bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement of IgG antibodies to house dust mite and grass pollen by a solid‐phase radioimmunoassay
Authors: DELESPESSE G. , DEBISSCHOP M. J. , FLAMENT J.
Published: April 2006

Polystyrene microtubes, coated with extracts of either Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DPT) or grass pollens, were used as the solid‐phase in a radioimmunoassay for the measurement of specific IgG antibodies to the corresponding allergen. Radiolabelled protein A from Staphylococcus aureus (SpA) was used to determine the IgG antibodies attached to the tubes. The binding of IgG from either normal or allergic sera to DPT‐coated tubes was antigen specific and mediated by the Fab fragment of the immunoglobulin. IgG antibodies purified by affinity chromatography from non‐allergic serum competed with IgE antibodies to DPT.

IgE antibodies do not significantly interfere with the assay. Indeed, heating a reaginic serum resulted in a striking reduction of the (125I) anti‐IgE binding to allergen‐coated tubes without modifying the (125I)‐SpA binding. Furthermore, filtration of a reaginic serum through Sephacryl S‐200 separated a peak of IgE antibodies, characterized by a high binding of labelled a‐IgE and a low binding of (125I)‐SpA from the peak of IgG antibodies defined by low a‐IgE and high SpA binding.

The solid phase method is more sensitive than a double‐antibody technique employing the same DPT extract as labelled antigen. Non‐allergic subjects had less IgG antibodies to DPT or grass pollens than allergic patients.

In untreated patients, there was a good correlation between levels of IgG and IgE antibodies to grass pollens but not to DPT. Patients hyposensitized to house dust mite had on the average three times more specific IgG antibodies than untreated cases.
Effect of FPL57787 in exercise‐induced asthma
Authors: THOMSON N. C. , GREEN A. G. H. , KERR J. W.
Published: April 2006

In ten patients with extrinsic asthma the effects of a new oral chromone FPL57787 and placebo were studied in a random double‐blind fashion to assess the effect of FPL57787 in preventing exercise‐induced asthma (EIA). Exercise testing consisted of steady state running on an inclined treadmill for up to 8 min. FPL57787 gave significant protection (P < 0.01) compared to placebo from the maximum percentage fall in FEV1, FVC and MMEF after exercise. FPL57787 also produced a small but significant (P < 0.01) percentage increase in FEV1, 2 hr after the drug compared to placebo, whereas no significant increase was seen in FVC or in MMEF.
Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for IgG antibodies in farmers' lung disease
Authors: BAMDAD S.
Published: April 2006

The ELISA was used for detection of specific IgG antibodies to Micropolyspora faeni antigens in 158 farmers with a history of exposure to mouldy hay, eighty‐eight of whom had a diagnosis of farmers' lung. The farmers’ lung group had significantly higher values in the ELISA than both the seventy exposed but asymptomatic farmers (P < 0.001) and a group of thirty‐one adult controls (P < 0.001). The asymptomatic farmers also had significantly higher values than the control group (P < 0.02). The ELISA correlated better with the clinical diagnosis than the Ouchterlony agar‐gel double‐diffusion (precipitin) test. None of the control group gave positive reactions in the ELISA or the precipitin tests. The ELISA is therefore a sensitive, specific and quantitative test which is readily available and widely applicable.
Assay of IgE antibodies against June and Timothy grasses by an immunoperoxidase technique
Authors: ALI M. , NALEBUFF D. J. , RAMANARAYANAN R. , FAYEMI A. O. , MESA‐TEJADA R.
Published: April 2006

The results of eighty assays for serum IgE antibodies against June and Timothy grass antigens with a solid‐phase immunoperoxidase technique are correlated with those obtained with the RAST procedure. The allergens were insolubilized in polystyrene microtitre plates. After allowing the allergen‐specific IgE antibodies in the test serum t o bind the allergen, the plates were incubated with horseradish peroxidase‐conjugated rabbit antihuman IgE. The enzyme bound to the plates was assayed spectrophoto‐metrically using o‐phenylene diamine as the substrate.

The coefficients of variation for within‐batch reproducibility ranged from 4.57 to 11.97%, and those for between‐batch variance from 8.25 to 13.7%. The slope of absorbance values of the immunoperoxidase assay is shallower than that of the bound radioactivity in the RAST technique. Notwithstanding, the immunoperoxidase method allows separation of non‐atopic controls from the sera containing specific IgE antibodies and categorization of positive sera into weakly, moderately, and strongly positive results. Free of the disadvantages inherent in the use of radioactive material, this assay offers an alternative to the RAST test for the assay of allergen‐specific IgE antibodies.
Histamine release from blood of asthmatics
Authors: CROMWELL O. , HARRIES M. G. , PEPYS J.
Published: April 2006

A group of forty‐two steroid‐dependent perennial asthmatics was studied over a 13‐week period including the 8 weeks of a double‐blind controlled trial of oral sodium cromoglycate. Given at a dose of 200 mg four times per day the drug provided no significant benefit to the patients when compared with results for those on placebo. Blood from eleven patients consistently failed to release more than 25% of the total cellular histamine when challenged with a range of concentrations of antibody to IgE. All six of the cryptogenic (intrinsic) asthmatics in the trial fell within this group, together with 2/12 asthmatics with negative skin tests but suggestive clinical histories implicating common allergens, and 3/24 extrinsic asthmatics with positive skin prick tests. There was no correlation between drug usage and histamine release in response to challenge with antibody to IgE.
A survey of P1‐antibodies in Scottish pigeon fanciers
Authors: MUNRO A. C. , INGLIS G. , LYNCH P. P. , BOYD G.
Published: April 2006

