bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pickled onion‐induced asthma: a model of sulfite‐sensitive asthma?
Authors: GASTAMINZA G. , QUIRCE S. , TORRES M. , TABAR A. , ECHECHIPÍA S. , MUÑOZ D. , CORRES L. FERNANDEZ DE 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground: Asthma elicited by sulfite ingestion has been mainly described in steroid‐dependent and in non‐atopic asthmatics. We have studied a group of 18 young extrinsic asthmatics who presented with asthma attacks immediately after eating pickled onions.Objective: The aim of this study is to ascertain if these asthma attacks are elicited by sulfites contained in pickled onions and the influence of the dose and pH of onions.Methods: The bronchial hyperreactivity of the patients was assessed by a methacho‐line challenge test. Oral challenge tests were performed with sodium metabisulfite (MBS) diluted in lemon juice at pH 4.2 and at pH 3.3 (only in patients who did not react with pH 4.2). Two types of pickled onion, Spanish and Dutch pickled onions, were used for oral challenge in seven of the patients. The Monier‐Williams method was used to measure the SO2 concentration in pickled onions.Results: The oral provocation test with MBS, pH 4.2, elicited a positive response in six patients (33.3%) and the test at pH3.3 was positive in three out of 12. No significant difference in PD20 values was found between these groups. Three of the seven patients challenged with Spanish pickled onions had a positive reaction but had no reaction with Dutch pickled onions. The SC2 concentration in Spanish pickled onions varied between 765 and 1182 ppm while in Dutch pickled onions were 200 ppm; this exceeded the permitted level (100 ppm). SO2 release in Spanish pickled onion samples was nearly 2.5 times higher when the pH of the sample decreased from 4.2 to 3.3.Conclusion: High levels of SO2 in Spanish pickled onions, and their low pH (3.3) would be the responsible factors of the asthmatic outbreaks after ingestion of Spanish pickled onions by these patients.
Leukotriene B4 production by blood neutrophils in allergic rhinitis—effects of cetirizine
Authors: CHERIA‐SAMMARI S. , ALOUI R. , GORMAND F. , CHABANNES B. , GALLET H. , GROSCLAUDE M. , MELAC M. , RIHOUX J. P. , PERRIN‐FAYOLLE M. , LAGARDE M. , PACHECO Y. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground: Mucosal inflammatory processes in late phase of allergic diseases involve cytokine production, cell adhesion molecule overexpression and release of inflammatory mediators with chemotactic activity, such as leukolriene B4 (LTB4), We had previously observed increased production of LTB4 by neutrophils in patients with allergic rhinitis and discussed the role of granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) priming. Some antihislaminic compounds were shown to diminish the production of leukotrienes by neutrophils.Objective: In a first step, we evaluated in ex vivo and in vitro studies, the effects of cetirizine on LTB4 production by blood neutrophils from allergic and healthy subjects. In a second step, we studied the in vitro effect of cetirizine on LTB4 production by neutrophils from healthy subjects during GM‐CSF priming of these cells.Methods: Neutrophils from both populations were purified from venous blood and LTB4 production was measured using high performance liquid cromatography (HPLC) method.Results: In ex vivo studies, cetirizine treatment induced a decreased LTB4 production by neutrophils in allergic rhinitis. This effect of decreased LTB4 production was reproduced in vitro with 10−8–10‐6 cetirizine. Nevertheless, this anti‐Hl compound had no effect on neutrophil priming with GM‐CSF.Conclusion: As LTB4 is an important chemotactic factor, Cetirizine could act on inflammatory cell recruitment by inhibiting LTB4 production by neutrophils.
