bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bronchial hyperresponsiveness in two populations of Australian schoolchildren. I. Relation to respiratory symptoms and diagnosed asthma
Authors: SALOME C. M. , PEAT J. K. , BRITTON W. J. , WOOLCOCK A. J.
Published: April 2006

In order to explore the relationship between bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) to inhaled histamine, respiratory symptoms and diagnosed asthma in children, we undertook a cross‐sectional study of 2363 Australian schoolchildren aged 8–11 years. The methods used included a self‐administered questionnaire to parents, which was shown to have a high degree of repeatability, and a histamine inhalation test to measure bronchial responsiveness (BR). The study showed that 17.9% of children had BHR, defined as a 20% fall in FEV1 at a provoking dose of histamine (PD20 FEV1) of less than 7.8 μmol. The distribution of PD20 FEV1 appeared to be continuous. Most children with PD20 FEV1 values < 1.0μmol had symptoms of asthma. However, 6.7% of children had BHR without symptoms or a previous diagnosis of asthma and 5.6% had had a diagnosis of asthma but had no BHR. Although there was a good association between BHR and respiratory symptoms, questionnaire data of wheeze and diagnosed asthma do not reflect accurately the level of BHR in the community. We conclude that cross‐sectional studies of BR to identify children with BHR probably do not reflect the prevalence of asthma in populations of children. However, the strong association between BHR and symptoms, particularly in children with severe and moderate BHR, suggests that measurements of BR in populations are useful for defining a group of children whose airways behave differently from those of the majority. Prospective studies are needed to define the level of BHR that is associated with important sequelae.
Non‐IgE‐dependent bacteria‐induced histamine release from human lung and tonsillar mast cells
Authors: CHURCH M. K. , NORN S. , PAO G. J.‐K. , HOLGATF S. T.
Published: April 2006

A wide spectrum of formalin‐killed bacteria have been tested for their ability to release histamine from human dispersed lung and tonsillar mast cells. Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella oxytoca and K. pneumoniae were the most effective histamine releasers. Further studies on tonsillar masl cells showed that E. coli‐induced histamine release differed from IgE‐dependent release with respect to its kinetics, temperature and pH profiles and its sensitivity to calcium deprivation and metabolic inhibitors. A lectin‐mediated mechanism may operate, but other non‐immunological mechanisms might also be involved in the release. Escherichia coli and anti‐IgE did not synergize in inducing histamine release. The production of PGD2 and the failure to detect lactate dehydrogenase following incubation of mast cells with E. coli suggests that histamine release is not due to cytotoxicity.
Decreased adreno‐cortical suppression utilizing the Nebuhaler for inhalation of steroid aerosols
Authors: PRAHL P. , JENSEN T.
Published: April 2006

The influence on the adrenocortical function of high‐dose topical glucocorticoids inhaled via conventional devices and via a Nebuhaler®, was studied in ten children with asthma. In patients treated with dosages of beclomethasone dipropionate or budesonide, in excess of 2100 μg/1.73 m2 body surface, the 24‐h urinary excretion of free cortisol increased when the inhaler device was changed from a conventional one to a Nebuhaler. This suggests a decreased systemic influence of the inhaled glucocorticoids when these were administered via a Nebuhaler.
Antibodies to bird serum proteins in confectionery workers exposed to egg spray
Authors: BERRENS L. , EDWARDS J. H.
Published: April 2006

In an extended study of a group of confectionery workers sensitized by exposure to egg spray, it was found that their blood serum contained antibodies to avian serum proteins. Comparison of the ratio of IgG antibodies determined by ELISA to egg yolk ‘livetins’ and pigeon serum in these patients and in pigeon breeders showed that the phenomenon is entirely due to immunological cross‐reactivity among avian blood serum proteins. These avian serum proteins in hens' eggs, not ovalbumin, were identified as the major sensitizing antigens.
High IgG4 antibody level is associated with failure of immunotherapy with inhalant allergens
Authors: DJURUP R. , MALLING H.‐J.
Published: April 2006

We have analysed all available data on the relationship between IgG4 Ab level and clinical effect of immunotherapy (IT) with inhalant allergens. The data from three of the seven independent studies could, without reservations, be analysed by a joint statistical analysis. We found that late high IgG4 Ab level, measured at the end of IT, was strongly associated with treatment failure (P= 6.54 ± 105; n= 67). The ratio of risks for treatment success in the group with late low IgG4 Ab level was 1.82, whereas the ratio of risks for treatment failure in the group with late high IgG4 Ab level was 11.4. The data from a fourth, presumably comparable, study further supported the existence of an association between high IgG4 Ab level and treatment failure. In contrast, two other studies found that high mean IgG4 Ab level was associated with good clinical response. Possible reasons for this apparent discrepancy are discussed. We also found that early high IgG4 Ab level, measured within 3 months after initiation of IT, was strongly associated with treatment failure after 1–2 years of IT (P= 1.05 ± 10−4; n= 30). The sensitivity and specificity of early high IgG4 Ab level as indicator for treatment failure was 100% and 83%, respectively. At the prevalences found in the present study, the predictive value of early high IgG4 Ab level for treatment failure was 0.6, whereas the predictive value of early low IgG4 Ab level for treatment success was 1.00.
Immunotherapy to deciduous tree pollens: specific IgE and IgG antibody patterns
Authors: MÖLLER C. , DREBORG S. , EINARSSON R.
Published: April 2006

