bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of the effects of nedocromil sodium (4 mg) and sodium cromoglycate (10 mg) on adenosine‐induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatic subjects
Authors: CRIMI N. , PALERMO F. , OLIVERI R. , VANCHERI C. , POLOSA R. , PALERMO BIAGIA , MACCARRONE CONCETTA , MISTRETTA A.
Published: April 2006

The effect of nedocromil sodium (4 mg; 7.8 × 10−6m) on adenosine‐induced bronchoconstriction was compared with that of a higher dose of sodium cromoglycate (10 mg; 24.1 × 10−6m). Eleven allergic asthmatic patients (mean age 26.28 ± 12.21 years) were studied. Adenosine (0.03–4.00 mg) was administered as nebulized aerosol. The dose of adenosine producing a 20% change in FEV1(PD20) was calculated from the individual semi‐logarithmic dose‐response curves. Patients were studied on 4 separate days. On the first day the adenosine challenge was performed; on subsequent days patients were pretreated (20 min before challenge) with either placebo or test drug (nedocromil sodium 2 × 2 mg or sodium cromoglycate 2 × 5 mg) administered by pressurized aerosol in a randomized, double‐blind manner. Statistical analysis was performed by two‐way analysis of variance. Neither sodium cromoglycate nor nedocromil sodium showed a significant bronchodilator effect. In patients treated with placebo, inhalation of adenosine produced a dose‐related bronchoconstriction with a geometric mean PD20 of 0.42 mg. After drug administration the mean PD20 values were 1.29 mg with sodium cromoglycate and 2.30 mg with nedocromil sodium. Both drugs produced a significant increase in mean PD20 value in comparison with placebo and baseline (P < 0.01). These results demonstrate that nedocromil sodium (4 mg) is significantly more potent than a larger dose of sodium cromoglycate (10 mg) in inhibiting adenosine‐induced bronchoconstriction (P < 0.05).
Effect of nedocromil on bronchospasm induced by inhalation of substance P in asthmatic subjects
Authors: CRIMI N. , PALERMO F. , OLIVERI R. , PALERMO BIAGIA , VANCHERI C. , POLOSA R. , MISTRETTA A.
Published: April 2006

Several studies have demonstrated that neuropeptides are present in peptidergic fibres of bronchial tissue. The aim of the present study was to evaluate in vivo the effect of nedocromil sodium (2 × 2 mg) on bronchospasm induced by inhalation of substance P. Six moderate asthmatic patients, mean age 25.17 years, were studied. Airway response was measured as FEV1 and the dose of substance P (using a dose range of 23–736 nmol) producing a 20% decrease in FEV1 (PD20) was calculated from the individual semilogarithmic dose‐response curves. Patients were studied on 3 separate days in a randomized, double‐blind manner. On the first day a baseline PD20 value was determined. On subsequent days substance P challenge was performed after pretreatment (20 min before challenge) with either placebo or nedocromil sodium. Student's paired t‐test and Wilcoxon's test were used for statistical analysis. The results of this study demonstrated that inhalation of substance P causes a dose‐dependent bronchoconstriction and that the bronchoconstriction induced by substance P can be prevented by pre‐treatment with nedocromil sodium.
The major aeroallergens in Guangxi, China
Authors: CHEN KE , LIAO YUANFEN , ZHANG JINTAN
Published: April 2006

Over a 2‐year period we have identified pollen grains from 48 families of grasses, as well as mould spores and mite particles during air sampling in Guangxi Province. The major aeroallergens were Artemisia, Moraceae and Euophoribiacea, and the spores of Aspergillus, Penicillinum, Cephalosporium and Helminthosporium. Mites were probably also one of the major outdoor aeroallergens. Our investigations also included inspection of the vegetation of the geographical area involved, as well as skin testing on 774 subjects using extracts of 37 aeroallergens. We believe that this work has provided fundamental information on seasonal allergy in Southern China and South‐east Asia.
Priming effect of a birch pollen season studied with laser Doppler flowmetry in patients with allergic rhinitis
Authors: JULIUSSON S. , BENDE M.
Published: April 2006

Nasal mucosal provocation tests were done on eight patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis before and after a birch pollen season. The effects on nasal microvascular blood flow were detected by means of laser Doppler flowmetry. The patients reacted to the birch pollen provocation with an increase in blood flow. This increase was greater after the pollen season than before, when the same pollen doses were used, indicating a priming phenomenon of the resistance vessels.
The long‐term effect of a positive pressure respirator on the specific antibody response in pigeon breeders
Authors: ANDERSON K. , WALKER A. , BOYD G.
Published: April 2006

A group of pigeon fanciers with Pigeon Breeder's Lung wore a positive pressure respirator with a full mask and hood when working with pigeons. Serial measurements of specific IgG antibody to pigeon globulin (ELISA) were made in 22 subjects. Thirteen wore a respirator (monitored over 14 months) and nine did not (monitored over 3 months). Following introduction of the respirator, the serum antibody to pigeon globulin significantly decreased when compared with the non‐respirator group. This fall in antibody persisted over 14 months reflecting the reduction in antigen inhalation. Although circulating antibody decreased in all those wearing respirators, the remaining levels were still within the range that can be associated with clinical symptoms possibly because of inward leakage of antigen bypassing the filter.
The effect of an increase in inhaled allergen dose after terfenadine on the occurrence and magnitude of the late asthmatic response
Authors: LAI C. K. W. , BEASLEY R. , HOLGATE S. T.
Published: April 2006