Comparison of the effects of salmeterol and salbutamol on clinical activity and eosinophil cationic protein serum levels during the pollen season in atopic asthmatics
Authors: DI LORENZO G. , MORICI G. , NORRITO F. , MANSUETO P. , MELLUSO M. , D'AMBROSIO F. PURELLO , SANGIORGI G. BARBAGALLO 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
In atopic asthma there is strong evidence of eosinophils playing an active role in pathogencsis. Some investigations demonstrated that eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) serum levels increased in atopic patients with asthma during pollen season.Objective
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of short‐term (1 week) β2‐agonist treatment on lung function and eosinophil activity in asthmatic patients. Methods We used an open, randomized, cross‐over design to compare the effects of salbutamol (200μg q.i.d.) and salmeterol (50μg b.i.d.) on peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), blood eosinophil count and serum levels of ECP as a measure of eosinophil activity in 20 mild atopic asthmatics.Results
Morning and evening PEFR values were both significantly higher during salmeterol treatment than during the salbutamol period. Conversely, both morning and evening daily asthma symptom scores were significantly lower during salmeterol treatment compared with those recorded during the salbutamol period. The mean basal eosinophil blood count on salmeterol treatment (601 ± 189mm3) was not higher than the mean count on salbutamol treatment (612 ± 204 mm3). After both treatments the mean eosinophil blood counts were unchanged (619 ± 189mm3 and 576 ±212 mm3, respectively). No significant differences in blood eosinophil counts were observed between or within treatments at any time. No significant difference was observed in baseline mean ECP serum concentration (43.8 ± 263 μg L on salmeterol treatment and 41.7 ± 29.8 μg L on salbutamol treatment, respectively). After salmeterol treatment the mean ECP serum concentration had fallen significantly to 20.9± 18.6μg/L (P < 0.01), whereas after salbutamol treatment it was unchanged (42.0 ± 25.1 μg /L). Salmeterol treatment produced a decrease in ECP serum levels without any changes in blood eosinophil count.Conclusion
This study demonstrates that salmeterol affords a significant improvement in asthma control during the pollen season, measured by both subjective and objective parameters, compared with salbutamol. This greater efficacy may be related to inhibition of eosinophil degranulation during the pollen season.
Bronchial hyperresponsiveness and airway neutrophil accumulation induced by interleukin‐8 and the effect of the thromboxane A2 antagonist S‐1452 in guinea‐pigs
Authors: XIU Q. , FUJIMURA M. , NOMURA M. , SAITO M. , MATSUDA T. , AKAO N. , KONDO K. , MATSUSHIMA K. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryInterleukin‐8 (IL‐8) has been shown to be a chemotactic factor for neutrophils, T‐lymphocytes and eosinophils, but it is unknown whether the IL‐8‐induced inflammatory cell accumulation into the airways can cause the bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) characteristic of asthma. IL‐8 at a dose of 0.5 or 5μg/kg was administered intranasally to guinea‐pigs twice a week for 3 weeks. One day after the last administration, animals were anesthetized and artificially ventilated through tracheal cannula and lateral pressure at the cannula (Pao) was measured as an overall index of airway responses to increasing concentrations of inhaled histamine (25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/ml). The IL‐8 treatment significantly enhanced bronchial responsiveness to histamine in a dose‐dependent manner (ANOVA P < 0.01). The provocative concentration of histamine causing a 100% increase in Pao (PC100) at a dose of 0.5 and 5μg/kg of IL‐8 was 68.1 (Gsem 1.12) and 35.6 (Gsem 1.25) μg/ml, respectively. The latter was significantly (P < 0.01) lower than that in control animals treated with PBS (93.3 [Gsem, 1.14] μg/ml)‐ The IL‐8 treatment also induced a significant influx of neutrophils, but not eosinophils, in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid (18.3 ± 8.8 and 30.6 ± 8.3% in animals treated with 0.5 and 5 μg/kg, respectively, of IL‐8 vs 3.6 ± 0.7% in phosphate buffered saline‐(PBS)‐treated animals). Furthermore, we examined the effect of the thromboxane receptor antagonist S‐1452 (0.01 or 0.1 mg/kg, i.p. 24 and 1 h before anesthesia) on this IL‐8 induced BHR. S‐1452 significantly inhibited the BHR dose‐dependently (ANOVA P < 0.001). PC100 was 94.0 (Gsem 1.19), 137.4 (Gsem 1.17) and 43.0 (Gsem 1.24) μg/ml with S‐1452 at doses of 0.01 and 0.1mg/ml and saline, respectively. We conclude that IL‐8 causes BHR and airway neutrophil inflammation, and that thromboxane A2 is important in the development of BHR induced by IL‐8.