Thirty‐nine children with birch pollinosis were given immunotherapy (IT) for 3 years with a purified, characterized and biologically standardized pollen preparation made from either birch or a mixture of birch, alder and hazel. Levels of IgE antibodies against birch, alder and oak increased early during IT (P < 0.01) and then decreased below the initial level (P < 0.01). Birch‐specific IgG antibodies also increased (P < 0.01) but not as rapidly as birch‐specific IgE antibodies and the levels remained increased throughout IT. There were only weak correlations between immunochemical findings before IT or during early IT on one hand and the improvement during IT on the other hand. The ratio birch‐specific IgG: IgE after 1.5 and 2.5 years of IT correlated with symptom scores the following season (P < 0.01). In 60% of the children below 13 years of age, new IgE specificities developed during IT as demonstrated with crossed radio‐immunoelectrophoresis. No such new IgE specificities were found in older children. These ‘new sensitivities’ did not appear to have any clinical implication.
Murine passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test (PCA) for the‘all or none’determination of allergenicity of bovine whey proteins and peptides
Authors: POULSEN O. M. , HAU J.
Published: April 2006

A passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test (PCA) for determination of the allergenicity of bovine whey proteins and peptides was developed in mice. Antisera against whey proteins raised in rabbits and in mice, using a procedure for high IgE titre mixed with Freund's incomplete adjuvant, were applied intradermally, and various whey proteins and whey protein hydrolysates were tested for positive PCA reaction. Unhydrolysed whey and peptides larger than 6500 Da were found to react positively, peptides between 6500 Da and 3400 Da reacted weakly, whereas peptides smaller than 3400 Da were unable to initiate a reaction. The studies indicate that guinea‐pigs, widely used by tradition, may be successfully replaced by mice in determination of the allergenicity of various compounds. The sensitivity of the two species is similar, but the husbandry and handling of mice is more convenient, and they are less expensive.
Previous ear, nose and throat surgery in children presenting with allergic perennial rhinitis
Authors: SANDERSON JANE , WARNER J. O.
Published: April 2006

Children with allergic perennial rhinitis had a four‐fold greater likelihood of having had an ear, nose and throat (ENT) operation than children with orthopaedic problems. Whilst the patients who had ENT operations had significantly lower serum IgA and IgE levels than the non‐operated patients, there was no difference in clinical features of atopy or allergy skin‐test responses between the two groups of rhinitic patients. Forty per cent of the perennial rhinitics had an improvement in symptoms following ENT operations, whereas 90% improved on medical therapy. Thus, patients with perennial rhinitis should have allergy investigations and the benefit of medical treatment prior to consideration for surgery.
Allergic reactions to vespids: comparison of sensitivities of two species in a Mediterranean area
Authors: BLANCA M. , MIRANDA A. , FERNANDEZ J. , TERRADOS S. , VELA J. M. , VEGA J. M. , GONZALEZ J. J. , JUAREZ C.
Published: April 2006

We have studied a group of twenty‐seven patients who suffer allergic reactions to vespids stings. Specific IgE antibodies to venom extracts from Polistes gallicus and Vespula germanica were measured by RAST, and the crossreactivity between the two venoms was compared using the RAST inhibition technique. We concluded that, in southern Spain, sensitization to P. gallicus was more prevalent than that to V. germanica, with 44% of the subjects in this study reacting to P. gallicus compared with 33% to V. germanica. However, there was a considerable degree of crossreactivity between the two species. It is evident that Polistes is an important species in this area; however, both in Spain and other Mediterranean countries, V. germanica venom is used almost exclusively for diagnosis and immunotherapy.
Low specific IgE, IgG and lymphocyte reactivity in a group of patients developing anaphylaxis following a honey‐bee sting
Authors: LOMNITZER RUTH , LANNER A. , RABSON A. R.
Published: April 2006

Ten patients who developed severe generalized reactions following a honey‐bee sting were investigated for the presence of specific IgE and IgG antibodies, and for lymphocyte reactivity following in‐vitro honey‐bee venom (HBV) stimulation. Five of the patients (high responders) showed high HBV‐specific IgE and IgG levels, whereas the other five patients (low responders) showed low HBV‐specific IgE and IgG levels. Mononuclear cells from the high responder group incorporated significant amounts of 3H‐thymidine when activated with pure bee venom, whereas insignificant lymphocyte proliferation was observed in the low‐responder group. It is concluded that, amongst HBV‐sensitive patients, a group of low responders exists in whom the mechanism of anaphylaxis cannot be explained.
Effect of therapy on bronchial hyperresponsiveness in the long‐term management of asthma
Authors: WOOLCOCK A. J. , YAN K. , SALOME C. M.
Published: April 2006

The aim of this study was to determine if prophylactic therapy leads to a reduction in the severity of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) in subjects with severe asthma. Measurements of bronchial responsiveness to histamine were made in two groups of subjects for periods up to 2 years. Thirteen subjects in the study group took regular medication and used a home monitor of airway function to determine the medication requirements needed to maintain optimal airway function. A control group of eleven subjects was managed with the same drugs but without daily monitoring and without any attempt to keep daily lung function at optimal levels. Subjects in the study group had a 10‐ to 100‐fold decrease in the severity of BHR, which was independent of the improvement in baseline lung function. All but one subject in the study group became symptom free and six were able to maintain the improvement in BHR and symptoms on reduced medication. There was no change in the severity of BHR or in the baseline lung function in the control group. It is concluded that it is possible to reduce the severity of BHR in subjects with severe asthma by the use of pharmacological agents. This reduction in severity appears to require the long‐term use of medications, including aerosol corticosteroids, with daily home monitoring to allow adjustment of the amount of treatment required.
Allergen nomenclature
Authors: MARSH D. G. , GOODFRIEND L. , KING T. P. , LØWENSTEIN H. , PLATTS‐MILLS T. A. E.
Published: April 2006

