction contained 14 antigenic bands when analysed with hyperimmune rabbit antisera. Four of these bound IgE when probed with a RAST‐positive serum pool and beta‐galactosidase‐labelled anti‐IgE, Extraction of the disrupted cells resulted in 15% of the total carbohydrate and 94% of the total protein. The cytoplasmic protein fraction showed 69 antigenic bands, 13 of which bound IgE. The carbohydrate fraction contained mannan, which was found in the washing solutions and in the surface extract as well as in the cytoplasmic extract. Allergens found in washing solutions were also present in cytoplasmic fraction. This study suggests that the rapid release of allergens from saprophytic C. atbicans cells on mucous membranes of the body may cause continuous exposure and result in sensitization.
IgE‐, IgA‐ and IgG‐antibody responses to carbohydrate and protein antigens of Candida albicans in asthmatic children
Authors: Savolainen J. , Viander M. , Koivikko A.
Published: May 2007

Analysis of IgE, IgA and IgG antibodies directed against Candida albicans antigens in 28 asthmatic children was performed with immunoblotting after SDS‐PAGE. Analysis with the purified eytoplasmic protein fraction revealed a major protein allergen with an MW of 46 kD. In addition to the major allergen, 15 other antigenic bands with molecular weights between 16 and 135 kD bound IgE. Ten of 13 anti‐C. albicans IgE‐positive children had IgE towards the 46 kD major allergen. None of the subjects in the study group or in the non‐atopic controls had IgA or IgG antibodies towards this protein. Analysis of the crude surface extract showed that mannan, a carbohydrate, was an intermediate allergen contrary to being the major antigen in IgA and IgG antibody responses.
Blood flow in histamine‐ and allergen‐induced weal and flare responses, effects of an H1 antagonist, α‐adrenoceptor agonist and a topical glucocorticoid
Authors: Hammarlund A. , Olsson P. , Pipkorn U.
Published: May 2007

Allergen has previously been shown to induce a continuous increase in local dermal blood flow after a prick test in allergic subjects, whereas histamine induced, initially, similar peak increases in blood flow of much shorter duration. Blood flow changes induced by histamine and allergen have now been evaluated (i) after pretreatment with a local corticosteroid cream, clobetasole‐17‐propionate; (ii) after oral administration of the H1‐antihistamine loratadine; and (iii) after oral pretreatment with the alpha‐adrenoceptor agonist pseudoephedrine. Blinded placebo‐controlled designs were used in the substudies. Laser doppler flowmetry was used for non‐invasive recording of changes in local blood flow intermittently for 24 h after the topical corticosteroid, 6 h for the substudies on loratadine and pseudoephedrine. The size of the immediate weal and flare reactions, as well as late phase reactions, were also determined. Prctreatment with clobetasole‐1 7‐propionate cream on the skin for 1 week prior to prick tests did not affect the blood flow response elicited by histamine or allergen, in either the initial part (up to 1 h) or the protracted 24 h determinations. The size of the weal and flare reactions decreased. Loratadine and pseudoephedrine did not reduce the initial allergen‐induced increase in blood flow, while lower blood flow compared with placebo pretreatment was noted for the protracted (1–6 h) determinations. Blood flow changes after histamine were unaffected. The histamine‐induced weal and flare was inhibited by loratadine more effectively than the corresponding allergen‐induced reaction. The weal and flare reactions after histamine and allergen were not changed after pseudoephedrine. The late dermal reaction expressed as the size of the erythema and/or induration present 6 h after allergen prick tests was reduced with pretreatment with loratadine as well as after seudoephedrine when compared with placebo. The results from these pharmacological experiments suggest that pretreatment with potent topical corticosteroids had no effect on changes in dermal blood flow, while H1‐antihistainines and α‐adrenoceptor agonists appear to have a direct effect on the vessels in a local allergic reaction.
Risk factors for sensitization to furred pets
Authors: Popp W. , Rauscher H. , Serti K. , Wanke T. , Zwick H.
Published: May 2007

The risk factors for sensitization to pets was investigated in 169 male pupils. A recent or former contact with cats. Dogs, and guinea pigs in own home was reported in 52 (30.8%), 42 (24.9%), and 20 (11.8%) study subjects, respectively. Clinically manifested allergy was found in two probands to cat and in two others to guinea pigs, three of them had formerly had pets and one proband with allergic rhinitis to cats had never had any pet. Sensitization to animals and aeroallergens was investigated with Phadezym‐RAST. Only owners of cats had a higher incidence of cat sensitization than probands without direct contact (26.9% versus 10.3%, P<0.01). No statistically significant difference in sensitization to dogs and guinea pigs was found in groups with and without these pets. A strong correlation existed between sensitization to pets and other aeroallergens (house dust mite: P<0.025 birch pollen: P<0.0001, mugwort: P<0.0001, and grass pollens: P<0.0001). No association was found between sensitization to pets an smoking history, brochial hyperreactivity to methacholine or radiological findings of the paranasal sinus.
Evaluation of immunotherapy‐induced changes in specific IgE, IgG and IgG subclasses in birch pollen allergic patients by means of immunoblotting
Authors: Birkner T. , Rumpold H. , Jarolim E. , Ebner H. , Breitenbach M. , Skvaril F. , Scheiner O. , Kraft D.
Published: May 2007