We have attempted to use a potent and selective histamine H1‐receptor antagonist terfenadine to allow a larger dose of allergen to be administered to previous single early responders to investigate if an increased dose of allergen could induce a late asthmatic response. Pre‐treatment with 180 mg of terfenadine enabled a geometric mean increase in allergen dose of 412‐fold to be inhaled by eight atopic subjects with mild asthma, who initially were classified as single early responders, with maximal fall in FEV1 3–8 hr after allergen challenge (Lmax) of < 15 % from baseline value. The magnitude of early asthmatic response was similar to that obtained on the control day when allergen challenge was performed in the absence of terfenadine. Two subjects were converted to dual responders with Lmax of 23.1 and 24.3%, which occurred with a 32‐ and 65‐fold increase in allergen dose respectively, and a 6‐ and 4.9‐fold decrease in non‐specific airways responsiveness measured as the cumulative provocative concentration of methacholine that caused a 20% fall in FEV1 from baseline. The remaining six subjects failed to achieve an Lmax of > 10% even with a 1.29–2.66‐fold increase in allergen dose. For the group as a whole an increase in allergen dose was associated with an increase in overall bronchoconstrictor response 3–8 hr after challenge. These results indicate that it is possible to induce a late asthmatic response in a subject who previously demonstrated only an early response by increasing the dose of allergen inhaled.
HLA class II restriction specificity of Dermatophagoides spp. reactive T lymphocyte clones that support IgE synthesis
Authors: LAMB J. R. , KAY A. B. , O'HEHIR R. E.
Published: April 2006

The results of recent experiments investigating the restriction specificity of cross‐reactive, or Dermatophagoides farinae‐specific, T cell clones isolated from an atopic individual with perennial rhinitis are reviewed. The restriction specificity was examined using serological inhibition, allogeneic presenting cells and murine fibroblasts expressing HLA‐D region products. Although serological inhibition studies suggested that DR class II proteins were the major restriction elements used, the patterns of recognition observed with the allogeneic cell panel were complex, generally failing to correlate with the serologically defined MHC class II specificities. Analysis of the restriction patterns indicated that the majority of the T cell clones were restricted by DRβIII gene products and this was confirmed using murine fibroblasts expressing DRw52. DRβI gene products functioned as restriction elements in the recognition of house dust mite allergen by the other clones. In an in‐vitro model of allergen‐dependent IgE synthesis, both DRβI and DRβIII class II restricted T cells could be shown to provide functional help for IgE synthesized by autologous B cell‐enriched populations.
Effects of adding nedocromil sodium (Tilade®) to the routine therapy of patients with bronchial asthma
Authors: FYANS P. G. , CHATTERJEE P. C. , CHATTERJEE S. S.
Published: April 2006

In a 12‐week double‐blind, group comparative trial, preceded by a 2‐week baseline period, 38 asthmatic subjects of mixed aetiology and varying severity received either 4 mg nedocromil sodium by metered dose inhaler twice a day or a matching placebo preparation, in addition to their existing maintenance therapy of inhaled corticosteroids plus inhaled bronchodilators. Asthma severity and lung function were assessed at 4‐weekly clinic visits, and symptomatology (morning tightness, daytime asthma, cough, night‐time asthma), morning, afternoon and evening PEFR, and the use of inhaled bronchodilators were recorded on daily diary cards. Treatment with nedocromil sodium led to significant (P < 0.05) improvements in clinic assessment of FEV1 and PEFR both before and after an inhaled bronchodilator from at least the eighth week onwards. Mid‐study FVC was also significantly (P < 0.05) improved. Daily PEFR increased throughout the study in the nedocromil sodium‐treated subjects and the diurnal variation was reduced. Daily symptom severity was also reduced and these improvements occurred despite the similar or slightly reduced use of inhaled bronchodilators. However, none of these improvements in diary card parameters reached statistical significance. By the final week of the study subjects treated with nedocromil sodium predominantly had a mild form of asthma or no symptoms at all, and both patients and clinicians reported the effectiveness of nedocromil sodium; the subjects but not the clinicians finding it significantly more effective (P < 0.05) than placebo. Nedocromil sodium was well tolerated although one patient was withdrawn owing to a persistent sore throat after 7 weeks of treatment.
Double‐blind cross‐over trial comparing beclomethasone dipropionate and terfenadine in perennial rhinitis
Authors: ROBINSON A. C. , CHERRY J. R. , DALY SUSAN
Published: April 2006

Eighteen patients with perennial rhinitis were evaluated in this double‐blind cross‐over trial comparing beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) aqueous nasal spray with terfenadine tablets. Both treatments were effective in reducing symptom scores but BDP was significantly better than terfenadine in relieving running nose and sneezing (P <0.05). BDP also had a greater effect on reducing nasal inflammation than terfenadine. Although the clinicians and patients assessed both therapies to be equieffective, significantly more patients preferred the BDP treatment (P <0.003). Overall, BDP therapy proved more beneficial than terfenadine therapy in this small group of perennial rhinitis sufferers.
News and commentary
Authors: Frew A. J.
Published: April 2006

The 1989 meeting of the American Thoracic Society was held from 13th to 17th May 1989 in Cincinnati, Ohio. As usual there were a large number of parallel sessions and this year more than 2400 abstracts were presented. In this report Tony Frew summarizes a selection of papers on asthma and inflammatory lung disease.
Terfenadine with or without phenylpropanolamine in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: NUUTINEN J. , HOLOPAINEN E. , MALMBERG H. , RINNE J. , SUONPÄÄ J. , SILVASTI M.
Published: April 2006