This article presents a nomenclature system for allergens which has been officially recommended by the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS). The nomenclature is based on proposals of the IUIS Sub‐Committee for Allergen Nomenclature and is applicable to highly purified, well‐characterized allergens and to non‐purified or partially purified allergenic extracts.
Occupational allergic rhinitis from guar gum
Authors: KANERVA L. , TUPASELA OUTI , JOLANKI RIITTA , VAHERI E. , ESTLANDER TUULA , KESKINEN HELENA
Published: April 2006

Three cases of allergic rhinitis from a vegetable gum, guar gum, have been detected. Two subjects were exposed to fine guar gum powder (Emco Gum 563, Meyhall Chemical AG, Switzerland), an insulator in rubber cables, when opening cables in a power cable laboratory. After 1–2 years’ exposure the patients developed rhinitis. Scratch‐chamber tests, nasal provocation tests, nasal eosinophilia and a RAST test proved their allergy. A third subject developed allergic rhinitis from another guar gum product (Meyproid 5306, Meyhall Chemical AG) after 2 years’ exposure in a paper factory. A positive skin test and nasal provocation test confirmed the diagnosis. A fourth case of possible allergy to guar gum after exposure to Meyproid 5306 in a paper factory is also presented. No final diagnosis was reached in this case (in 1974). The present subjects, only one of whom was atopic, developed allergy within 2 years, although their exposure to guar gum was not especially heavy. Therefore, when handling guar, adequate ventilation facilities should be provided and protective clothing, including a respiratory mask, should be worn.
An epidemiological study of atopy in children
Authors: ASTARITA C. , HARRIS R. I. , de FUSCO R. , FRANZESE A. , BISCARDI D. , MAZZACCA F. R. M. , ALTUCCI P.
Published: April 2006

A sample of 930 children, between 9 years and 15 years old from six Italian towns, were studied. Their family history of allergy, personal allergy and medical history, current allergy symptoms, exposure to environmental allergens, feeding as infants, and their parents’ occupations were recorded. They were skin‐prick tested (SPT) with a range of common allergens. A subject was defined as atopic if at least one SPT caused a weal greater than 3 mm diameter. The association between the recorded information and atopy was investigated by logistic multiple regression. Atopy was positively associated with: high density housing; medium or high exposure to environmental allergens; a history of rhinitis, asthma or atopic eczema; male gender; and a history of breast‐feeding. It was independent of infectious diseases, vaccinations and operations, social class and family history. Thus, there was no evidence of a genetic factor in atopy, other than sex.
Comparison of cellular and protein changes in bronchial lavage fluid of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with red cedar asthma on follow‐up examination
Authors: CHAN‐YEUNG M. , LERICHE J. , MACLEAN L. , LAM S.
Published: April 2006

Seventeen patients with occupational asthma due to western red cedar had bronchial lavage during follow‐up examination after removal from exposure for at least 1 year. Seven patients were asymptomatic while ten continued to have symptoms of asthma requiring treatment. Symptomatic patients had evidence of airway inflammation, as reflected by a significantly higher total cell count, neutrophils and eosinophils, as well as an increase in protein and albumin in their bronchial lavage fluid compared to those without symptoms. Asymptomatic patients had no evidence of airway inflammation in the lavage fluid. There was no correlation between the degree of non‐specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness and the number or percentage of inflammatory cells to suggest that cellular infiltration is the sole cause of persistent bronchial hyperresponsiveness.
Asthma caused by bromelain: an occupational allergy
Authors: GAILHOFER G. , WILDERS‐TRUSCHNIG MARTIE , SMOLLE J. , LUDVAN MARGIT
Published: April 2006

Bromelains consist of a group of proteolytic enzymes of Bromeliaceae. They are commonly used in pharmaceutical industries, food production and in diagnostic laboratories. Bromelains are known to cause IgE‐mediated reactions of both the immediate type and the‘late phase reaction of immediate type reaction’ with predominantly respiratory symptoms. We report four cases of occupational allergy to bromelain in workers of a blood grouping laboratory. These observations prompted us to investigate the sensitization rate to bromelain in all workers of the particular diagnostic laboratory who had contact with bromelain. These results were compared with those obtained from healthy, randomly selected individuals without evident bromelain exposure. Our findings indicate that (i) bromelain is a strong sensitizer, (ii) sensitization usually occurs due to inhalation and not to ingestion, (iii) bromelain allergy is occupationally acquired, and adequate precautions are necessary. We can further state that (iv) skin testing with relatively pure allergens such as isolated proteases like bromelain may induce systemic reactions, even at very high dilutions.
Spontaneous and non‐specific release of histamine and PGD2 by bronchoalveolar lavage cells from asthmatic and normal subjects: effect of nedocromil sodium
Authors: LEBEL B. , BOUSQUET J. , CHANEZ P. , BARNEON G. , MOREL A. , MICHEL F. B. , GODARD P.
Published: April 2006