Sera from 27 birch pollen‐allergic patients who had undergone hyposensitization treatment for 22–41 months were studied by immunoblotting before and after therapy, whereby the levels of IgE, IgG and IgG1–4 antibodies directed against the major allergen Bet v I and minor allergens of birch pollen were monitored. The clinical benefit of immunotherapy (IT) was evaluated using a symptom specific questionnaire. In patients with good clinical response (responders, n=18), as defined by improvement of symptoms, anti‐Bet v I IgE antibodies were found to decrease in 10/18 patients (55.5%), whereas in 6/18 (33.3%) no change and in two cases (11.2%) an increase of specific IgE was observed. In the group of patients with unsatisfactory clinical outcome (non‐responders, n=9), 3/9 patients (33.3%) showed a decrease, 3/9 (33.3%) no change and 3/9 (33.3%) an increase in levels of IgE antibodies directed against Bet v I. In the case of minor allergens, 5/18 responders (27.7%) and 8/9 non‐responders (88.8%) showed specific IgE before IT. In the responder group, no increase of specific IgE could be observed after IT. In non‐responders, however, an increase of IgE directed against minor allergens was seen in 3/9 patients (33.3%). In all patients, regardless of therapeutical success, IT‐induced elevated levels of specific IgG, IgG1 and in particular IgG4 directed against Bet v I vere found. Regarding minor allergens, a heterogeneous pattern of IgG responses without significant correlation to clinical benefit was observed. Our results indicate that changes in IgG reactivity patterns against Bet v I and minor allergens, as shown by the immunoblot technique, did not correlate with good or bad clinical outcome.
Passive sensitization and histamine release of basophils
Authors: Nolte H. , Poulsen M. , Schiøstz P. O. , Skov P. Stahl
Published: May 2007

This study had two purposes. First, to examine a possible functional heterogeneity of IgE regulating basophil histamine release and the effect of using two different donor cells for passive sensitization experiments. Second, to investigate basophils not releasing histamine to anti‐tgE by stimulating protein kinase C with the addition of the phorbol‐ester, TPA. In consecutive experiments responding donor basophils were passively sensitized with plasma from non‐responding subjects. Thus, the first set of experiments included passive sensitization of acid treated donor basophils from one atopic and one non‐atopic patient with plasma from 29 children with exogenous asthma to grass pollen, cat dander, or dust mites. Different secretagogues (anti‐IgE, Concanavalin A, and N‐formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl phenylalanine) induced different histamine release responses due to a cellular property of the basophils not related to the type of IgE bound to the cell membrane. It was demonstrated that the allergen‐induced histamine release did not depend on the extract or type of IgE when the biological activity of each extract and serum‐specific IgE levels were similar. However, the atopic donor cells released significantly (P<0.05) more histamine than non‐atopic donor cells. Thus, histamine release depends on the type of secretagogues and a cellular property which is maybe influenced by the presence of serum factors and a certain type of IgE in the serum of atopics. The second set of experiments included 10 patients (6 atopics and 4 non‐atopics) with non‐histamine releasing basophils. In the presence of 10 ng/ml TPA, however, seven of 10 patients released histamine at anti‐IgE challenge. Three months later two additional patients became responsive in the presence of TPA. By passive sensitization of responding donor basophils the non‐responding patients were shown to possess functionally intact IgE. Thus, the discrepancies sometimes observed between clinical symptoms, serological IgE‐antibody measurements and histamine release testing in allergic patients may be related to a cellular property of basophils.
IgE levels in cord blood and at 4–5 days of age: relation to clinical symptoms of atopic disease up to 18 months of age
Authors: Lilja G. , Johansson S. G. O. , Kusoffsky E. , ÖMman H.
Published: May 2007

To evaluate the variation in sertim IgE levels during the neonatal period and its relation to the development of atopy, 83 infants with a heredity of atopy were studied with regard to the concentration of IgE in cord blood (CB) and capillary blood on the fourth or fifth day of life. During the neonatal period, the average IgE level remained unchanged in the whole group but there were large individual changes. Among 22 infants with CB‐IgE levels 0.9 kU/l the IgE concentrations in 50% decreased below this value on days 4–5. The correlation between maternal IgE and CB‐IgE concentrations (rs=0.41; P<0.001) was interpreted as indicating a probable contamination with maternal blood. This view was supported by the presence of an elevated IgA level and of IgE antibodies against inhalant allergens in 16% of the cord blood samples of which 69% had an IgE level exceeding 0.9 kU/l. It therefore seems preferable to collect the blood samples on the fourth or fifth day. However, in the 74 infants available for atopic classification at 18 months of age, the positive predictive value of IgE determinations was low: on days 4–5 25–38% and in CB 42%. A high CB‐IgE level may merely be an indication of the mother's atopic state.
Temporal association between Der pI exposure, immediate hypersensitivity and clinical severity of eczema
Authors: Henderson A. J. W. , Kennedy C. T. C. , Thompson S. J. , Carswell F.
Published: May 2007