The efficacy of terfenadine in combination with phenylpropanolamine was assessed by comparison with terfenadine alone in a double‐blind, parallel group study or 66 patients with nasal birch pollen allergy. The patients were allocated randomly into two groups; 34 patients received terfenadine (60 mg) twice daily and 32 patients a combination tablet containing terfenadine (60 mg) and phenylpropanolamine (50 mg) twice daily for 17 days during the birch pollen season. Nasal symptoms (sneezing, discharge, itching and blockage) were relieved significantly by both drugs, but control of symptoms was more rapid and better with the terfenadine‐phenylpropanolamine combination. Rhinoscopic evaluation of nasal secretion and mucosal swelling showed no differences between the treatment groups. Compared with pre‐season values, nasal peak expiratory flow (PEF)‐values worsened significantly during the season in the terfenadine, but not in the terfenadine‐phenylpropanolamine, group. The general condition of the patients was significantly better in the terfenadine‐phenylpropanolamine group. There were no marked side‐effects in either group. At the end of the trial some of the patients in both treatment groups still had symptoms; this is apparently due to the long‐lasting and severe pollen season. It is concluded that terfenadine combined with phenylpropanolamine gives better control of seasonal allergic rhinitis than terfenadine alone.
H1‐antagonists as a tool in clarifying the pathophysiology of nasal allergy
Authors: PIPKORN U.
Published: April 2006

Various mediator systems have been stressed as important in the generation of the signs and symptoms of allergic disease such as hay fever. Nevertheless, in the upper airways, histamine is still the only mediator which behaves consistently in terms of release at appropriate challenge, produces all the major symptoms of rhinitis at a local challenge, and the specific antagonist influences the signs and symptoms of rhinitis in the challenge situation as well as during natural allergen exposure. Although the majority of hay fever symptoms are influenced by H1‐receptors, there are exceptions. An important one is the symptom of nasal blockage, which is due to tissue oedema and a decrease in the tone of the capacitance vessels. Another point to be stressed is that histamine alone does not induce any protracted mucosal inflammatory response with associated symptoms, influx of eosinophils and increase in responsiveness that is associated with the exposure to allergen. Nevertheless, from a clinical point of view, antihistamines are still valuable pharmacological agents for the clinical management of hay fever symptoms.
The relationship between atopy and non‐specific bronchial responsiveness
Authors: GRAINGER D. N. , STENTON S. C. , AVERY A. J. , DUDDRIDGE M. , WALTERS E. H. , HENDRICK D. J.
Published: April 2006

Atopy is often regarded as a risk factor for the development of asthma, particularly childhood asthma and occupational asthma. This could reflect an association with nonspecific bronchial responsiveness (NSBR), though atopy could influence asthma independently. We have evaluated the possible relationship between atopy and NSBR (PD20FEV1to methacholine) in the siblings of 59 probands with atopic asthma. Thirty‐four (58%) were atopic ( 1 prick test with weal diameter that of a 0.1% histamine control) and 28 (47%) showed NSBR. Atopy and NSBR occurred together more frequently than would be expected by chance (P<0.05); both variables being observed in 20 subjects, neither in 17, and only one in 22. A significant association was also noted when atopy was defined by a serum total IgE > 150IU (or >50IU), but when atopy was defined by other commonly used criteria ( 2 prick tests with weal diameter histamine control; or weal diameter 2 mm or more > than a saline control), no significant association was demonstrated. Furthermore, linear logistic regression and multiple regression analyses showed that both the presence and the degree of NSBR were influenced much more by the baseline level of FEV1than by atopic status. At best, atopy accounted for 10% of the variance of the PD20measurements. We conclude that atopy is associated with NSBR but not strongly; that the relationship may be readily obscured according to the defining criteria used for atopy: and that atopy should not be used as a marker for NSBR.
Determination of IgE‐specificities in nasal secretions and sera of allergic subjects by crossed radio‐immunoelectrophoresis
Authors: BACHERT C. , WAHL R. , BOUSQUET J. , MAASCH H. J. , GANZER U.
Published: April 2006

Allergen‐specific IgE antibodies have not only been demonstrated in the serum, but also in the nasal secretions of allergic patients by means of the radio‐allergosorbent test (RAST). In this preliminary study we adapted the technique of crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis (CRIE) to nasal secretions in order to obtain further insight into the specificity of locally collected antibodies. Based on RAST results we compared CRIE patterns in serum, nasal secretions in 13 out of 23 grass pollen allergic subjects and two out of three house dust mite allergic subjects. In the nasal secretions the same IgE specificities were found as in the corresponding serum of the individual subject and as in a reference serum pool. These data indicate that the same specificity of IgE antibody can be found in the serum and the target organ. From these data there is no evidence for a local mucosal immune response that differs in specificity from the serum response.
The Langerhans cell: an underestimated cell in atopic disease
Authors: FOKKENS W. J. , BRUIJNZEEL‐KOOMEN C. A. F. M. , VROOM TH. M. , RIJNTJES E. , HOEFSMIT E. C. M. , MUDDE G. C. , BRUIJNZEEL P. L. B.
Published: April 2006

Langerhans cells (LC) are very potent antigen‐presenting cells. In atopic disorders such as allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis LC are known to bear IgE surface molecules. IgE‐positive LC can bind allergen and present it to T lymphocytes to induce an allergen‐specific T‐cell response and IgE synthesis. Therefore, IgE‐bearing LC might play an important role in the triggering of the immune system to maintain ongoing IgE synthesis. The importance of the IgE‐bearing LC in atopy has not been assessed but deserves further investigation to find out more about the part played by these cells, not only in the atopic disorders described here but also in others such as gastrointestinal allergy and allergic asthma.
Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against major allergens of American cockroach
Authors: WU C.‐H. , CHIANG BER T. , FANN M. C. , LAN J. L.
Published: April 2006