Mast cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma but their role in non‐allergic asthma remains to be elucidated. The spontaneous and non‐specific release of histamine by suboptimal doses of calcium ionophore A23187 was studied in bronchoalveolar lavage cells obtained from nine asthmatic and seven healthy individuals. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed with saline, and total cells were incubated without any secretagogue (spontaneous histamine release) or after addition of 1.25, 2.5 and 5 μm of A23187 for 30 min (net maximal release). Histamine was titrated by using a very sensitive radioimmunoassay using a monoclonal antibody against acylated histamine. The spontaneous release was similar in asthmatic (20.6±8.2%) and healthy individuals (17.4±8.4%). The net maximal release of histamine was significantly greater in asthmatic patients (28.1±17.4%) than in normal subjects (10.3±8.9%). The release of histamine was significantly correlated to the release of PGD2 measured by enzyme immunoassay using a polyclonal antibody against methoxamine‐PGD2 (Spearman rank test: 0.78, P<0.01). In eight subjects, the release of histamine by A23187 was studied in the presence of nedocromil sodium and it was observed that this drug significantly (P<0.05) decreased the net maximal release of histamine. This study shows that mast cells from asthmatic individuals have a greater releasability than those of normal subjects.
Nasal hyperreactivity to newspapers
Authors: THEANDER C. , BENDE M.
Published: April 2006

Nasal hyperreactivity occurs quite frequently while reading newspapers. This study consisted of 15 patients with vasomotor rhinitis with such problems and six asymptomatic volunteers. All subjects were exposed to printing ink and paper dust from newspapers. The effect was registered by nasal symptom score and rhinomanometry. Patients with vasomotor rhinitis reacted upon exposure to paper dust but not to printing ink. This exposure had no effect on the control group. The results indicate that paper dust is the causative agent in hyperreactivity to newspapers.
Ketotifen does not inhibit asthmatic reactions induced by toluene di‐isocyanate in sensitized subjects
Authors: TOSSIN L. , CHIESURA‐CORONA P. , FABBRI L. M. , DE MARZO N. , PICOTTI G. , CRESCIOLI S. , MAPP C. E.
Published: April 2006

In order to determine whether treatment with ketotifen inhibits asthmatic reactions induced by toluene di‐isocyanate (TDI), we studied six sensitized subjects with previously demonstrated dual or late asthmatic reaction after inhalation challenge with TDI. Ketotifen (1 mg b.i.d., orally) or placebo was administered for 7 days to the examined subjects, according to a double‐blind, cross‐over, placebo‐controlled study design. When the subjects were treated with either ketotifen or placebo, FEV1 markedly decreased after exposure to TDI. These results suggest that the anti‐asthmatic agent ketotifen is not effective in TDI‐induced asthma and suggest that it should not be used in the prophylaxis of asthmatic reactions induced by TDI in sensitized subjects.
Reduction of house dust mites and mite allergens: effects of spraying carpets and blankets with Allersearch DMS, an acaricide combined with an allergen reducing agent
Authors: GREEN W. F. , NICHOLAS N. R. , SALOME C. M. , WOOLCOCK A. J.
Published: April 2006

Two studies were made to determine the acaricidal and allergen reducing properties of Allersearch DMS solution. In Study 1, samples of dust and carpet containing living mites were treated, in vitro, with DMS solution. No living mites were found in dust after3–4 min or in carpets 50 min after treatment. In Study 2, mite counts and allergen estimation made on bed blankets before and after spraying with DMS solution showed a marked reduction in mite numbers (95%) and allergenicity (100‐fold). Mite numbers and allergenicity stayed at this low level for 6 weeks. At 16 weeks both mites and allergens showed a slight increase, but were still significantly (P < 0.001) below pretreatment levels.
Appearance of allergen‐induced increases in airway responsiveness only after repeated allergen inhalations in two subjects
Authors: COCKCROFT D. W. , RUFFIN R. E. , HARGREAVE F. E.
Published: April 2006

Observations in two subjects undergoing three allergen challenges for a drug study suggested ‘priming’ of the late sequelae, namely allergen‐induced increase in airway responsiveness. Both subjects had rhinitis and asthma limited to the ragweed season, near normal out‐of‐season histamine PC20, and extreme IgE sensitivity to ragweed. Both had an isolated early response with no change in histamine PC20 after the first allergen challenge. Significant (3.5‐ to 5.8‐fold) reductions in histamine PC20 occurred after the second and third allergen challenge in Subject 1, and after the third challenge in Subject 2; this was associated with equivocal 5–8% late responses. Such a ‘priming’ effect, the prevalence of which is not known, may be important in the pathogenesis of naturally occurring allergic asthma, and in the design of clinical trials involving repeated allergen inhalations.
Nedocromil sodium is more potent than sodium cromoglycate against AMP‐induced bronchoconstriction in atopic asthmatic subjects
Authors: RICHARDS R. , PHILLIPS G. D. , HOLGATE S. T.
Published: April 2006

Nedocromil sodium is a new chemical entity which shows similar properties to sodium cromoglycate (SCG) and in addition exhibits a preferential activity in stabilizing mucosal mast cells. We have compared the effect of inhalation of nebulized placebo, SCG and nedocromil sodium on the bronchoconstrictor response to inhaled adenosine monophosphate (AMP) in eight atopic asthmatic subjects aged 25 yr (range 21–32 yr). The geometric mean provocation doses of AMP required to produce a 20% decrease in FEV1 (PD20 FEV1) and a 40% decrease in V˙max30 (PD40 V˙max30) following placebo were 4.9 (0.3–14.2) and 1.8 (0.1–8.4) μmol respectively. Prior inhalation of both SCG and nedocromil sodium significantly inhibited the bronchoconstrictor response to AMP with PD20FEV1s of 36.6 (4.0–132.7) and 134 (12.4–560), and PD40 V˙max30 values of 20.5 (1.4–110) and 101.6 (5–560) μmol respectively (P<0.001). Nedocromil sodium was 3.9 (FEV1) and 8.0 (Vmax30) times more potent than SCG (P<0.001). In conclusion, both drugs inhibit the bronchoconstrictor response to inhaled AMP, and nedocromil is at least 4–8 times more potent than SCG.
Reduction of increased serum neutrophil chemotactic activity following effective hyposensitization in house dust mite allergy
Authors: McHUGH S. M. , EWAN PAMELA W.
Published: April 2006