The incidence and characteristics of P1‐antibodies in Scottish pigeon fanciers has been assessed. Of 223 individuals participating in the study, 23.3% were P1‐negative and of these, 53.9% had detectable P1‐antibodies. These antibodies were shown to belong to the IgM class and the highest serum levels were found in those pigeon fanciers with symptoms of respiratory disease who were sensitized to pigeon antigens. Of pigeon fanciers'; sera, 10.3% gave false positive reactions for the Hepatitis B surface antigen in a reversed passive haemagglutination test. The reactions were most prevalent in sensitized fanciers and were shown to be directed not against the absorbed HBsAg antibody, but against the turkey red cells used as carriers in the test. No relationship was observed between the existence of P1‐antibodies and false‐positive hepatitis reactions. It was concluded that the inhalation of avian antigens by pigeon fanciers can induce the production of at least three distinct populations of antibodies. No evidence was obtained to imply any special role for P1‐antibodies in the aetiology of pigeon fanciers' disease.
An in vivo demonstration of the antianaphylactic effect of terbutaline
Authors: RADERMECKER M. , GUSTIN M
Published: April 2006

Allergen‐mediated histamine release was measured on small samples of blood in atopic subjects before and following ingestion of two tablets of terbutaline (5 mg) or placebo.

No significant variation of histamine release was observed in the placebo group whereas a statistically significant decrease (maximally 45% of basal value) was found in four of the five patients receiving terbutaline. The mean reduction was about 25% of basal allergen‐mediated histamine release. The inhibition was observed 1 hr after taking the drug and persisted for at least 5 hr. Twenty‐four hours later the amount of histamine released by antigen was again at its basal value.

These data indicate that terbutaline, at what are considered therapeutic doses, has an antianaphylactic action which might be of interest in the treatment of atopic disorders.
Total and specific IgE (RAST) in atopic twins
Authors: WÜTHRICH B. , BAUMANN E. , FRIES R. A. , SCHNYDER U. W.
Published: April 2006

Fifty sets of twins (thirty monozygotic [MZ] and twenty dizygotic [DZ]), of whom at least one twin had a history of atopy, were investigated by means of skin tests, RAST and IgE determinations. The concordance of atopies for MZ was, with 56.7%, significantly higher as compared with the DZ with 20%. The mean values of the log serum IgE level differences for MZ and DZ sets of twins was not statistically significant but the percentage distribution of the log serum IgE level differences showed a closer correlation of the IgE levels among MZ. The MZ sets do not show a better concordance in the specific reagin production, as measured by RAST or skin tests, than the DZ sets. These findings seemed to indicate that although the tendency to IgE production is genetically determined its specificity is governed mainly by environmental influences.
Toluene‐diisocyanate induced asthma: evaluation of antibodies in the serum of affected workers against a tolyl mono‐isocyanate protein conjugate
Authors: DANKS J. M. , CROMWELL O. , BUCKINGHAM J. A. , NEWMAN‐TAYLOR A. J. , DAVIES R. J.
Published: April 2006

Radioallergosorbent testing was used to look for the presence of specific IgE antibody against a para‐tolyl‐mono‐isocyanate human serum albumin conjugate in sera from five groups of subjects. The first three groups consisted of individuals exposed to toluene diisocyanate (TDI) who had been shown by bronchial provocation testing with levels of TDI below the threshold limit value of 0.02 parts/106, to have immediate asthmatic reactions, late asthmatic reactions or no respiratory changes at all. The two control groups consisted of atopic and non‐atopic individuals who had no respiratory symptoms and no known exposure to TDI. Although RAST showed high ct/min in some of the sera from patients with proven TDI‐induced respiratory disease, these levels were not significantly different from controls and appeared to reflect the presence in these sera of high levels of total IgE (> 100 u ml‐1). There is no evidence from this study for the presence of specific IgE antibody against a para‐tolyl mono isocyanate human serum albumin conjugate in patients with TDI‐induced respiratory disease. This finding may reflect absence of antibodies, or that the techniques for their detection are not always effective even when performed by experienced persons, and there is a potential source of error in the interpretation of results when sera contain large amounts of IgE.
A comparative trial of flunisolide and sodium cromoglycate nasal sprays in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: BROWN H. M. , ENGLER CORINA , ENGLISH J R.
Published: April 2006

A trial of flunisolide nasal spray and sodium cromoglycate nasal spray in the treatment of hay fever was carried out during the summer of 1978. Sixty‐seven patients all suffering from grass‐pollen hay fever were given either flunisolide or sodium cromoglycate nasal sprays for 7 weeks. Patients were seen at 0,3 and 7 weeks and they also kept a daily record of symptoms.

Overall assessment of symptom control and the patients daily records of sneezing showed flunisolide to be significantly superior to sodium cromoglycate. Patients records of symptoms correlated well with daily pollen counts.