From several fusion experiments between spleen cells obtained from BALB/c mice immunized with partially purified Cr‐PI of American cockroach and NS‐1 cells, growth was observed in many wells. Seven stable subclones secreting monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against Cr‐PI, as determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with high absorbance values and immunoblot analysis, were obtained. All seven mAbs were characterized as IgGl subclass by immunodiffusion, and reacted strongly with 72 kilodaltons (kD) of Cr‐PI which have been identified as a major allergen of American cockroach. Six mAbs were found to have similar epitope specificities against Cr‐PI by ELISA. The remaining mAb was found to have different epitope specificities with others. Interestingly, all mAbs did not react with any components of crude extracts of Oriental and German cockroaches as determined by immunoblot analysis and ELISA. A mAb‐based double‐antibody sandwich ELISA was developed, and the ELISA was dose‐dependent and capable of detecting as little as 140 ng of Cr‐PI allergen.
A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study to assess the efficacy of nedocromil sodium in the management of childhood grass‐pollen asthma
Authors: BUSINCO L. , CANTANI A. , DI FAZIO A. , BERNARDINI L.
Published: April 2006

The aim of this double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial was to assess the efficacy and tolerance of nedocromil sodium at a dose of 4 mg four times daily, in the management of children suffering from grass‐pollen asthma. Thirty‐one children suffering from seasonal asthma (24 boys and seven girls, aged 4–21 yr, mean 11 yr) were enrolled in the study during the 1988 pollen season. Only one child was aged 4 yr, and she was a cooperative girl able to use the metered dose inhaler properly. In addition, in each group there was a patient aged 20 and 21 years, respectively, who had been followed up by us since childhood. Treatments were delivered by pressurized aerosol over a period of 4 weeks following a 1‐week baseline, during which patients were required to show active disease by obtaining a minimum symptom score (almost 2 points of severity score on at least 3 days of the baseline period). The patients were randomly assigned lo both treatment groups, all were taking inhaled or oral bronchodilators, when necessary. Twenty‐nine patients completed the trial, 16 in the nedocromil sodium treatment group and 13 in the placebo group. One child of each group was withdrawn due to treatment failure.

Statistically significant differences in favour of nedocromil sodium were found regarding morning tightness and mean morning PEFR values on diary cards (P < 0·01 and P < 0·05, respectively), bronchodilator usage (P < 0·05), pulmonary function tests (PFT) at clinic visits (P < 0·05), and in parents' opinion (P < 0·05). No differences between the two treatments were recorded in terms of severity of asthma in the baseline period and, in addition, of cough, day/night‐time asthma and mean evening PEFR values on diary cards after 2 and 4 weeks of both treatments. Eight patients, four from both treatment groups, reported mild unusual symptoms such as headache, sore and aching throat, and abdominal pain. No evidence of any treatment effects were found in laboratory tests. We conclude that nedocromil sodium is indicated in the first‐line treatment of children with bronchial asthma, in addition to being well tolerated at the dose of 4 mg four times a day.
Venous blood platelets decrease during allergen‐induced asthmatic reactions
Authors: MAESTRELLI P. , BOSCHETTO PIERA , ZOCCA ELENA , CRESCIOLI S. , BAROLDI P. , MAPP CRISTINA , FABBRI L. M.
Published: April 2006

To determine whether circulating platelets alter during asthmatic reactions induced by allergens, we studied nine subjects previously shown to develop an early or dual asthmatic reaction after inhalation challenge with extracts of house dust mite or grass pollen. In each subject, FEV1, circulating platelets and leucocytes were measured before, 15, 30 and 60 min, and 2, 4, 6 and 8 hr after inhalation of allergen and diluent control administered in a single‐blind, randomized fashion. The same procedure was repeated in six of the nine subjects after bronchoconstriction induced by methacholine. Each subject developed an early asthmatic reaction after allergen inhalation challenge, which was followed by a late asthmatic reaction in six subjects and by an equivocal late asthmatic reaction in two of them (fall in FEV1 of 15 and 17% respectively). Compared with the control day, circulating platelets significantly decreased during the allergen‐induced early asthmatic reaction (P < 0·025, at 30 min). Platelet counts returned to baseline values within 4 hr and remained steady thereafter both in subjects who did and did not develop a late asthmatic reaction. No changes in platelet counts occurred after bronchoconstriction induced by methacholine. Diurnal increase of leucocyte numbers occurred after challenge with both allergen and diluent control. These results suggest that platelets may be involved in the pathogenesis of allergen‐induced asthmatic reactions.
Bovine β‐1actoglobulin in human milk from atopic and non‐atopic mothers. Relationship to maternal intake of homogenized and unhomogenized milk
Authors: HØST A. , HUSBY S. , HANSEN L. G. , ØSTERBALLE O.
Published: April 2006