Changes in the level of serum neutrophil chemotactic activity (S‐NCA) were investigated in 20 subjects with allergic rhinitis, with or without asthma, undergoing clinically effective hyposensitization to house dust mite with Pharmalgen®Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Two control groups were studied: 28 subjects with allergic rhinitis, with or without asthma, receiving placebo injections for 1 yr in a double‐blind controlled trial with Pharmalgen®D. pteronyssinus (from whom the actively, treated group in this study were recruited), and eight non‐atopic asymptomatic controls. S‐NCA and serum IgE specific to D. pteronyssinus were measured in the subjects before, during (3–6 months) and 12 months after treatment, and once in the non‐atopic controls. The mean S‐NCA was significantly higher (0.01 > P > 0.001) in subjects before treatment (mean±s.e. = 63.8 ± 3.6 arbitrary units of migration (AUM)) compared with the non‐atopic controls (48.5 ± 3.7 AUM), but had fallen to normal levels after 6 months (46.8 ± 4.0 AUM) and 12 months treatment (45.2 ± 3.8 AUM). The levels of S‐NCA in the placebo treated group were significantly higher than normal at the start of treatment (69.2 ± 4.1) and remained raised throughout the 12 months treatment. In the actively treated group, the level of S‐NCA had fallen in 18 out of 19 subjects after 12 months immunotherapy, and was unaltered in one. Mean levels of D. pteronyssinus IgE rose during the first 6 months and declined to initial levels by the end of the treatment. We suggest that the elevated S‐NCA may play a role in the maintenance of the allergic state through the induction of the late‐phase reaction; that the abnormal S‐NCA production is reduced by effective hyposensitization, and that measurement of S‐NCA may be useful to monitor hyposensitization therapy. Complete characterization of S‐NCA and the mechanisms of its control remain to be investigated.
Histamine release test in the diagnosis of human hydatidosis
Authors: ACETI A. , CELESTINO D. , TEGGI ANTONELLA , CAFERRO MARTA , PENNICA A. , GRILLI A. , SEBASTIANI A. , DE ROSA F.
Published: April 2006

An evaluation of the use of the histamine release test (HRT) in the diagnosis of human hydatidosis is presented. This technique, which makes it possible to evaluate directly IgE dependent immediate hypersensitivity by measuring the histamine released from leucocytes (basophils) after antigenic challenge, was compared with the detection of serum specific IgE by the radio‐allergosorbent test (RAST), and with the determination of serum specific IgE by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Of the 54 patients with hydatidosis, all were positive according to HRT, 42 according to RAST and 47 according to ELISA. No false positive results were obtained by HRT in 43 patients with parasitosis other than hydatidosis, however, of these 43, 10 resulted in false positives according to RAST and five according to ELISA. It is concluded that HRT is more sensitive and more specific than RAST and ELISA.
Anaphylaxis produced by rubber glove contact. Case reports and immunological identification of the antigens involved
Authors: MORALES C. , BASOMBA A. , CARREIRA J. , SASTRE A.
Published: April 2006

A study was carried out on six subjects suffering from anaphylactic reactions including asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, contact urticaria and hypotension following contact with rubber gloves. All of them showed skin sensitivity and serum specific IgE to various preparations of natural latex, and not to other chemicals used in glove manufacturing. Immunoblotting techniques demonstrated that at least four soluble polypeptides from natural latex had the ability to bind specific human IgE. The results suggested that natural latex proteins present in rubber gloves can cause severe specific hypersensitivity reactions.
Skin‐prick test preparations of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus for prediction of a positive response to provocation testing
Authors: OLLIER SUSAN , OSMAN J. , HORDLE D. A. , AMTN MANISHA , OVERELL B. , DAVIES R. J.
Published: April 2006

Skin‐prick testing (SPT) with allergen is widely used in the investigation of respiratory disease, yet its relationship to the results of provocation testing of the nose or bronchus remains obscure. We have studied this relationship by determining the concentration of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus extract and the associated weal size which resulted in the lowest ‘false positive’ (FP) and highest ‘true positive’ (TP) rates when compared to the results of bronchial and nasal provocation testing. Subjects studied included those with both positive and negative bronchial or nasal provocation tests. For each of a series of concentrations of D. pteronyssinus extract, standardized in relation to content of Der pI antigen, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of TP against FP rates were constructed. Optimal diagnostic concentrations for SPT were 0.112–1.122 ± 106 IU of Der pI ml‐1. However, at the lower end of this range the optimum weal areas for a positive test with the D. pteronyssinus extract were very small (<5 mm2). More appropriate concentrations for use in clinical practice were 0.56–1.122 × 106 IU Der pI ml‐1 since at these concentrations more easily measurable weal areas of 5–10 mm2 (2.6–3.6 mm diameter) were almost equally predictive of a positive provocation test.
Ia‐positive dendritic cells form a tightly meshed network within the human airway epithelium
Authors: HOLT P. G. , SCHON‐HEGRAD M. A. , PHILLIPS M. J. , MCMENAMIN P. G.
Published: April 2006