Uncontrolled studies of avoidance of house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) by atopic subjects have reported clinical improvement in the severity of eczema. The aim of the present study was to examine the temporal relationship between environmental exposure to the major mite allergen (Der pI) and clinical disease severity in children with chronic atopic eczema. Twelve children were identified as being house dust mite‐sensitive on the basis of skin prick test and RAST to Der pI. They were examined on two occasions with a median interval of 63 days. Clinical severity of eczema improved in nine children and deteriorated in two children during this period. Der pI concentration in dust from mattresses changed significantly in only three subjects and there was no correlation between changes in clinical severity and changes in environmental Der pI exposure. Change in RAST against Der pI did correlate positively with change in Der pI exposure (rho=0.56, P<0.05) but these changes were not associated significantly with changes in eczema severity or skin test response to Der pI. It is concluded that the observed changes in clinical severity were unlikely to be due to immediate hypersensitivity responses to natural variations in Der pI concentrations in the personal environments of these subjects.
Nasal inhalation of the glucocorticoid budesonide from a spacer for the treatment of patients with pollen rhinitis and asthma
Authors: Pedersen B. , Dahl R. , Lindqvist N. , Mygind N.
Published: May 2007

Glucorticoid sprays are increasingly used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and asthma. This therapy is highly effective, and side effects are few and mild. It was the aim of the present study to evaluate a physiological nasal inhalation technique, which results in airway deposition of the steroid molecule similar to that of inhaled allergen particles. Thirty adults with grass pollen‐induced rhinitis and asthma inhaled the steroid molectile budesonide through the nose from a pressurized aerosol attached to a spacer device. Compared with inhalation of placebo, the treatment resulted in a significant reduction of nasal symptoms (P=0.005), of bronchial symptoms (P=0.005), bat not of eye symptoms. In addition, nasal peak inspiratory flow (P=0.0003) and oral peak expiratory flow (P=0.02) increased. There was no difference between budesonide and placebo with regard to local side effects, such as nose bleeding, hoarseness, and irritation in mouth and throat. It is concluded that nasal inhalation of a steroid from a spacer offers effective therapy of pollen rhinitis and asthma without significant local side effects. This therapeutic modality may have advantages over the ordinarily used nasal and bronchial spray treatment in patients with both rhinitis and asthma, especially when conventionel spray therapy is associated with local side effects.
Leukotriene B4 in atopic dermatitis: increased skin levels and altered sensitivity of peripheral blood T‐cells
Authors: Thorsen S. , Fogh K. , Broby‐Johansen U. , Sosndergaard J.
Published: May 2007

Employing a radioimmunoassay, de‐proteinated suction blister fluid from 12 patients with active atopic dermatitis appeared to contain higher levels of the pro‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory mediator leukotriene B4 (LTB4) than suction blister fluid from 12 non‐atopic individuals. Indirect support for the identity of the mediator was obtained by HPLC of pooled samples. Nylon wool enriched T cells from six patients with atopic dermatitis and six non‐atopic people preincubated with LTB4 (10−10 M−10−8 M) expressed no statistically significant suppression in co‐culture with mitogen stimulated autologous mononuclear cells, and there was no difference between atopic and non‐atopic T cells in this respect. In contrast, LTB4 induced a dose‐dependent reduction in the percentage of phenotypic Leu 2a (suppressor) cells leading to an increased helper/suppressor ratio in five atopic patients that was not observed in five non‐atopics. Elevated skin levels of LTB4 may initiate or amplify dermal inflammation, and abnormal T cell response to the mediator may account for the increased helper/suppressor ratio characteristic of patients with atopic dermatitis.
Influenza A virus potentiates bacteria‐induced histamine release
Authors: Clementsen P. , Pedersen M. , Permin H. , Espersen F. , Norn S.
Published: May 2007

Influenza A virus was found to enhance basophil histamine release induced by Escherichia coli, Salmonella entertidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus sanguis, but did not per se release histamine. This potentiating effect of the virus was seen both when the bacteria‐induced mediator release was IgE‐dependent (i.e. patient allergic to bacterium) and when the bacterium caused histamine release by a non‐immunological mechanism independent of IgE (putative sugar‐lectin mediated). Also histamine release induced by other immunological and non‐immunological stimuli, such as anti‐IgE, calcium ionophore or agarose beads was enhanced in the presence of the virus. The potentiating effect of the virus on bacteria‐induced mediator release might be of importance for the conversion from latent to manifest asthma in upper respiratory tract infections.
A computational approach to the description of individual immune responses
Authors: Søndergaard I. , Poulsen L. Kærgaard , ØSterballe O. , Weeke B.
Published: May 2007