Human milk samples (n= 300) were collected during a 3‐week period from 10 healthy mothers and from 10 atopic mothers, all with healthy, solely breast‐fed infants. The milk samples were analysed by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the content of bovine β‐lactoglobulin (BLG). In a cross‐over design the atopic and non‐atopic mothers alternated their intake of milk between homogenized and unhomogenized milk each week. On day 7, in each week, consecutive milk samples were taken before and 4, 8, 12 and 24 hr after a single ingestion of 500 ml of homogenized or unhomogenized milk. Detectable amounts of BLG (0·9–150 μg/1, median value 4·2 μg/1) were measured in 19/20 of the mothers (95%), in 9 of 10 atopic mothers and in all 10 of 10 non‐atopic mothers. No correlation was found between the type of milk preparation (homogenized or unhomogenized) and the presence of BLG or the level of BLG in human milk. A great intra‐individual and inter‐individual variation of BLG level was found, and no relationship was observed between BLG levels and atopic status of the mothers. The interval between ingestion of 500 ml of milk and the maximal concentration of BLG on milk‐free diet varied between 4 and 24 hr, median value 8 hr. The presence of BLG in human milk is a common finding in both atopic and non‐atopic mothers.
Leukotriene C4 decreases the activity of respiratory cilia in vitro
Authors: WEISMAN Z. , FINK A. , ALON A. , POLIAK Z. , TABACHNIK E. , PRISCU L. , BENTWICH Z.
Published: April 2006

In the present study we assessed the effect of leukotriene C4 on ciliary beat frequency in vitro. Chicken tracheas were sliced into thin rings and ciliary activity was viewed microscopically. Ciliary beat frequency was measured through an optical fibre by a fast Fourier transformer analyser and recorded on an oscilloscope. Ciliary beat frequency was measured at one fixed point during 30 min at room temperature in RPMI‐HEPES medium alone and in medium containing leukotriene C4 at a range of concentrations (10−6–10−9M). Our results demonstrate that leukotriene C4(10−7 and 10−8M) caused a significant decrease in ciliary beat frequency in all tracheal rings tested (mean decrease of 24%). The specificity and Ca2+ ‐dependency of leukotriene C4 activity was elucidated by the ability of FPL 55712 (SRS‐A specific antagonist), Ca2+ ‐free medium, calcium channel blockers (nifedipine and verapamil) and the calmodulin inhibitor trifluroperazine to abrogate its effect on ciliary beating.
Serum levels of IgE‐binding factor (soluble CD23) in diseases associated with elevated IgE
Authors: YANAGIHARA Y. , SARFATI M. , MARSH D. , NUTMAN T. , DELESPESSE G.
Published: April 2006

Several in‐vitro experiments suggest that the low affinity receptor for IgE (FcɛR II) and its soluble fragment (IgE‐binding factor, IgE‐BF) are multi‐functional molecules and more particularly that they are capable of regulating the synthesis of human IgE. I nan attempt to examine the in‐vivo significance of these in‐vitro observations, the serum level of IgE‐BF was measured in individuals with allergic or parasitic diseases, both associated with an increased production of IgE. IgE‐BF was measured by a radioimmunoassay employing two mAbs against FcɛRII (mAbER). We first compared 257 allergic subjects to 172 non‐allergic controls matched for age and sex. Statistical analysis of the data, after logarithmic transformation of IgE‐BF and IgF. values, revealed that despite a great overlap, the allergic subjects had significantly higher levels of IgE‐BF. The correlation between IgE and IgE‐BF was very weak but significant. Allergic or non‐allergic children had significantly higher IgE‐BF levels than the corresponding groups of adults; moreover, the in verse correlation between age and IgE‐BF levels was significant only in the children and not in the adults. The IgE‐BF levels were not influenced by gender, by hyposensitization therapy or by treatment with local steroids. Subjects receiving systemic steroids had lower IgE‐BF levels than untreated subjects. To assess the effect of seasonal exposure to allergen, IgE‐BF levels were monitored for 1 year in six rye grass‐sensitive hay fever subjects known to display a seasonal increase of both total serum IgE and of specific anti‐Lol p I and Lol p II IgE antibodies. The levels oflgE‐BF remained stable in the hay fever subjects as well as i n the non‐allergic controls. Twenty subjects with filariasis and high serum IgE concentrations also displayed increased levels of serum IgE‐BF when compared to control individuals. The serum IgE‐BF detected by the RIA was not bound to IgE as shown by two independent observations: (1) they were not adsorbed on an anti‐IgE immunoadsorbent column and no serum IgE was retained on an immunoadsorbent column coupled to mAb against IgE‐BF; and (2) the serum molecules binding to mAbER‐coated solid phase did not react with radiolabelled monoclonal or polyclonal anti‐IgE, and reciprocally the serum molecules binding to anti‐IgE‐coated solid phase did not react with labelled mAbER. Taken collectively, the present data are compatible with, but do not add further support to, the hypothesis that IgE‐BF may regulate the synthesis of human IgE.
The prevalence of cutaneous hypersensitivity and its relationship to Pseudomonas colonization and outcome in cystic fibrosis
Authors: HAMILTON A. H. , CARSWELL F.
Published: April 2006

Forty‐seven patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) studied in 1977 have been followed up and reviewed, with respect to the development of immediate cutaneous hypersensitivty to Aspergillus fumigatus and other allergens, and the date of Pseudomonas aernginosa colonization. The prevalence of cutaneous hypersensitivity to inhaled allergens in CF increases with longer allergen exposure, to the extent that the CF patients develop a prevalence of atopy greater than normal controls. Allergen‐sensitive patients were found to develop Pseudomonas colonization later, but to have a shorter survival subsequently; there was no relationship between skin tests and overall survival.
Eosinophil accumulation in rats injected with Sephadex particles
Authors: COOK R. M.
Published: April 2006