In this report we have employed an alternative tissue‐sectioning procedure which provides a plan view of intra‐epithelial cell populations within the airway wall. Immunoperoxidase staining of such sections for class II MHC (Ia) antigen revealed the presence of a highly developed intra‐epithelial network of Ia‐positive dendritic cells, which was not evident employing conventional cross‐ or longitudinal tissue sections. This finding has important implications for the study of mechanisms underlying allergic and infectious diseases of the respiratory tract.
Interleukin‐1 potentiates antigen‐mediated arachidonic acid metabolite formation in mast cells
Authors: SALARI H. , CHAN‐YEUNG M.
Published: April 2006

Mast cells were isolated from human lung tissues using density gradient centrifugation and a fluorescence‐activated cell sorter. Purified cells were sensitized passively with serum from allergic patients sensitive to grass pollen and then challenged with antigen (grass pollen). When these cells were challenged with antigen. LTC4, and PGD2 (19 ± 6, and 42 ± 9 pmol/106 cells, respectively) were released during 2 hr of incubation. When mast cells were incubated with interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) no detectable amount of LTC4 or PGD2 was generated. However, when mast cells were challenged with antigen and IL‐1, LTC4 and PGD2 were released (60 ± 15 and 97 ± 21 pmol/106, respectively) after a 2 hr incubation period. The stimulatory action of IL‐1 was both time‐ and dose‐dependent (over a 10–1000 units/ml range). In addition, greater activity was observed if IL‐1 was added 5–30 min prior to the antigen. Inhibitors of arachidonic acid metabolic pathways prevented the release of LTC4 and PGD2 from mast cells activated with antigen and IL‐1. This study shows that IL‐1 does not stimulate arachidonic acid metabolite release by mast cells but potentiates the release induced by antigen.
Immunology and treatment of mosquito bites
Authors: REUNALA T. , BRUMMER‐KORVENKONTIO H. , LAPPALAINEN P. , RÃSÃNEN L. , PALOSUO T.
Published: April 2006

Cutaneous reactions to mosquito bites are usually pruritic weals and delayed papules. Arthus‐type local and systemic symptoms can also occur but anaphylactic reactions are very rare. Both clinical and experimental evidence suggest that the various bite reactions result from sensitization to the mosquito saliva injected into the skin during feeding. Recent immunoblot studies have shown both IgG‐ and IgE‐class anti‐mosquito antibodies, but their species‐specificity and clinical importance is at present unknown. In addition to an Arthus‐type mechanism, both cutaneous late‐phase reactivity and cell‐mediated immunity may be involved in the pathophysiology of delayed mosquito‐bite lesions. Cutaneous sensitization to mosquito bites can be divided into five different stages ranging from the stages of immediate wealing and delayed bite papules, to the stage of non‐reactivity. No desensitization treatment is generally available for mosquito allergy but it has recently been shown that cetirizine, a potent non‐sedating antihistamine, is effective against the wealing and pruritus caused by mosquito bites.
The use of Phadiatop® in mass‐screening programmes of inhalant allergies: advantages and limitations
Authors: MATRICARDI P. M. , NISINI R. , PIZZOLO J. G. , ĎAMELIO R.
Published: April 2006

The validity of Phadiatop® as a tool in the mass screening for inhalant allergies was investigated. Seventy‐nine out of 600 recruits (13.2%) were classified as allergic to inhalant allergens (68 oculorhinitis; 11 asthma) on the basis of positive history, confirmed by skin testing and/or RAST for the seven most common aero‐allergens in Italy. Another 74 subjects had positive RAST and/or skin tests, yet had never experienced allergic symptoms. Phadiatop was positive in 145/600: in 78 out of 79 allergies and in 67 RAST‐positive non‐allergies. Correlation between Phadiatop and RAST was statistically significant, though higher for grass pollens (r= 0.85, P < 0.001) than for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (r= 0.68, P < 0.01). PRIST (cut‐off 220IU/ml) identified 36/79 allergies (45.6% sensitivity, whereas that of Phadiatop was 98.7%). As the high percentage of cases in the unselected population had specific serum IgE against inhalant allergens and no allergic symptomatology, the Phadialop‐positive predictive value falls to 53.7%, thus creating the need for Phadiatop‐positive subjects to undergo further investigation for an appropriate diagnosis. Given this limitation, Phadiatop appears to be an important step forward in the field of mass‐screening programmes for inhalant allergies.
Birth month variation in atopic and non‐atopic rhinitis
Authors: SIBBALD BONNIE , RINK ELIZABETH
Published: April 2006

The association of birth month with the development of atopic and non‐atopic rhinitis was investigated in 327 adults in south‐west London. Birth month was a significant risk factor for both atopic and non‐atopic rhinitis in subjects whose age at onset was under 20 yr. but not in those who were older at onset. The odds of being born in May June were 1·68(95%CI: 1·03–2·76) for atopic rhinitic subjects and 1·90 (95% CI: 1·11–3·25) for non‐atopic rhinitic subjects. The birth month effect was not related to the criteria used to determine subjects “atopic status or to subjects” clinical characteristics, apart from their age at onset. The findings suggest that atopic and non‐atopic rhinitis have a common aetiology which does not depend on infant sensitization to seasonal allergens.
Specific antibodies to methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride in exposed workers
Authors: WELINDER H. , NIELSEN J. , GUSTAVSSON C. , BENSRYD I. , SKERFVING S.
Published: April 2006