Detailed evaluation of the IgE and IgG‐subclass immune response during immunotherapy can now be performed by crossed radio immunoelectrophoresis (CRIE). Some new concepts are introduced facilitating the handling of the vast amount of data obtained by quantitating the immune response. These concepts are “distance” between antibody responses and “immune response width”. The 20 patients included in this study were pollen‐allergic patients who underwent specific immunotherapy in a 3‐year prospective study. It was found that the immune response during immunotherapy was restricted to IgG1 and IgG4 antibodies. The semi‐quantitative CRIE analysis correlated with the RAST analysis for the IgE samples before start of immunotherapy, for the IgG1 samples at week 12, and for all the IgG4 samples. During immunotherapy the number of IgG1 antibodies directed to the different antigens increased towards 11 antigens and decreased towards six. For the IgG4 antibodies the number of reactions increased towards 15 antigens and decreased towards four. The increase is generally paralleled by an increase in the quantitative immune response as well. For some of the antigens a rise in the IgE antibodies is contrasted by a fall in the IgG4 antibody response, and for other antigens the opposite was true, indicating a regulatory mechanism between the IgE and the IgG4 synthesis. The IgE immune response to a number ively diminished during the period of immunotherapy when IgG1 was present early (week 12) in the period, and for other antigens there was a rise in IgE without an early IgG1 antibody response. This suggests that IgG1 can have a regulating influence on the IgE synthesis. Finally, we have found that IgE antibodies with specificities not present in the samples taken before immunotherapy were formed during immunotherapy. These new IgE antibodies do not, however, seem to impair the outcome of treatment.
Allergy and allergy‐like symptoms in 1,050 medical students
Authors: Fougard T.
Published: May 2007

During a 10‐year period 1,050 medical students were questioned regarding allergy and allergy like symptoms and 612 of them underwent skin prick tests with dog, cat timothy and birch allergens. Symptoms of eczema, asthma or non‐infectious rhmitis, past or current, or current reactions of pollen, lured animals, dust mould or food flexure type and a further 8% reported past symptoms of the same kind. Current contact eczema was reported by 7% and past contact eczema by a further 3%. Daily treatment with ointments was reported by 52% of the students with current flexure eczema and by 17% with current contact eczema. Current asthma was reported by 5% and past asthma by a further 3%. Of those with current asthma. 88% were allergic to pollens and/or lured animals and 57% used anti‐asthmatic drugs for at least 2 weeks/year. Current allergic symptoms in the nose and/or eyes were reported by 29% and a further 2% reported past symptoms. Of those with current symptoms 64% were allergic to pollens and/or furred animals, as judged by the history and skin tests. Almost 60% of the students with pollen allergy used anti‐allergic drugs for at least 2 weeks/year. Allergy to pollens was reported by 17%, to animals by 12%, to house dust by 10% to moulds by 2% and to foods by 15%. Allergy reported and confirmed by a prick test was found in 8% against birch, 6% against timothy, 10% against cat and 5% against dog. These prevalence figures are high, but are in accordance with those in other recent studies. Interestingly, no tendency to increasing figures with time was found during the study period.
Serum reactivity to other indoor ficus plants in patients with allergy to weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)
Authors: Axelsson I. G. K. , Johansson S. G. O. , Larsson P. H. , Zetterström O.
Published: May 2007

Ornamental plants have long been used for indoor decoration. An example is the india rubber tree (Ficus elastica). With the increased popularity of green plants, both in private homes and public premises, small‐leaf species, such as weeping fig or Ficus benjamina (Fb), have become widely used. Exposure to dust from Fb may cause sensitization and allergic airway symptoms, which among occupationally exposed plant keepers occur both in atopics and non‐atopics. The serum reactivity to sap extracts from Fb and seven other indoor plants of the genus Ficus were investigated with RAST and a RAST inhibition technique, using sera from 12 atopic subjects and 12 plant keepers, sensitized to Fb. The allergenic similarity between the different extracts was found to be extensive. The specific IgE antibodies with the highest concentrations in serum were those against Fb and its variegate form, “star light”, with decreasing values for the other species, especially those with larger leaves. The binding of IgE antibodies to the other Ficus RAST discs could be completely inhibited by extract of Fb. These reactions were probably due to cross‐reactivity. Sensitization is believed to occur by inhalation of allergen‐enriched dust, emanating from the leaves of the plants. The high allergenic potency of the species with many small leaves may be due to their large total leaf area.
Diagnosis of IgE‐mediated allergy in the upper respiratory tract
Authors: Blok G. J. , Flikweert D. C. , Nauta J. J. P. , Leezenberg J. A. , Snel A. M. , van der Baan S.
Published: May 2007

A statistical analysis was made of data concerning diagnosis of IgE‐mediated allergy in the upper respiratory tract in 292 patients. A study was made of skin test total and specific IgE (RAST). X‐sinus red blood investigation and cytology of nasal smear. It appears that screening for the presence of an IgE‐mediated allergy in the upper respiratory tract can be performed efficiently with a limited number of skin tests frye grass, timothy, buch, house dust mine and man. In this study a greater number of skin tests (15 instead of 5) yielded little additional information (in 2% of the patients). A rather poor correlation between skin test and RAST was found.
Determination of IgE antibodies to Polistes dominulus, Vespula germanica and Vespa crabro in sera of patients allergic to vespids
Authors: Blanca M. , Garcia F. , Miranda A. , Carmona M. J. , Garcia J. , Fernandez J. , Terrados S. , Vega J. M. , Juarez C.
Published: May 2007