Intravenous injection of Sephadex G200 particles into rats on days 0, 2 and 5 caused an increase in eosinophil numbers in blood and lung tissues. Peak numbers were obtained on days 3–12 and thereafter declined to approach control values by day 21. The rise in eosinophil numbers was paralleled by an increase in lung cell fragility as measured by a transient reduction in the number of viable cells isolated from parenchymatous tissue following the digestion of lung fragments in vitro. This decrease in lung cell viability was not seen in rats given a single injection of Sephadex. Dexamethasone, dapsone and isoprenaline given before each injection of Sephadex reduced lung and blood eosinophil numbers and prevented lung cell death. Aspirin and indomethaein were without effect. Incubation of normal lung tissues with disrupted peritoneal eosinophils reduced the numbers of viable cells recovered. No such effects were seen using intact eosinophils and disrupted or intact neutrophils and mononuclear cells. This system provides a model of lung cell damage associated with eosinophil infiltration in vivo.
Immediate hypersensitivity to Parthenium hysterophorus. I. Association of HLA antigens and Parthenium rhinitis
Authors: SRIRAMARAO P. , SELVAKUMAR B. , DAMODARAN C. , RAO B. S. SUBBA , PRAKASH O. , RAO P. V. SUBBA
Published: April 2006

Lymphocytes collected from rhinitis subjects with strong positive skin reactions to the pollen allergens of Parthenium hysterophorus (American feverfew) having moderate to high titres of Parthenium‐specific serum IgE were analysed for association of HLA‐antigens covering 13 specificities of HLA‐A, 17 specificities of HLA‐B and eight specificities of HLA‐DR loci by the NIH two‐stage microlymphocytotoxicity assay. Comparison of the phenotypic frequencies of HLA‐A and B antigens between Parthenium rhinitis subjects (n= 22) and control subjects (n= 137) did not suggest any significant association when tested for these antigen specificities. A significant correlation in the association of HLA‐DR3 antigen with a relative risk of 11·33, however, was observed in Parthenium rhinitis subjects (n= 30) when compared to controls (n= 50).
House dust mite allergen levels and an anti‐mite mattress spray (natamycin) in the treatment of childhood asthma
Authors: REISER J. , INGRAM D. , MITCHELL E. B. , WARNER J. O.
Published: April 2006

Natamycin, a fungicide marketed as Tymasil, is claimed to reduce house dust mite numbers and would therefore be expected to improve asthma in children with mite sensitivity. We have tested this assertion by a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. There was no significant effect on levels of Der p I in mattress dust between active and placebo groups at the end of the spraying period. Histamine inhalation challenge PC20, clinic visit symptom scores and lung function tests reflecting either large or small airways obstruction were also unchanged. Therefore this product is not a therapeutic option for mite‐allergic patients using the manufacturer's recommended dose and method of administration. Other factors influencing the Der p I levels were also investigated. Of these, only month of measurement and bedroom wall humidity showed any association.
Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies specific for human mast cell tryptase
Authors: WALLS A. F. , BENNETT A. R. , McBRIDE H. M. , GLENNIE M. J. , HOLGATE S. T. , CHURCH M. K.
Published: April 2006

Human mast cell tryptase was purified from lung tissue by high salt extraction, ammonium sulphate precipitation, octyl Sepharose and heparin‐agarose chromatography. The tryptase isolated was a tetramer with a molecular weight of 132 kD on gel filtration, and on SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was reduced to a single diffuse band with a mean molecular weight of 32·5 kD. Purified tryptase catalysed the cleavage of the tryptic substrates tosyl L‐arginine methyl ester and benzoyl dl.‐arginine p‐nitroanilide; enzymatic activity was enhanced in the presence of heparin but markedly decreased in the presence of 2 M sodium chloride. Rabbit antisera and three new monoclonal antibodies (AA1, AA3 and AA5) were produced which were specific for tryptase in indirect ELISAs, immunoenzymatic overlay in crossed immunoelectrophoresis and by Western blotting. Additive and competitive ELISA experiments suggested that the three monoclonal antibodies all recognized epitopes within a single highly immunogenic area of the tryptase molecule, and enzyme assays indicated that this site was distant from the active site. Binding of monoclonal antibodies to tryptase was not affected by the presence of heparin, or by periodate treatment of the antigen suggesting that carbohydrate epitopes were not recognized. Western blotting indicated that some heterogeneity in molecular weight for monomeric tryptase was not reflected in antigenic differences. An immunofluorescence procedure with cytocentrifuge preparations of enzymatically dispersed lung, colon and skin revealed highly specific localization of tryptase to the granules of all mast cells, but there was no binding to other cells in these preparations, to cultured keratinocytes, to basophils or to any other blood leucocyte.
Clinical evaluation of a double‐blind dust‐mite avoidance trial with mite‐allergic rhinitic patients
Authors: KNIEST F. M. , YOUNG E. , VAN PRAAG M. C. G. , VOS H. , KORT HELIANTHE S. M. , KOERS W. J. , DE MAAT‐BLEEKER FREDERIKE , VAN BRONSWIJK JOHANNA E. M. H.
Published: April 2006