A group of 145 workers exposed to methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride (MTHPA) was investigated. They were working in a plant which, since 1983, handled an epoxy resin with MTHPA as a hardener. Specific IgE antibodies (RAST) to a conjugate between MTHPA and human serum albumin (HSA) were statistically significantly increased (P= 0·001; 26 subjects = 18% positive) in the exposed group, compared to a non‐exposed control group (n= 33). One positive worker was only exposed for 2 months. Twenty‐three exposed subjects were also skin‐prick test positive to MTHPA‐HSA. The exposed group was divided into three different exposure categories, according to their contact with the epoxy resin. The average exposure levels at the time of the investigation were, in zone 10·085 mg/m3, in zone II0·014 mg/m3, and in zone III 0·010 mg/m3, though the exposure probably had been higher earlier. There was an association between exposure intensity and RAST‐positive persons (P= 0·0025, chi‐square trend test). Forty‐four persons (30%) were smokers, and 16(11%) atopics. No association between sensitization and either atopy or smoking was found. There was an association between exposure intensity and specific IgG antibodies (P= 0·0003, chi‐square trend test). Specific IgG4 antibodies were closely related to specific total IgG antibodies (P= 0·0001). These findings demonstrate that MTHPA is a sensitizing agent at low levels of exposure.
Development of serum Dermatophagoides farinae‐, ovalbumin‐ and lactalbumin‐specific IgG, IgG1, IgG4, IgA and IgM in children with bronchial asthma/allergic rhinitis or atopic dermatitis
Authors: OKAHATA H. , NISHI Y. , MIZOGUCHI N. , YUMIBA C. , FUJII H. , UEDA K.
Published: April 2006

Dermatophagoides farinae‐, ovalbumin‐and lactalbumin‐specific IgG, IgG1, IgG4, IgA and IgM were evaluated in 161 healthy children [Group 1], 84 children with bronchial asthma and/or allergic rhinitis but without atopic dermatitis [Group 2], and 54 children with atopic dermatitis but without bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis [Group 3]. We also studied D. farinae‐, egg‐white‐, and milk‐specific IgE of children with allergic diseases. D. farinae‐specific IgG, IgG1, IgG4 and IgA in Groups 2 and 3 increased until 5 years of age and thereafter they remained constant. After 2 years of age, D. farinae‐specific IgG, IgG1, IgG4 and IgA in Group 2 were higher than those in Groups 1 and 3. Ovalbumin‐ and lactalbumin‐specific IgG, FgG1, IgG4 and IgA in Groups 2 and 3 increased until 1 year of age and thereafter decreased. Until 1 year of age, ovalbumin‐ and lactalbumin‐specific IgG, IgG1, and IgG4 in Groups 3 were higher than those in Groups 1 and 2. D. farinae‐, ovalbumin‐ and lactalbumin‐specilic IgM were constant in all ages of all groups. These results suggest that atopic dermatitis in young children is related to food‐specific immunoglobulins and that respiratory allergic diseases in older children is related to D. farinae‐specific immunoglobulins.
The relationship between anti‐IgE auto‐antibodies and the IgE response to wasp venom during immunotherapy
Authors: KEMENY D. M. , TOMIOKA H. , TSUTSUMI A. , KOIKE T. , LESSOF M. H. , LEE T. H.
Published: April 2006

During immunotherapy with wasp venom, levels of venom‐specific IgE antibodies increase and then fall, whereas the concentration of IgG antibodies rises and then remains at a high level. Successful treatment is therefore associated with both increased concentrations of serum IgG and decreased serum IgE antibodies to venom. In this study we have investigated the possible role of auto‐antibodies in inducing the decrease in serum IgE antibody. Levels of auto‐anti‐IgE were measured by a radioimmunoassay. Anti‐IgE auto‐antibodies were not generated during immunotherapy and there was no significant difference in the levels of anti‐IgE auto‐antibodies between patients whose venom‐specific IgE antibody levels fell more than fivefold after immunotherapy and those patients in whom IgE antibody levels did not change significantly. We conclude that anti‐IgE auto‐antibodies do not play a part in IgE suppression induced by immunotherapy.
Allergy to mice. II. Further characterization of two major mouse allergens (AG 1 and AG 3) and immunohistochemical investigations of their sources
Authors: PRICE JILL A. , LONGBOTTOM JOAN L.
Published: April 2006

Sodium dodecyl sulphale polyacrylamide gel elcctrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and quantitative immunoelectrophoretic techniques have been used to characterize further the two major mouse allergens, antigen I (Ag 1) and antigen 3 (Ag 3). Gel filtration using Sephacryl S‐200 showed Ag 1 to have a molecular weight of 18 kD and Ag 3 of 21 kD. SDS‐PAGE followed by Western blotting onto nitrocellulose then incubation with individual antisera directed against each of the two major allergens, and an alkaline phosphalase enzyme system, was used to distinguish between the two allergens and indicated a molecular weight of 17 kD for Ag 1 and 16 kD for Ag 3. Ag 3 but not Ag 1 was shown to contain polysaccharide residues. Immunohistochemical staining of mouse skin sections demonstrated that antigens detected in whole dust extracts were present in the hair follicles, on the hair shafts and on the stratum corneum. Staining of similar sections using the rabbit anti‐Ag 3 showed the presence of this major allergen in the hair follicles coaling the hairs and extending along the skin surface. Serum from a pool of mouse‐allergic subjects also demonstrated staining in the same areas when detected using a fluoroscein‐labelled anti‐human IgE as second antibody. As both major allergens were present in extracts of fur this would appear to be most appropriate for use in diagnosis (i.e. skin test and RAST) and also possibly desensitization. However, dust from isolators (available in greater amounts) would be equally suitable.
Mucosal mast cell activation patterns in the rat following repeated feeding of antigen
Authors: TURNER M. W. , BARNETT GABRIELLE E. , STROBEL S.
Published: April 2006