Side‐effects were similar in both treatment groups and consisted mainly of mild naso‐pharyngeal irritations.
The incidence and causative factors of atopic asthma and rhinitis in an Orkney farming community
Authors: CUTHBERT O. D.
Published: April 2006

Fifty farming families on the mainland (the largest island) of Orkney were surveyed to assess the amount of allergic respiratory disease and the principal causative factor. This account deals with only type I allergy and demonstrates a prevalence of asthma and rhinitis of 17.3% and of extrinsic asthma and rhinitis, in which definite allergic causes can be identified, of 12.7%. In addition it is shown that over one‐fifth of the farming community are ‘atopic’ in that they demonstrate positive prick tests to one or more allergens. Less than 50% of those with allergic respiratory disease have attended the doctor with their complaint, a fact which calls in question the validity of epidemiological studies of allergic disease based on hospital and clinic attendances. Sex distribution confirms the finding that males suffer from asthma more frequently than females, however more females than males give positive skin tests without exhibiting symptoms of allergy.

Pollens, animal danders and fungi all have a part to play in the aetiology of asthma and rhinitis among Orkney farmers, although the incidence of grass pollenosis is well below average. The two commonest allergens are hay dust and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus which are found frequently to affect the same subject.
Comparison of ketotifen, disodium cromoglycate and placebo in the treatment of adult patients with mild extrinsic asthma
Authors: MATTSON K. , POPPIUS H. , AHONEN A. , HAAHTELA T. , HURME R. , MAASILTA P. , MUITTARI A. , VENHO K.
Published: April 2006

Sixty‐four patients with mild or moderate extrinsic asthma were treated with placebo for i month and thereafter with ketotifen (1 mg twice daily, orally), disodium cromoglycate (inhalation of 20 mg, four times daily), or placebo for 2 subsequent months. The trial was performed at four different centres and the treatments were compared using double‐blind technique. We found no difference between the effect of ketotifen, disodium cromoglycate and placebo on the patients' daily measurements of evening peak expiratory flow, daily score values for respiratory symptoms or the number of salbutamol puffs required to control symptoms. There was no difference between the treatment groups with regard to the patients' estimates of changes in airway sensitivity to different non‐specific stimuli: fumes, tobacco smoke, cold air, and exercise. The only significant effect of DSCG was a minor (4%) increase in the mean morning value for peak expiratory flow. The findings suggest that the addition of ketotifen or disodium cromoglycate to the regimen is unlikely to give further benefit in asthmatic patients, whose symptoms are reasonably well controlled by small doses of bronchodilating drugs.
Allergenic activity of fractions of cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) pollen
Authors: TOPPING M. D. , BROSTOFF J. , BRIGHTON W. D.
Published: April 2006

With the combined use of skin tests, RAST and isoelectric focusing, a potency profile of a cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) pollen extract was prepared. It was found that two fractions with pi 4.5 and 6.0 were the most allergenic, had the highest protein concentration and were also the most easily extracted. The importance of converting mean weal sizes into potency units when comparing the allergenicity of pollen fractions is emphasized.
An oral screening procedure to determine the sensitizing capacity of infant feeding formulae
Authors: McLAUGHLAN P. , ANDERSON K. J. , COOMBS R. R. A.
Published: April 2006

Allergy to cows' milk is an important and frequent cause of cows' milk protein‐intolerance in infants. Many infants within days of birth are fed cows' milk or cows' milk‐based formula feeds. It is thought desirable to have a test available that would indicate the allergenic potency per os of milk formulae and of milk substitutes intended for infant feeding.

Such a test, based on the finding that guinea‐pigs drinking cows' milk become anaphylactically sensitized to milk proteins, is described. After drinking pasteurized milk for only 4 days, 88% of guinea‐pigs were susceptible to fatal anaphylaxis on intravenous challenge on the 22nd day; drinking milk for 8 days resulted in 100% of guinea‐pigs becoming sensitive to fatal anaphylaxis. Following milk drinking for 7 days, a subsequent interval of 7 days was required before anaphylactic sensitivity could be shown in 100% of animals. With this information the effect of heat on the per os allergenic potency of cow's milk could be examined; likewise the allergenic potency of supposedly hypo‐allergenic infant feed formulations.

Pregestimil induced no anaphylactic sensitivity even after 37 days of drinking, and no anaphylactic antibodies, detectable by PCA, were formed to the milk proteins β‐lactoglobulin and casein. In contrast, AL110 likewise drunk by guinea‐pigs for 37 days resulted in 90% fatal anaphylactic reactions in animals challenged with the same product. Anaphylactic antibodies were found to casein but not to β lactoglobulin.

Comminuted Chicken and Prosobee (a soya milk), two alternative ‘hypo‐allergenic’ cows' milk substitutes, rendered approximately 50% guinea‐pigs anaphylactically sensitive to the product fed, but neither product stimulated cross‐reactive anaphylactic antibodies to either casein or β‐lactoglobulin as tested by PCA.

There is some indirect evidence that results of the guinea‐pig test are relevant to responses in infants with cows' milk protein intolerance.
A double‐blind trial of the H2 receptor antagonist cimetidine, and the H1 receptor antagonist promethazine hydrochloride in the treatment of atopic dermatitis
Authors: FOULDS I. S. , MacKIE R. M.
Published: April 2006

Twenty young adults with atopic dermatitis were allocated randomly in a clinical trial to compare the action of the H2 receptor antagonist cimetidine (Tagamet) and the H1 receptor antagonist promethazine hydrochloride (Phenergan), singly and in combination. No significant differences were found, clinically or in the laboratory investigations, between the patients on either drug alone or the combination of the two.
Ketotifen and bronchial hyperreactivity in asthmatic patients
Authors: GIRARD J. P.
Published: April 2006