The study was undertaken to investigate the presence of igE antibodies to Polistes dominulus (PD). Vespula germanica (VG) and Vespa crabro (VC) in a large group of sera belonging to patients sensitized to Vespids in Spain. RAST values showed that although the majority of patients had IgE antibodies to PD. VG and VC, there was a marked predominance of PD. These results were related to the distribution of the insect in the areas where the sera were obtained. Due to geographical and insect distribution differences, the whole area was divided into three zones: Central, East and South. Comparison of the positive RAST values obtained indicated that, although the positivity to PD predominated over VG and this over VC, there were significant differences in percentage positivities to each vespid in the different regions studied. The results of the RAST absorption studies indicated that in most instances patients were originally sensitized to one vesped and were RAST positive to the other venoms due to cross‐reactivity. Only in a minority of cases were coexisting antibodies to two insects present. These results show that PD and VG are the important vespids followed to a lesser extent by VC. This study provides relevant information concerning insect distribution sensitivity in a European country.
Storage mites dominate the fauna in Swedish barn dust.
Authors: Hage‐Hamsten M. van , Johansson E. , Wirén A. , Johansson S. G. O.
Published: May 2007

The mite fauna in hay dust of 16 farms located on the island of Gotland was analysed to establish whether there is a dear relationship between environmental exposure to storage mites and development of allergic symptoms. Eight of these farms belonged to farmers with respiratory symptoms related to barn dust (RS) and eight to healthy farmers (H). All farmers had previously participated in an epidemiological survey of hypersensitivity to respiratory allergens. The symptomatic farmers had not only a positive RAST to storage mites but they developed more than a 20% fall in FEV, when challenged with Lepidoglyphus destructor (L. destructor) extract. The asymptomatic farmers were all negative in RAST to storage mites. Mites were found on all farms and the degree of infestation varied enormously, mite counts ranging from 75–150,000 mites/g dust. Five genera were detected but the different mite species were not represented on all farms. L. destructor was the dominating species on 13 of 16 farms. Samples from RS FARMS contained a significantly higher number of mites than H farms. The results of this study are in good agreement with our earlier studies showing that L. destructor is the most important allergen causing symptoms from both upper and lower airways among farmers.
Delayed allergic reactions to betalactams
Authors: Vega J. M. , Blanca M. , Carmona M. J. , Garcia J. , Claros A. , Juarez C. , Moya M. C.
Published: May 2007

We present four cases of delayed allergic skin reactions to amoxicillin or ampicillin with good tolerance to benzyl pencillin and phenoxymethyl penicillin. The clinical symptoms reported by the patients, the intradermal skin tests and the controlled challenge results suggested that the mechanism was cellular mediated. In two patients these findings were supported by histopathological studies. Although delayed‐type hypersensitivity reactions to betalactams with positive skin test seem rare, they can occur to penicillins in allergic patients. The production of these reactions by amoxicillin or ampicillin with good tolerance to benzyl penicillin and phenoxymethyl penicillin emphasizes the role of the side chain in inducing allergic reactions to betalactams.
RAST‐detection of specific IgE in diphenylmethane diisocyanate exposed workers: considerations in performance of the test
Authors: Spiazzi A. , Boccagni P. , Germano P. , Pezzini A.
Published: May 2007

Some parameters which might affect RAST results, i. e. incubation length, degree of ligand substitution, and total IgE levels, were examined in a RAST system employing diphenylmethane diisocyanate – human serum albumin (MDI‐HSA) conjugates as antigens, both in exposed symptomatic and in non‐exposed subjects. The reaction equilibrium was reached after 9 and 18 h, respectively, in the first and the second step of the test. A marked correlation with the degree of ligand substitution was observed, the highest sensitivity being achieved with the lowest (2.9) MDI/HSA molar ratio examined. Higher (up to 50) degrees of substitution resulted in progressively lower levels of radioactivity bound and in a loss of specificity, as confirmed by RAST inhibition experiments. At high levels of ligand substitution, high titers of total serum IgE affected RAST results.
IgE antibody screening in children
Authors: Van Toorenenbergen A. W. , Oranje A. P. , Vermeulen A. M. , Aarsen R. S. R.
Published: May 2007

With 200 sera from children, results of the Phadiatop Paediatric test were compared with results of the combination “Phadiatop + mixed‐food‐RAST”. The Phadiatop Paediatric test was found to be efficient for IgE antibody screening in young children, when the results of this test were not solely given as “positive” or “negative”, but also as “sample/reference – ratio”. Clinical documentation could be obtained retrospectively for 171 children and revealed that 99% of the children with atopic disease were found positive in the Phadiatop Paediatric. 17% of the children who were considered non‐atopic on clinical grounds, were positive both in the Phadiatop Paediatric and in the combination “Phadiatop + mixed‐food‐RAST”. It is concluded that an atopic immune response is not always associated with current symptoms.
Occupational wood‐dust sensitivity from Euonymus europaeus (spindle tree) and investigation of cross reactivity between E.e. wood and Artemisia vulgaris pollen (mugwort)
Authors: Herold D. A. , Wahl R. , Maasch H. J. , Hausen B. M. , Kunkel G.
Published: May 2007