Groups of rats previously sensitized systemically on day 0 with a low dose of ovalbumin (OVA) were gavaged daily with ovalbumin or bovine serum albumin or a mixture of both proteins from day 14 to 18. Blood samples were obtained pre‐ and post‐challenge and serum levels of the rat mast cell protease II (RMCPII) determined by immunoassay. Release of this specific mucosal mast cell mediator was only observed in animals challenged with ovalbumin and the initial challenge released levels of RMCPII 15‐fold higher than normal resting levels (P < 0·001). Subsequent daily challenges evoked the release of significantly lower levels of mediator (P < 0·00l relative to day 14), but with one exception each test group released significantly more RMCPII than the matched control group on each day (P < 0·001 =P= 0·015). An increased uptake of BSA ‘bystander’ protein was observed when OVA‐sensitized animals were repeatedly gavage‐challenged with OVA but there was no correlation with the release of RMCPII mediator. After a 9‐day rest period the levels of RMCPII released 6 hr post‐challenge on day 26 were still significantly lower (P= 0·004) than the levels of mediator released on day 14. In contrast, animals not previously challenged were still capable of releasing high levels of mediator at the time of first mucosal contact. The levels of RMCPII detected in the serum after enteral protein antigen challenge never exceeded 6000 ng/ml and were lower than those previously observed in parasitized rats following intravenous antigen challenge.
IgE, IgA and IgG antibodies and delayed skin response towards Candida albicans antigens in atopies with and without saprophytic growth
Authors: SAVOLAINEN J. , KOIVIKKO A. , KALIMO KIRSTI , NIEMINEN E. , VIANDER M.
Published: April 2006

Immunoblotting and RAST were used to analyse IgE, IgA and IgG responses to antigens of Candida albicans. These were compared with the delayed skin response and C. albicans carriage in 40 atopic subjects. The majority of the atopic patients showed a strong IgG and IgA antibody response towards mannan, a carbohydrate, but only occasionally to proteins. Altogether 22 of the 40 patients showed specific IgE towards C. albicans by immunoblotting. The IgE response was mainly towards proteins, particularly to ones with molecular weights of 29 kD and 46 kD, and only in eight out of 22 IgE‐positive subjects towards mannan. The IgG and IgA responses to mannan and the total IgE response towards C. albicans assessed by RAST showed an association with C. albicans carriage, whereas the delayed skin response showed an inverse relationship. The immunological parameters characteristic of C. albicans carriage were found to be C. albicans‐specific depressed delayed skin response and elevated IgE, IgA and IgG responses. This situation in the atopies presenting such parameters may favour simultaneous sensitization and exposure by colonization. The degree of sensitization may be sufficiently high to produce symptomatic allergy, such as asthma, in some individuals during occasional overgrowth of C. albicans, e.g. due to antibiotic therapy.
Detection of B‐lymphocytes secreting antibodies toDermatophagoidesantigens
Authors: SPARHOLT SUSANNE HAUSCHILDT , BARINGTON T. , SCHOU C.
Published: April 2006

An enzyme‐linked immunospot assay (ELI‐spot assay) has been established to count individual cells secreting antibodies toDermatophagoidesspp. allergens. Initial optimization of the assay was performed usingDer pI‐specific murine hybridoma cell lines. Inhibition with soluble purified allergen demonstrated that spot formation was specific. Addition of cycloheximide showed that spot formation was due to antibodies actively produced and secreted and not caused by preformed surface‐associated Ig. An analogous method was used to count immunoglobulin‐secreting cells (IgSC) of any specificity, and the number of circulating IgSC was measured in young healthy subjects. The results (means) were 331 IgM‐SC, 532 IgG‐SC. 850 IgA‐SC and less than 1 IgE‐SC per 106mononuclear cells (MNC). Initial experiments performed with blood from patients undergoing immunotherapy withDermatophagoides pteronyssinuxAlutard, showed that 1 week after injection, circulating allergen‐specific antibody‐secreting cells (AbSC) were detected with this assay. The ranges were between 1 and 13 IgM‐, 2 and 20 IgG‐ and 20 and 55 IgA allergen‐specific AbSC per 106MNC. It is expected that this assay will help to understand more thoroughly the basic immunological mechanisms behind the efficacy of immunotherapy.
The inhibitory effect of immunoglobulin E on monoamine uptake in human platelets
Authors: DE LARA J. M. TUNON , VUILLEMIN L. , RONDOYANNI F. , RIO P. , DUCASSOU D. , TAYTARD A.
Published: April 2006

The uptake of the monoamine radiolabelled tracer 125I‐meta‐iodo‐benzyl‐guanidine (MIBG) was studied in vitro in platelets from 15 healthy volunteers and five allergic patients whose serum IgE concentration was 37 ± 33 and 650 ± 200 IU/ml, respectively. The MIBG uptake was determined by means of a gamma counter after incubation in a buffer. Binding of IgE to platelets significantly reduced MIBG uptake both in healthy subjects and in allergic patients. This reduction was significantly related to the action of IgE as it did not occur after binding of IgG. Moreover, MIBG uptake plotted versus increasing concentration of IgE (ranging from 10 to 3000 IU/ml) was fitted by a classical sigmoidal curve which was not significantly different between healthy subjects and allergic patients. Lastly, the effect of IgE on MIBG uptake was due to the binding of the sole IgE as it was not modified by subsequent addition of anti‐IgE. It is concluded that the binding of the sole IgE to its specific receptor on platelets alters the transport of monoamines.