The degree of bronchoconstriction after acetylcholine challenge in twenty patients with extrinsic asthma was diminished significantly after 3 months' treatment with 1 mg ketotifen b.i.d. Since ketotifen has no appreciable anticholinergic effect this observation is an indication that ketotifen decreases the non‐specific bronchial hyperreactivity when administered over 3 months.
A cluster analysis of the effects of storage mites as allergens in relation to certain occupations and living conditions
Authors: AGHA M. , GNANASAKTHY A.
Published: April 2006

The method of cluster analysis was used to examine the data of Wraith, Cunnington & Seymour (1979) to assess the role and allergenic importance of storage mites in house dust and other environments in relation to certain factors thought to influence patients' exposure to these species. The analysis provided strong statistical evidence that (a) excessively damp housing and (b) occupational risks of exposure were the two main factors associated with allergy to these species. It also indicated that sensitivity to D. pteronyssinus remained unaltered in environmental conditions more favourable to the growth and development of storage mites. Furthermore, it was shown that the storage species form a group of similar allergens distinct from the house‐dust mite.
A follow‐up study of children with food allergy. Clinical course in relation to serum IgE‐ and IgG‐antibody levels to milk, egg and fish
Authors: DANNAEUS A. , INGANÄS M.
Published: April 2006

Eighty‐two children with food sensitivity were followed‐up for 2‐5 years. Most children showed a decreasing sensitivity and the clinical course of food allergy seemed to reflect the course of the humoral immune responses to the offending foods. The occurrence of IgE‐ and IgG‐antibodies parallelled in most cases. However, an early, high IgG/IgE food antibody ratio seemed to be a good prognostic sign, indicating a possible blocking capacity of IgG‐antibodies.
Mite allergy in Hong Kong
Authors: GABRIEL MARY , CUNNINGTON A. M. , ALLAN W. G. L. , PICKERING C. A. C. , WRAITH D. G.
Published: April 2006

The various species of mites in the bedding dust and in a number of quilts of twenty patients in Hong Kong with house‐dust allergy have been identified and counted and skin tests performed with extracts of Dematophagoides spp. and six storage‐mites. These results are compared with a similar study in London. The particular environmental conditions which influence the numbers of mites and exposure to them have also been studied.

D. pteronyssinus is the most frequently occurring species in bedding dust in Hong Kong, as it is in London, and is found in higher numbers in the dust from quilts which appear to be the main source of allergy, as are pillows, blankets, eiderdowns and surface dust of mattresses in the U.K. All the patients of both groups gave positive skin‐tests to this species.

Temperature, humidity and rainfall are all at their highest during the summer in Hong Kong, the time when quilts are discarded and stored, usually several together, in cupboards or drawers providing optimal conditions for breeding of mites and spread of infestation.

In a second group of eleven patients serial monthly D. pteronyssinus specific IgE‐values, estimated by RAST, showed a peak in January approximately 2 months after increased exposure to the mites resulting from the quilts being put back onto the beds in October‐November and an increase in the severity of patients' symptoms in November. There was a smaller peak in July possibly related to conditions caused by the high rainfall and cyclones in the preceding months.

Storage mites were found in higher numbers in Hong Kong than in London house‐dust probably because sleeping rooms were often used for eating and cooking. The predominant species was Blomia tropicalis which produced the highest number of positive skin tests of the six storage‐species. These species have little allergenic relationship with Dermatophagoides so that hyposensitization with the latter may not be effective in patients with associated, predominantly storage‐mite allergy.
IgE‐mediated acute asthma following inhalation of a powdered marine sponge
Authors: BALDO B. A. , KRILIS S. , TAYLOR K. M.
Published: April 2006

IgE‐antibodies reactive with extracts of a number of different marine invertebrate‐species were demonstrated in the serum of a laboratory worker who experienced an acute attack of asthma following occupational exposure to powdered marine‐organisms. Histamine was liberated from the patient's blood following in vitro challenge with sponge extract. The desirability of knowing the atopic status of employees in certain occupations is stressed.
Predicting the results of allergen bronchial challenge by simple clinical methods
Authors: HILL D. J. , SHELTON M. J. , HOSKING C. S.
Published: April 2006

In this study, the ability to predict allergenic bronchial reactivity from non‐specific bronchial reactivity, measured by free corridor‐running, and the level of skin reactivity to whole rye grass pollen extract (WRGPE–Lolium perene) and house‐dust mite extract (HDM–Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) was examined in asthmatic children. Discriminant analysis of the data showed that, for the concentration of extracts used and the conditions of bronchial challenge for both allergens, the level of skin sensitivity to undiluted extract and the percentage fall in peak flow‐rate on exercise best‐predicted the outcome of bronchial challenge for WRGPE (100% of cases) and for HDM (89% of cases).

The results suggest that it may be possible to predict allergenic bronchial‐reactivity to different allergens in children by simple clinical methods, if conditions of provocation and potency of allergen extracts can be standardized.
Different role of secretory IgA in the pathogenesis of RAST‐positive and RAST‐negative atopic dermatitis
Authors: PLEBANI A. , MONAFO V. , CESPA M. , GIANNETTI A. , UGAZIO A. G.
Published: April 2006

Secretory‐IgA (SIgA) concentrations were determined in whole saliva, unstimulated or stimulated by lemon juice, of thirty‐eight children with atopic dermatitis, which comprised three adolescents, sixteen with IgE detected by RAST to one or more common allergen and twenty‐two without specific IgE by RAST. There were thirty healthy controls matched for age and sex.