A 44‐year‐old goldsmith suffered from rhinitis and conjunctivitis after having worked with wood dust from Euonymus europaeus (E.e.) for 15 years. The material was used for drying pieces of jewellery. Very strong reactions could be seen after friction test, scratch test and nasal challenge using wood dust of E.e. RAST‐class 3 could be measured with the serum of this patient using E.e. wood and Artemisia vulgaris (A.u. pollen) allergen disks. RAST‐inhibition, westernblot (WB) and immunoprint (IP) indicated common allergens in extracts of E.e. wood and A.v. pollen of different degree. In addition this study indicated that subjects suffering from A.v. pollen allergy also show sensitization to E.e. wood since in 22 of 37 A.v. pollen allergies A.v. (RAST class 2‐4) IgE‐antibodies could be seen. The present case probably demonstrates for the first time an IgE‐mediated type I allergy to E.e. wood.
Comparison of methods for intestinal histamine application: histamine in enterosoluble capsules or via a duodeno‐jenunal tube
Authors: Vind S. , Søndergaard I. , Poulsen L. Kergaard , Svendsen U. Gerner , Weeke B.
Published: May 2007

The study was conducted to investigate whether introduction of histamine in enterosoluble capsules produced the same amount of urinary histamine metabolites as that found after application of histamine through a duodeno‐jejunal tube. Secondly, to examine whether a histamine‐restrictive or a fast diet affected the amount of urinary metabolites. Fifteen healthy subjects were challenged four times with 100 nig of histamine. Results were monitored by the urinary recovery of 1,4‐methylimidazole acetic acid (MIAA) from 24 h before to 72 h after challenge. Urine was collected in 24 h samples except on the first day after challenge when separation into 0–2 h‐, 2–4 h‐ and 4–24 h‐fractions was made. MIAA was measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that during the first 2 h after challenge the recovery of MIAA was higher with tubes than with capsules. Measurements from all other intervals did not differ significantly between the two challenge regimens. Fast (water only) and histamine‐restrictive diet versus non‐restrictive diet did not affect the urinary MIAA. MIAA was significantly higher overall during the first 24 h after challenge than in any other fraction. We conclude that oral administration of enterosoluble capsules is an easy and appropriate method for intestinal histamine challenge. Fast and histamine‐restrictive diets are not necessary, but subjects should record unexpected responses in a food and symptom diary.
Bricanyl® Turbuhaler® and Ventolin® Rotahaler® in exercise‐induced asthma in children
Authors: Lopes Dos Santos J. M. , Costa H. , Ståhl E. , Wirén J. E.
Published: May 2007

Bricanyl® Turbuhaler® (0.5 mg terbutaline sulphate) and Ventolin® Rotahaler® (0.4 mg salbutamol) were compared in a randomized double‐blind placebo controlled study on exercise‐induced asthma in 19 children (14 boys) aged 7‐14 years. The study was carried out on 3 separate days. Asthmatic attacks were provoked by free range running. Peak expiratory flow (PEF) was measured before and after exercise. If PEF decreased by > 20 %, one inhalation from each of the inhalers was given under supervision of the investigator. Only one of the inhalers (none on the placebo day) delivered active drug. PEF was measured again 5 and 10 min after treatment. Already 5 min after treatment PEF had returned to baseline after active treatment. There was no statistically significant difference between the two active treatments. After placebo treatment, PEF did not return to baseline even at the 10 min post‐exercise measurement. Ten children needed extra medication after the last PEF measurement on the placebo day, whereas no child needed extra medication after any of the active treatments. No adverse events were reported in this study. In conclusion, Bricanyl Turbuhaler (0.5 mg) and Ventolin Rotahaler (0.4 mg) were equally efficacious in the treatment of exercise‐induced asthma in children.
Identification of mast cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
Authors: Xaubet A. , Moisés J. A. , Agustí C. , Martos J. A. , Picado C.
Published: May 2007

The present study was carried out to compare the effectiveness of different fixation and staining methods in the identification of mast cells obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage from patients with interstitial lung diseases. Cell preparations were fixed with formaldehyde or methanol. Mast cells were identified by metachromatic staining with May Grunwald Giemsa, Toluidine blue or Gallamine blue Giemsa. After formaldehyde fixation only a few mast cells were identified, regardless of the stain method used. In contrast, a significantly higher number of mast cells were observed after methanol fixation. Using this fixative, Toluidine blue stain showed a higher number of mast cells than May Grunwald Giemsa. However, there was no difference between Toluidine and Gallamine blue Giemsa in the number of cells observed. The easy identification of mast cells after staining with toluidine, combined with its easy application, suggest that Toluidine blue stain after methanol fixation is the most useful method for determining the presence of mast cells in lavage fluid.
Cyclosporin for steroid‐dependent asthma
Authors: Szczeklik A. , Nizankowska E. , Dworski R. , Domagala B. , Pinis G.
Published: May 2007