Inheritance and allergen exposure are key factors in the development and the course of atopic allergy, expressed as conjunctivitis, rhinitis, asthma or dermatitis. This study concerns the clinical significance of mite and mite‐allergen avoidance measures based on intensive cleaning with acaricide (solidified benzylbenzoate) added (10 dwellings), and without biocidal activity (10 other homes) as a control in a double‐blind trial with matched pairs. Twenty subjects with persisting rhinitic complaints were selected. They lived in 20 different dwellings and were ail sensitized to pyroglyphid mites; 12 of them were also sensitized to stored product miles (Acari). Daily symptoms and medication score, guanine and dust exposure, total and mite‐specific IgE in serum, eosinophilia in the blood and in the nasal smear, intracutaneous tests with house dust mite and storage mite extracts were compared in both pairs and groups. Acarological data, physiochemical aspects and exposure assessment are discussed in detail elsewhere. Symptom scores dropped significantly, as did the total IgE and exposure to dust and mite products in the acaricidal cleaner treatment group. After 1 year, the daily symptoms median was 47% (P= 0.025), total IgE was 38% (P=0.0049), and exposure to dust and mite products (guanine exposure) was 53% (P= 0.0449) better or lower than in the controls. Intensive cleaning, without acaricidal treatment performed twice a year, resulted in clinical improvement in four out of 10 subjects, of whom none became free of complaints. In the Acarosan treatment group (cleaning+ benzylbenzoate) eight out of 10 subjcets improved, in three cases subjective symptoms disappeared. The conclusion is that mite avoidance in homes can be carried out successfully with a special acaricidal cleaning formulation Acarosan.
Asymmetrical effects of increases in hydrostatic pressure on macromolecular movement across the airway mucosa. A study in guinea‐pig tracheal tube preparations
Authors: GUSTAFSSON BIRGITTA G. , PERSSON C. G. A.
Published: April 2006

This study employed isolated guinea‐pig tracheal tube preparations in order to examine effects of increases in hydrostatic pressure on the movement of macromolecular solutes (fluorescein isothiocyanate‐conjugated dextran; FITC‐D, MW 70 kD; kept either in serosal or mucosal bathing fluids) across the mucosa. An asymmetry of the mucosal barrier was demonstrated by the finding that under baseline zero‐pressure difference conditions luminal entry of serosal FITC‐D was greater than serosal entry of luminal FITC‐D. Furthermore, an increased serosal pressure (5 cm H2O) moved significant amounts of serosal FITC‐D into the lumen, whereas a corresponding pressure applied on the luminal side only marginally increased mucosal crossing of luminal FITC‐D. By raising the luminal pressure to 10 and 20 cm H2O (which may be used as positive end‐expiratory pressures (PEEP) in vivo in patients) mucosal penetration of luminal FITC‐D was as marked as that induced in the opposite direction by the low (5 cm H2O) serosal pressure increase. Another aspect of the asymmetry of the airway mucosal barrier was evident from experiments examining the effect of a serosal pressure increase on mucosal penetration of luminal FITC‐D. Neither during nor after the period of sustained serosal pressure increase was luminal FITC‐D crossing the mucosa to a greater extent than under baseline zero‐pressure conditions. This finding agrees with in‐vivo data demonstrating that plasma exudation into the airway lumen may not be associated with an increased absorption of luminal solutes. The present results support the possibility that a plasma exudate itself creates pathways for its luminal entry by the following mechanism: by increasing the subepithelial hydrostatic pressure slightly a lateral compressive effect on epithelial cells is achieved, whereby apical tight junctions also separate to let through a bulk flow of different‐sized plasma solutes; this is a distinct increase in outward permeability on the epithelium and when the pressure is reduced the tight junctions reassemble; hence, both during and after the exudation process the mucosa maintains its integrity as a barrier to luminal solutes.
Improvement of symptoms of non‐allergic chronic rhinitis by local treatment with capsaicin
Authors: LACROIX J. S. , BUVELOT J. M. , POLLA B. S. , LUNDBERG J. M.
Published: April 2006

Sixteen adult patients suffering from severe chronic non‐allergic rhinitis with nasal vasoconstrictor abuse for more than a year, received, under local anaesthesia, an intra‐nasal spray of capsaicin (3.3 × 10−3 mol), the pungent agent in hot pepper, once weekly for 5 weeks. The subjective intensity of their nasal obstruction, rhinorrhoea and sneezing frequency were evaluated throughout the study and the vascular effects of capsaicin on the nasal mucosa were recorded by anterior rhinomanometry and laser Doppler flowmetry. Calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) is a vasodilator agent present in sensory nerves and may play a major role in the vascular component of neurogenic inflammation. Therefore, the nasal mucosa content of CGRP‐like immunoreaclivity (CGRP‐LI) was determined by radioimmunoassay in biopsies obtained before and after the capsaicin treatment. Intra‐nasal capsaicin application evoked a larger vascular response in patients with rhinitis than in controls (P<0.05). Both nasal vascular responses and subjective discomfort following capsaicin were markedly reduced after the fifth application (P< 0.01). In parallel, a 50% reduction of the CG RP‐ LI content in the nasal biopsies was observed. All symptoms were significantly improved throughout a 6 month follow‐up period. No significant side‐effects occurred and weaning from nasal vasoconstrictor agents was possible. Both the subjective symptom score and objective measurements of vascular reactivity suggest that repeated intra‐nasal capsaicin application could be beneficial for patients with chronic rhinitis, possibly by reducing hyperreactive nasal reflexes.
Olive pollen induces asthmatic response
Authors: TAMIR R. , PICK A. I. , TOPILSKY M. , KIVITY S.
Published: April 2006

We provide evidence that olive pollen extract can induce asthmatic response. The pattern of airway response to olive pollen is investigated. Nineteen patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis and asthma, suspected to be due to olive pollen, all of whom had positive skin‐prick test, were investigated. Bronchial challenge with olive pollen extract were performed and the peak flow rate was followed for 20 hr. Eight patients developed dual asthmatic response (DAR), six patients developed early asthmatic response (EAR) and five patients had no asthmatic response. The early maximal fall in FEVI and the PD15 were not different between the group with DAR and the group with EAR only. We conclude that olive pollen can induce dual asthmatic response.
House dust mite allergens on different types of mattresses
Authors: MOSBECH H. , JENSEN A. , HEINIG J. H. , SCHOU C.
Published: April 2006