The mean amount of total IgE was significantly greater in the RAST‐positive than in the RAST‐negative group. The mean SIgA concentration in unstimulated saliva of the RAST‐positive atopic dermatitis group was less than that of the RAST‐negative atopic dermatitis group and control groups, though the mean concentrations of SIgA of stimulated saliva were not significantly different in the three groups. It is suggested that the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis may differ in children with or without specific‐IgE antibodies; in those who were RAST‐positive deficient exclusion of allergen by the intestinal barrier contributed to the pathogenesis, but not in those who were RAST‐negative.
HLA‐A, B, C and HLA‐DR antigens in extrinsic allergic alveolitis (budgerigar fancier's lung disease)
Authors: MUERS M. F. , FAUX J. A. , TING A. , MORRIS P. J.
Published: April 2006

Twenty‐three patients with extrinsic allergic alveolitis due to an allergy to inhaled budgerigar serum protein (budgerigar fancier's lung disease) were typed for HLA‐A, B, C and HLA‐DR antigens. Antigen frequencies were compared with those found in 154 healthy control subjects. No statistically significant variation in the frequency of any HLA antigen was detected. Exclusion of two patients who had concurrent coeliac disease, and subdivision of the population into those with acute and chronic disease, failed to reveal any significant association with an HLA specificity. A non‐significant increase in B8‐DR3 amongst the patients with acute disease was noted. Possible reasons for the apparent HLA associations previously reported by others for extrinsic allergic alveolitis are discussed.
IgE antibody levels to ingested soya protein determined in a normal adult population
Authors: GOODWIN B. F. J.
Published: April 2006

Levels of soya protein‐specific IgE were measured in a normal adult population (seventy‐four males, fifteen females) who ingested soya‐containing and control diets during two 4‐week periods. Increases in soya‐specific IgE were observed for some individuals following ingestion of the soya‐containing diet, and for the female group the increase in soya‐specific IgE was statistically significant (P= 0·02). The increase of soya‐specific IgE was small and led to lower levels than that associated with adverse effects. The increase in soya‐specific IgE in the female group was accompanied by a significant increase (P= 0·02) in total immunoglobulin A. Changes in the level of soya‐specific haemagglutinating antibody, soya‐specific IgG, IgA and IgM as measured by ELISA and the immunoconglutinin titre could not be related to ingestion of the soya‐containing diet.
Transient bradycardia during vespid venom immunotherapy
Authors: LYANGA J. J. , McPHILLIPS‐FEENER S. , WARRINGTON R. J.
Published: April 2006

A woman developed generalized symptoms of hypersensitivity when she was stung requiring treatment with adrenalin.

Intradermal venom skin tests showed immediate hypersensitivity to yellow hornet and white‐faced hornet thus fulfilling the criteria to receive appropriate venom immunotherapy.

During the course of modified rush immunotherapy with yellow hornet and white‐faced hornet venoms, she developed transient but progressive bradycardia necessitating interruption of the venom immunotherapy. Transient bradycardia recurred when venom immunotherapy was resumed but it was possible to reach a maintenance dose of 100 mg protein for each venom.

Bradycardia has been reported to be induced in experimental animals by oriental hornet venom as well as other venoms, through a direct cholinergic action. It appears that a similar effect may occur in man in susceptible individuals during venom immunotherapy.
Efficacy and safety of concurrent use of intranasal flunisolide and oral beclomethasone aerosols in treatment of asthmatics with rhinitis
Authors: TOOGOOD J. H. , JENNINGS BARBARA , CREPEA S. B. , JOHNSON J. D.
Published: April 2006

Steroid‐dependent, chronic asthmatic patients with severe rhinitis or nasal polyps are often candidates for treatment with intranasal topical corticosteroids, such as flunisolide. The possibility of additive adrenal suppression, when flunisolide, beclomethasone and prednisone are given together, has not previously been studied. The need to assess this risk is suggested by reports of additive adrenal suppression when aerosol and oral steroids are used together to treat asthma, and by the demonstrably higher systemic availability of aerosol steroid given intranasally rather than via the lung. We performed a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover assessment of the efficacy and safety of 3 weeks of intranasal flunisolide spray treatment (300 γg/day) in nineteen steroid‐dependent chronic asthmatic subjects, who also had nasal polyps or severe rhinitis. During the study, their doses of prednisone and beclomethasone, used for asthma, were held stable. Morning serum cortisol levels and 24‐hr urinary‐free cortisol excretion were essentially the same after the placebo, and the flunisolide treatments. The intranasal flunisolide improved their nasal symptoms significantly (P < 0.05). Local complications were negligible. Given conventional steroid doses like those used in this study, there appears to be no important risk to endogenous adrenal function from combining the use of intranasal, flunisolide spray with administration of other steroids by other routes, when this is deemed clinically necessary. If higher doses are used, the possibility of some additive adrenal suppressive effect cannot be excluded.
The incidence of allergy—has it changed?
Authors: EATON K. K.
Published: April 2006

A survey of the incidence of allergy in the entire population of a new‐town general practice is reported, comparing the year 1974 with 1979. A rise in the incidence of allergic complaints is noted in both sexes. However, hay fever and asthma continue to show a male dominance.
Diagnosis of pigeon breeder's disease by indirect immunofluorescence on sections of pigeon oviduct
Authors: SMETS P. , GARI M. , PINON J. M. , SEGUELA J. P.
Published: April 2006