We used cyclosporin to treat 12 adult patients with severe bronchial asthma who had been on systemic steroids for an average of 16 years. During the baseline period, lasting 4‐6 months, therapy with high doses of inhaled beclamethasone, aminophylline and salbutamol was standardized and a minimum necessary dose of systemic steroids was established. After 9 months' treatment with low‐dose cyclosporin (average whole‐blood trough levels of 105 ng/ml), in six patients the daily dose of oral prednisone could be reduced from mean 30 mg to mean 11 mg, while daily symptom scores and peak expiratory flows improved significantly. This was accompanied by a reduction in exacerbations of asthma. However, in six other patients attempts to taper the steroid doses were unsuccessful, and cyclosporin was stopped after 4 to 7 months. These preliminary results suggest that cyclosporin might be of benefit in some patients with steroid‐dependent asthma.
Allergen‐antibody complexes can efficiently prevent seasonal rhinitis and asthma in grass pollen, hypersensitive patients
Authors: Machiels J. J. , Somville M. A. , Jacquemin M. G. , Saint‐Remy J. M. R.
Published: May 2007

We have prepared antigen‐antibody complexes from grass pollen allergens and autologous specific antibodies isolated by immunoadsorption from the serum of allergic patients. These Complexes were inoculated into patients in a double‐blind trial to evaluate their effect on grass pollen‐related rhinitis and bronchial asthma. Thirty‐eight grass pollen‐hypersensitive patients were allocated to three groups; patients in the first two groups were treated with antigen‐antibody complexes at different ratios and dosages and were compared with the third group who received the placebo carrier buffer alone. In addition, we treated a fourth group who had already received antigen‐antibody complex inoculation during the previous pollen season. Injections were given every 2 weeks during the pollen season, starting 5 weeks prior to it. Tolerance was excellent with no signs of local or systemic side effects. The treatment prevented nasal symptoms while enabling the patients to reduce antihistamine intake. Bronchial asthma was virtually absent in the treated groups even though no bronchodilators or corticosteroids had to be taken. Specific IgE antibodies did not increase during the pollen season nor did IgG “blocking” antibodies. Inoculation of allergen‐antibody complexes could provide a valuable alternative for the treatment of immediate hypersensitivity to airborne allergens as it appears to be safe and rapidly efficacious. This treatment offers several advantages compared to conventional hyposensitization and is characterized by the absence of an increase in specific IgG antibodies.
Naturally occurring aliphatic polyamines‐induced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells
Authors: Kurosawa M. , Uno D. , Kobayashi S.
Published: May 2007

Rat peritoneal mast cells were incubated with different concentrations of naturally occurring aliphatic polyamines, spermine and spermidine, at 0.1‐10mM and the amount of histamine release into the supernatant solutions was measured. The addition of each polyamine to the suspensions of the mast cells caused a histamine release in a dose‐dependent manner. The effect of 10 mM spermine and spermidine was as much as that of 0.5 μg/ml compound 48/80. The histamine release from the cells incubated with each polyamine was rapid and the amount of histamine release into the supernatant solutions reached a maximum at 1 min with the incubations. 0.1 mM spermine, which in itself could not cause a significant histamine release, showed a tendency to enhance anti‐IgE‐induced histamine release from the mast cells.
Reproducibility of leukotriene D4 inhalation challenge in asthmatics
Authors: Frölund L. , Madsen F. , Nielsen J.
Published: May 2007

We have studied the reproducibility of a bronchial leukotriene (LT) provocation test in asthmatics, and the effect of prior treatment with an oral leukotriene D4/E4 antagonist (SR 2640) on LTD4‐induced bronchoconstriction in nine asthmatics in a double‐blind placebo‐controlled randomized cross‐over trial. The reproducibility of the bronchial leukotriene provocation test was high. For a specific patient, the replication variance is 0.2303, and the standard deviation is thus 0.4799, corresponding to 48%, i.e. one halving of the dose or half doubling of the dose. SR 2640 antagonised LTD4 induced bronchoconstriction causing a mean shift of 48 % to the right of the dose‐response curve as compared with placebo (95% confidence interval being 11‐137%). This study demonstrates that bronchial LTD, provocation test is a safe and reproducible method in asthmatics, and that the method can be used to detect LT‐antagonism; furthermore that SR 2640 is a weak LTD4‐antagonist in asthmatics.
Is intrinsic asthma a hereditary disease?
Authors: Pirson F. , Charpin D. , Sansonetti M. , Lanteaume A. , Kulling G. , Charpin J. , Vervloet D.
Published: May 2007

Although studies of families, inbred populations and twins have established that asthma has a hereditary basis, little evidence has shown that intrinsic asthma has an increased familial occurrence. To document this issue, we compared the prevalence of asthma in families of intrinsic asthmatics, extrinsic asthmatics and non‐asthmatics. The intrinsic asthma group included those with negative skin tests to common aero‐allergens (n= 117). The extrinsic asthma group included those with one or more positive skin tests (n= 164). The non‐asthmatic group (n= 224) was recruited at a check‐up center. The siblings of each subject completed a standardized questionnaire on history of asthma. The results showed that asthma was more prevalent (P < 0.001) in siblings of intrinsic asthmatics (8.9%) than in siblings of the non‐asthmatic group (2.4%). The prevalence of asthma in siblings of intrinsic and extrinsic asthmatics was similar. In conclusion, both intrinsic and extrinsic asthma have an increased family occurrence.
Imbalance of CD45R and CDw29 helper cell subsets after seven days of culture from penicillin hypersensitive patients
Authors: Perez T. , Girard J.‐P. , Dayer E.
Published: May 2007