Beds and especially mattresses are important breeding grounds for house dust mites. We investigated whether supposed differences in the microclimate on water, spring and foam mattresses were reflected in the occurrence of house dust mite major allergens (Der f I, Der m I, and Der p I) in mattress dust. Fifty‐one mattresses that had been in use for 8–25 months were sampled. Median concentration of total major allergens was 0.5 μg/g dust (range 0–45) with little difference between the three major allergens and between the three types of mattresses. Occurrence of mattresses with concentrations above and below the proposed risk level (2 μg/g) was similar in the mattress groups. However, the allergen concentration was above risk level in 56%, if washable underblankets were not applied, compared with only 21% in the group with such underblankets. In conclusion, mattresses tend to accumulate allergen rather rapidly. Neither heated water mattresses, spring nor foam mattresses seem to be of any advantage for mite allergies, whereas underblankets made of synthetic fibres in a cotton or synthetic cover, commonly used in Denmark, might play a beneficial role in reducing allergen exposure.
Neonatal IgE: a poor screen for atopic disease
Authors: RUIZ R. G. G. , RICHARDS D. , KEMENY D. M. , PRICE J. F.
Published: April 2006

Screening for atopic disease using neonatal serum IgE has been advocated on the basis of the predictive value of elevated levels. However, this is only one measure of validity. The test was validated fully in 92 infants with a bi‐parental history of atopic using 0.7 IU/ ml as the cut‐off. All infants were assessed prospectively for evidence of atopic disease (eczema, recurrent wheezing or food reactions) and skin‐prick test positivily in the first year. Total serum IgE was measured by ultrasensitive ELISA on 61 cord blood samples and 92 samples taken at 7 days. All cord samples were re‐analysed by PRIST and the first 33 by ultrasensitive RIA giving, respectively, 82% and 94% concordance (regarding undetectable, detectable and elevated levels) with ELISA. Maternal contamination was indicated in 7% of cord samples by high serum IgA. Ninety‐five per cent of cord/7‐day IgE pairs showed no change or minor rises at 7 days. Forty‐nine per cent of the infants had evidence of atopic disease. Only 5% had elevated 7‐day IgE. The positive and negative predictive values of the 7‐day test were 60% and 52%, respectively, and specificity 96% but the sensitivity was only 7%. High levels did not distinguish the infants with the most unequivocal evidence of disease, i.e. eczema with a positive skin test. In conclusion IgE at 7 days is comparable to and more reliable than cord IgE. However, neonatal IgE screening is too insensitive to have clinical application.
Relative risks of bronchial hyper‐responsiveness associated with skin‐prick test responses to common antigens in young adults
Authors: COOKSON W. O. C. M. , DE KLERK N. H. , RYAN G. R. , JAMES A. L. , MUSK A. W.
Published: April 2006

We studied 143 young subjects by skin‐prick testing to common allergens and by the measurement of non‐specific bronchial responsiveness (NSBR). A logistic regression model showed a prevalence odds ratio (POR) for bronchial hyper‐responsiveness (PD20 < 10 μmol methacholine) in house dust positive subjects of 4.10 (95% CI 1.77–9.51, P < 0.001), and in mould positive subjects 5.72 (95% CI 2.06–15.9, P < 0.001): the PORs for epithelia (2.05, P = 0.12) and grasses (1.78, P = 0.19) were not significant. If bronchial reactivity was assessed as measurable (PD20 < 102 μmol methacholine) or not. the POR for house‐dust‐positive subjects was 4.83 (95% CI 2.23–10.5, P < 0.001), for moulds was 10.5 (95% CI 2.33–47.5, P < 0.001), for epithelia was 4.79 (95% CI 1.91–12.0, P < 0.001), and for grasses was 2.21 (95% CI 1.11–4.4, P = 0.022). The results show the risk of bronchial hyper‐responsiveness is greater in subjects sensitive to house dust and mould than in those reactive to grasses, and suggests that the presence or absence of increased NSBR in atopic individuals may depend on the antigens to which they become sensitized.
Do diagnostic procedures other than inhalation challenge predict immediate bronchial responses to inhaled allergen?
Authors: TAMURA G. , SATOH K. , CHAO C.‐L. , INOUE H. , TAKISHIMA T.
Published: April 2006

To investigate the relationships between allergen inhalation challenge and other diagnostic procedures, inhalation challenge with house dust (HD) allergen, intradermal skin tests with HD allergen, inhalation challenge with methacholine and circulating HD allergen‐specific IgE levels were examined in 104 patients with bronchial asthma. Using the single exposure method, allergen inhalation challenge was performed. Forty‐three patients had positive bronchial responses to allergen and 61 patients had negative bronchial responses. With serially diluted HD allergen (10‐3 to 10‐6, w/v), skin‐test sensitivity was expressed as the highest dilution required to produce a weal of more than 9.9 mm. With the continuous exposure method, bronchial responsiveness to methacholine was evaluated as the number of units of inhaled methacholine (PD35‐Grs) from the start to the point at which Grs had decreased by 35% from its baseline value. The level of circulating HD allergen‐specific IgE was measured with the Phadebas. RAST system and the results were assessed as a RAST score. Using discriminate analysis, in which the independent variables were skin‐test sensitivity. PD35‐Grs and the RAST score, only in 30% of all patients was bronchial responsiveness to inhaled HD allergen predictable. Therefore, we suggest that inhalation challenge with allergen is an essential test for determining the role of a specific allergen in airways at present.