A new technique by indirect immunofluorescence on sections of pigeon oviduct, is described as an aid to diagnosis of pigeon breeder's disease. It is easy to do, inexpensive, and permits distinction between affected patients and exposed but unaffected persons. The main allergen, pigeon IgA, participates in the fluorescent responses of the mucous membrane and associated secretions. It has been possible to relate changes in antibody titre with improvement following treatment.
Value of the case history in the diagnosis of allergic state and the detection of allergens
Authors: PÉCOUD A. , BONSTEIN H. S. , FREI P. C.
Published: April 2006

Detailed histories taken in eighty‐one patients suffering from perennial asthma and rhinitis were analysed independently by three trained allergists and their conclusions were compared to the results of three tests: (1) concentration of total serum IgE; (2) skin tests and (3) radioallergosorbent test (RAST). In eleven patients (14%), the three investigators disagreed when estimating the allergic nature of the symptoms. Ten out of forty‐four patients (23%), unanimously predicted not to be allergic, had high levels of total serum IgE and skin tests and RAST clearly positive for one or more allergens. The allergists suspected 47% of the allergens detected by skin tests and 55% of those detected by RAST. The case history was the test which most often gave information at odds with that suggested by the other three tests. Our study indicates therefore that a case history not even suggestive of allergy should be complemented by additional tests.
Mast cells in allergic nasal epithelium and lamina propria before and after provocation
Authors: KAWABORI S. , OKUDA M. , UNNO T.
Published: April 2006

A study of mast cells in subjects with nasal allergy was made by electron microscopy before and after provocation in three areas; the nasal epithelium, the subepithelial layer and the deep layer of the nasal lamina propria. The ration of degranulation of the mast cells in the nasal epithelium and subepithelial layer increased after provocation. The main features of exchanged granules of the mast cells in these areas were (1) swelling of lower electron density of the area enclosed by perigranular membrane, (2) lower electron density of the total area of granular substance with fibrillar and reticular changes, and (3) the disappearance of granular substance. It was, therefore, judged that the mast cells in the nasal epithelium and in the subepithelial layer play a more important part in the onset of a nasal allergic reaction than do those in the deep layer of the nasal lamina propria.
Seasonal variations of total histamine in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: HASEGAWA MAKOTO , SAITO YOZO , NAKA FUJI , KIYOI MASAYOSHI
Published: April 2006

Seasonal variations of total blood histamine were examined in twenty patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (Japanese cedar pollinosis). In blood specimens taken in the pollen season of 1978, the symptom‐free season of 1978. and the pollen season of 1979, the mean values of blood histamine were 61.6, 50.0 and 84.2 ng/ml respectively. The differences in blood histamine levels between the pollen season of 1978 and the symptom‐free season of 1978 and between the symptom‐free season of 1978 and the pollen season of 1979 were statistically significant. In the symptom‐free season of 1978, the blood histamine levels of twenty normal subjects were also examined: the mean value was 58.2 ng/ml. The blood histamine levels of the patients in the symptom‐free season were not statistically different from those of the normal subjects.
Baker's asthma
Authors: BLOCK G. , TSE K.S. , KIJEK K. , CHAN H. , CHAN‐YEUNG M.
Published: April 2006

Seven bakers with respiratory symptoms were evaluated by skin tests, RAST assay for specific IgE antibodies to rye and wheat, inhalation challenge with methacholine for the determination of non‐specific bronchial reactivity, and bronchoprovocation with rye and wheat extracts for the determination of antigen‐specific bronchial reactivity. An immediate asthmatic response to antigen challenge was observed in four subjects and all of them had a high level of flour‐specific IgE antibodies. The serum RAST values provided a more accurate predictive value than the degree of cutaneous sensitivity determined by skin testing with respect to the bronchial response to antigenic challenge. Among those who reacted positively to antigenic bronchoprovocation, a much lower antigen dose was required to elicit a positive reaction if the subject also had an increased degree of non‐specific bronchial reactivity. An elevated RAST value was not found in thirty‐eight asymptomatic bakers or in ten asthmatics who had no occupational exposure to flour. Thus, baker's asthma appears to he a form of allergic asthma to cereal flours mediated by specific IgF antibodies. Both the level of serum IgE antibodies and the degree of non‐specific bronchial reactivity are important factors which may influence a baker's bronchial response upon inhalation of cereal flours.
IgE‐mediated occupational allergy to a spider mite
Authors: REUNALA T. , BJÖRKSTÉN F. , FÖRSTRÖM L. , KANERVA L.
Published: April 2006

Two patients who suffered from allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and contact urticaria caused by the two‐spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae, Koch) are described. Both patients worked in a greenhouse where they came in contact with both spider mites and predator mites living on bean leaves. Prick, Prausnitz‐Küstner and RAST tests indicated type I allergy to spider mite but not to predator mite. Both patients had a high level (RAST score 4) of spider‐mitE‐specific IgE in their sera. Radioallergosorbent test (RAST) inhibition studies revealed no cross‐reactivity between spider mite and house dust mite allergens.