Specific PBMC proliferation to penicillin represents one of the in vitro diagnostic procedures to show antigenic sensitization. Nine patients with suggestive clinical history of penicillin hypersensitivity, significant stimulation index in the lymphocyte transformation test (LTT), and increased CD25 expression were selected. Their phenotypic expression of T‐cell subset markers was compared with that of six normal subjects after 7 days of culture. Higher percentages of CD45R and CDw29 positive cells were found in penicillin‐hypersensitive patients. This group of patients showed a significantly (P < 0.01) higher percentage of CD45R positive cells compared with normal subjects, after 7 days of culture. The percentage of CD45R cells did not differ between patients and normal subjects at day 0, and the progressive decrease of CD45R positive cells in culture of normal subjects was not observable in our patients. These results suggest that the patients with penicillin hypersensitivity have an imbalance of CD45R/CDw29 ratio after 7 days of culture, with a higher expression of CD45R positive cells.
Non‐steroidal treatment of pollen‐induced conjunctivitis: comparison of different pharmacological protocols
Authors: Ciprandi G. , Cerqueti P. M. , Sacca S. , Ciurlo G. , Tosca M. A. , Canonica G. W.
Published: May 2007

Pharmacological treatment of allergic conjunctivitis may be based on the therapeutic use of topical steroids; however, because of the side effects, steroids are not clinically suitable in either prolonged treatment, or pollinosis. Because non‐steroidal topical drugs are suitable in prolonged treatment, this single‐blind study evaluated the following topical drugs: cromoglycate plus chlorphenamine, cromoglycate plus tetryzolin and imidazolin plus nafazolin, compared with placebo. The results confirm significant clinical efficacy of these drugs on signs and symptoms compared with placebo. Thus, “non‐steroidal” topical drugs should be the preferred choice in prolonged forms of pollen‐induced (e.g. Parietaria and/or grasses) conjunctivitis.
Allergy to rabbits
Authors: Warner J. A. , LONGBOTTOM J. L.
Published: May 2007

Crossed immunoelectrophoresis and crossed radio‐immunoelectrophoresis techniques have been employed for analysis of extracts of various rabbit source materials to identify rabbit allergens in addition to the already described Antigen R1 (AgR1). Urine and dander extracts were found to contain only low levels of AgR1 and its presence in urine was as a contaminant due to mode of collection – it was not present in urine collected directly from the bladder. Other allergens were only recognised by highly rabbit‐sensitive individuals, one in particular (Ag2) being present in several source materials. Serum albumin proved to be of minor allergenic importance and except for dander its presence was only in minimal amounts. As both AgR1 and Ag2 are significant components in extracts of fur and dust these extracts are therefore most recommended for use in investigations of individuals sensitive to rabbits.
Aeroallergen analyses and their clinical relevance
Authors: Johnsen C.R. , Abrahamsen L. , Skov P. STAHL , Johansen N. , Poulsen L.K.
Published: May 2007

The aim was to compare IgE and IgG4, RAST‐inhibition assay (RI), monoclonal antibody ELISA (Mab‐ELISA), counter current immuno electrophoresis (CCIE) and histamine release from basophil leukocytes (HR) for allegen quantification with special reference to aeroallergen detection. As components of indoor acroallergens, cat, dog, and Derm. pter. allergen extracts were selected for the experiments. To evaluate unspecific interference, these allergens were compared mutually and with Cladosporium herbarum. Allergen extracts in varying dilutions were mixed with crushed glass fibre filter materials, eluted, recovered by centrifugation, and allergen concentration quantified by the assays. Equal sensitivity was found for both IgE‐ and IgG4‐RI assaying eat allergen (in the range 5 − 50 SQ‐U/ml) and dog allergen (in the range 102− 103 SQ‐U/ml). The IgG4‐RI assaying Derm. pter, was more sensitive (50 SQ‐U/ml) than IgE‐RI (2*103 SQ‐U/ml). The ranges of allergen detection limits for the Mab‐ELISA were equal for cat and Derm. pter. (10 – 102 SQ‐U/ml). The range of allergen detection limits for CCIE, assaying dog were 104− 105 SQ‐U/ml. The ranges of allergen detection limits for HR were equal for eat and Derm. pter. (10 – 102 SQ‐U/ml), and 102− 103 SQ‐U/ML for dog. Because of cross‐reactivity, a minor degree of interference was observed in the IgE‐RI and the HR test for the highest concentration of cat and dog allergens.
Allergy to limpet
Authors: Carrillo T. , Castro F. R. de , Cuevas M. , Caminero J. , Cabrera P.
Published: May 2007

Allergy to mollusk has rarely been described. The limpet, belonging to Phylum mollusca, is one of the most frequent mollusks in the Canary Islands, as in all warm maritime regions. We report two cases of atopic patients who developed anaphylactic reactions alter ingestion of this mollusk. Type I hypersensitivity to limpet antigens was demonstrated by means of immediate skin test reactivity, specific IgE determination by RAST, and histamine release test to cooked limpet extract. The controls did not react to any of these tests. Allergic activity was only found with a cooked limpet extract; this suggests that tile offending antigen/s may have been released by cooking this food.