These results show that spider mites, which are herbivorous mites found in nature, in greenhouses and even in homes, can cause IgE‐mediated allergy in man.
Asthma due to Central American walnut (Juglans olanchand) dust
Authors: BUSH R. K. , CLAYTON D.
Published: April 2006

The purpose of our study was to describe a case of asthma due to Central American walnut (Juglans olanchand) dust and to ascertain whether an IgE antibody mechanism was implicated. The subject was a 48‐year‐old man who developed asthma following exposure to Central American walnut dust. Although intradermal testing with an aqueous extract of walnut dust produced no response, inhalation challenge with the extract produced significant bronchoconstriction. Another asthmatic person exposed to the wood dust had a positive skin test, but did not respond to the bronchial challenge. A direct radioallergosorbent test (RAST) on both subjects showed no evidence of serum IgE antibodies to Central American walnut dust. Consequently, the mechanism responsible for the sensitivity to the walnut dust remains unknown.
Immunological studies in asthmatic children undergoing antigen provocation in the skin, lung and nose
Authors: PRICE J. F. , TURNER M. W. , WARNER J. O. , SOOTHILL F.
Published: April 2006

In children with perennial asthma, dual (immediate and late) reactions in the skin to D. pteronyssinus and Timothy grass pollen were more frequent with high doses of antigen and were associated with large immediate reactions. The frequency of dual bronchial or nasal reactions was not related to the size of the immediate reaction and dual reactions were commonly elicited to the lowest antigen dose which would elicit an immediate reaction. Serum IgG, IgA, IgM or IgE concentrations, IgE or IgG antibodies to the antigens and defective yeast opsonization did not differ in children with dual or immediate only reactions in skin, nose or lung. In five patients undergoing bronchial provocation tests with D. pteronyssinus there was no fever, no fine crepitations in the kings and no significant change in the levels of C3.
Local nasal immunotherapy for ragweed‐allergic rhinitis
Authors: NICKELSEN J. A. , GEORGITIS J. W. , MUELLER U. R. , KANE J. , WYPYCH J. I. , GOLDSTEIN S. , REISMAN R. E. , ARBESMAN C. E.
Published: April 2006

In 1979, pre‐seasonal local nasal immunotherapy (LNIT) was found to be an effective treatment for ragweed hay fever. In 1980. this study was continued to evaluate the clinical and immunologic responses of a second year of LNIT. Patients received either pre‐seasonal treatment with an unmodified ragweed extract (RW) or a polymerized ragweed extract (PRW), or no treatment. The results of the second year of treatment were the same as the first year. Adverse reactions were significantly higher in the RW‐treated group than in the PRW‐treated group (P < 0.001), Symptom/medication scores (SMS) in the RW‐treated group were significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.005). Although SMS in the PRW‐treated group were lower than in the control group, this difference was not significant. The immunologic response was evaluated by measurements of serum (S) RW‐specific IgE and IgG and nasal secretory (NS) RW‐specific IgE, IgG, and IgA, After treatment, serum IgE titres and secretory IgA titres rose in the RW‐treated patients. Nasal secretory‐IgG and NS‐IgA titres increased with PRW treatment. The only immunologic response observed in the control group was a rise in S‐IgE titres after the ragweed season. There was no substantial difference in immunologic measurements observed in the 1979 and 1980 seasons, except that the pre‐treatment NS‐IgE level was higher in 1980 (P < 0.02). No significant correlations were found between antibody response and SMS. This study supports the efficacy of LNIT but does not support the protective role for NS‐ragweed‐specific IgA or IgG.
A study on airborne allergenic pollen content of the atmosphere of Naples
Authors: D'AMATO G. , COCCCG G. , LICCARDI G. , MELILLO G.
Published: April 2006

In this paper we describe the results of volumetric sampling of the airborne allcrgenic pollen content of the Naples atmosphere. These studies have been carried out continuously since 1 May 1979 until 31 December 1981 utilizing a Burkard volumetric spore trap.

We found that the most important allergenic pollen in Naples air is Parietaria, with a very long‐lasting period of pollination occurring from March to November. After Parietaria. Gramineae play an allergenic role frequently in association with the pollen of Olea, which is the most important pollen of all the trees in this area.

In the summer/autumn seasons we observed in this area the pollination of mugwort (the unique plant of the Compositae) which was found to be of allergenic importance in Naples.
The dose‐duration effect of sodium cromoglycate in exercise‐induced asthma
Authors: PATEL K. R. , KERR J. W.
Published: April 2006

Eight patients with exercise‐induced asthma participated in a single blind doseduration study comparing the protective effect of inhaled sodium cromoglycate (SCG) in increasing concentrations from 2 to 40 g/l. Saline was used as a control. Effects were assessed from the mean maximal fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) after running on a treadmill for 8 min at 20, 150 and 270 min after drug administration There was no significant difference between the mean baseline values of FEV1, before and after inhalation of saline and SCG on 4 days of exercise testing. In addition, the maximal percentage falls in FEV1 in the three control exercise tests carried out at 20, 150 and 270 min after inhalation of saline were also comparable. The mean percentage fall in FEV1, (s.e.m.) after saline, SCG 2 g./l, SCG 20 g/l and SCG 40 g/l were 29.3 (4.4). 11.7 (4.5), 8.3 (3.1) and 9.4 (2.3) respectively in the first test at 20 min and 24.5(5.1), 14.9 (4.2), 13.1 (2.5)and 13.7 (2.8) respectively in the second test at 150 after treatment. The inhibitory effect of SCG was statistically significant at all the concentrations used and the protection offered by the three concentrations of SCG was comparable. In the third exercise test at 270 min after treatment, the mean maximum percentage change after saline. SCG 2 g/l, SCG 20 g/l and SCG 40 g/l were 26‐1 (4.8), 23.0 (6.1), 16.6 (5 0) and 15.8 (4.7) respectively. A partial protection in exercise‐induced fall in FEV1 was observed with 20 g/l and 40 g/l whereas the effect of SCG at 2 g/l had worn off by this time.

This study demonstrates that SCG when given by nebulization is effective in exercise‐induced asthma throughout the dose range currently used clinically. However, the protection with the lowest dose does not last beyond 2 hr. It is therefore important to adjust the frequency and timing of drug administration with different methods.
Diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI)‐induced asthma: evaluation of the immunologic responses and application of an animal model of isocyanate sensitivity
Authors: CHANG K. C. , KAROL M. H.
Published: April 2006

A worker developed two episodes of severe asthma 90 min after cut ting a polyurethane plate made of diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) using a rapidly turning carbide blade. Intradermal skin testing with MDI‐human serum albumin (MDI‐HSA) and p‐tolyl isocyanate‐HSA (p‐TMI‐HSA) were positive at 0.002 mg/ml. Control subjects showed no reaction at 2 mg/ml. Bronchial provocations of the worker with MDI‐HSA and p‐TMI‐HSA, made 1 year after the occupational asthmatic episode, were negative at 10 mg/ml. Bronchial reactivity to methacholine decreased toward normal during a 2‐year follow‐up. RAST using MDI‐HSA or p‐TM I‐HSA were strongly positive when compared with binding by sera from atopic controls which contained the same amount of total IgE. RAST titres decreased during a 1‐year follow‐up. In the MDI‐HSA RAST, inhibition studies indicated specificity of antibodies for MDI‐HSA. In the p‐TMI‐HSA RAST. p‐TMI‐HSA was a very effective inhibitor whereas MDI‐HSA was not. These results indicated the formation of at least two distinct groups of IgE antibodies: those reactive with MDI. and those reactive with p J‐TMI determinants. Guinea pigs immunized with MDI formed antibodies with specificities similar to those of the patient. We conclude that the worker had occupational asthma accompanied by the formation of specific IgE antibodies of the specificities. The causal relationship of the antibodies to the occupational asthma remains uncertain.
The spectrum of bronchial asthma in Kuwait
Authors: ELLUL‐MICALLEF R. , AL‐ALI S.
Published: April 2006

Kuwait, situated in the north‐west corner of the Arabian Gulf, has an arid climate with very hot dry summers and mild winters. Sandstorms are a regular climatic feature. occurring most frequently in summer. Before the mid‐1950s allergy was not considered to be a problem. Since then it has become a major cause of morbidity; 18% of the population are reported to suffer from its manifestations. Over the past 3 years 1000 asthmatic patients attending a central clinic have been carefully studied. The present paper analyses various aspects of the asthmatic condition in this desert country.
Reproducibility of skin tests
Authors: PERRIN L. F. , DECHAMP CH. , DEVILLER P. , JOLY P.
Published: April 2006

Fifty patients allergic to mite were tested for D. pteronyssinus using two prick‐test techniques; the classical method by Pepys and the Morrow‐Brown needle. Each patient received six tests with each method on the two forearms. The evaluation of the weal areas was conducted in two ways: by weighing the shapes of the tests transferred on to paper, and by measuring the two greatest diameter lengths. No significant difference was observed between the two methods. No significant difference was observed between the measurements of the same tests carried out at 2‐monthly intervals by the same examiner.

With the Pepys method the weal area sizes are significantly larger than with the Morrow‐Brown needle, and the variance is much greater with the Pepys technique. However, the coefficients of variation are similar and in both cases the techniques are equally reproducible. No significant difference was found in the weal sizes with regard to the injection sites on the forearm with either of the two methods. The correlation between the weal area sizes and the log of the IgE levels is closer with the Morrow‐Brown needle.
Basophil immunoglobulin receptors in asthmatics under immunoscanning electron microscopy
Authors: KIMURA IKURO , TAKAHASHI KIYOSHI , SODA RYO , KISHIMOTO TAKUMI , MATSUOKA TAKASHI
Published: April 2006

Immunolatex particles were used as markers for IgE receptors on basophils using electron‐microscope scanning. These particles appeared to bind specifically to basophils. Basophils from atopic asthma patients showed greater binding to latex particles than those from intractable asthma patients or healthy subjects. Cap and patch formations on IgE receptors were frequently found in basophils of atopic asthmatics, and cap formation was observed only on basophils that were pear‐shaped. The redistribution of IgE receptors, such as that by cap formation, may be a significant triggering mechanism for basophil activation.

The latex density on basophils pre‐treated with anti‐human IgG was much greater in intractable asthmatics than in atopic asthmatics or healthy subjects, and almost all basophils with increased immunolatex particles were pear‐shaped, suggesting the presence of some IgG receptors on the surface, and such receptors may play an important role in intractable asthma.
Housedust mites (D. pteronyssinus) in pets’beds and their relation to dust allergy
Authors: EATON K. K. , DOWNING F. S. , GRIFFITHS D. A. , HOCKLAND SUSAN , LYNCH SOPHIE
Published: April 2006

Houses were surveyed by dust sampling to examine the occurrence and significance of storage mites in rural areas in the U.K. As a part of this project pets’beds were sampled, and it was discovered that not only do they contain storage mites, but that in nearly all instances the classical housedust mite (D. pteronyssinus) was present in significant numbers.