Proliferative activity of mast cells in allergic nasal mucosa
Authors: KAWABORI S. , KANAI N. , TOSHO T. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe proliferative activity of mast cells in the nasal mucosae of allergic (n= 14) and non‐allergic (n= 18) rhinopathic patients was studied by a sequential double immuno‐histochemistry using anti‐proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and anti‐tryptase antibodies. Two hundred to 300 tryptase‐positive cells (mast cells) were studied in each allergic nasal epithelium. In case of non‐allergic nasal mucosa, only a few mast cells existed in the epithelial layer. The total number of mast cells which we could detect in all patients was 168 cells. One of these cells contained PCNA. Three hundred to 500 mast cells were studied in each subepithelial layer and deep layer of lamina propria of both diseases. PCNA‐positive mast cells were observed in the nasal epithelia of 10 allergic patients. In the subepithelial layer, PCNA‐positive mast cells were observed eight allergic patients and four non‐allergic patients, respectively, In the deep lamina propria, PCNA‐positive mast cells were observed in a few patients with both diseases. The percentage of PCNA‐positive mast cells of all mast cells each area ranged from 0 to 1.7%. The incidence of PCNA‐positive mast cells was statistically higher in the allergic epithelium and subepithelial layer than in the deep layer of lamina propria. Moreover, that of PCNA‐positive mast cells in the subepithelial layer was higher in allergic than in non‐allergic nasal mucosa. Our results suggest that mast cell proliferation may contribute to the number of mast cells in the nasal epithelium and subepithelial layer of allergic patients.
Seasonal appearance of grass pollen allergen in natural, pauci‐micronic aerosol of various size fractions. Relationship with airborne grass pollen concentration
Authors: SPIEKSMA F. TH. M. , NIKKELS B. H. , DIJKMAN J. H. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIn a study during the 1993 grass pollen season at Leiden, the relationship between atmospheric pollen allergen carried by five size fractions of pauci‐micronic (few microns) particles and the grass pollen count was investigated. Sampling was carried out on dry days, and atmospheric pollen allergen in the particle fractions was assessed by a RAST‐inhibition assay while grass pollen quantities were measured with a volumetric pollen trap. It appears that the atmospheric presence of grass pollen allergen in all size fractions is restricted mainly to the period of presence of grass pollen grains. Before and after the grass pollen season atmospheric grass pollen allergen quantities are generally very low. It is concluded that a routinely performed grass pollen count is a reliable measurement for the estimation of the amount of atmospheric grass pollen allergen, also in the pauci‐micronic particle fraction.
Differences between specificities of IgE and IgG4 antibodies: studies using recombinant chain 1 and chain 2 of the major cat allergen Felis domesticus (Fel d) I
Authors: VAN MILLIGEN F. J. , CRAIG S. , ROGERS B. L. , VAN SWIETEN P. , AALBERSE R. C. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIgE‐ and IgG4 antibodies were compared for reactivity with recombinant chain 1 and chain 2 of the cat allergen Felis domesticus (Fei d) I. Recombinanl chain 1 and chain 2 were coupled to sepharose and tested in IgE‐ and IgG4 radioallergosorbent test (RAST) experiments. Substantial IgE‐ and IgG4 binding was found. The fraction of Pel d I‐specific antibody that bound to the recombinant chains was calculated. For chain 1, the mean value of this fraction was 0.30 for IgE and 0.23 for lgG4 (P= 0.05). For chain 2, the mean value of this fraction was 0.19 for IgE and 0.13 for IgG4 (P= 0.02). These results indicate that differences in fine specificity exist between IgE and IgG4 antibodies. Moreover, these findings support our results with chemically prepared peptides derived from these two chains and suggest that the B cells producing IgE antibodies are more likely to recognize a less ‘native’ form of Pel d I, compared with IgG4.
HLA‐DR expression is induced on keratinocytes in delayed hypersensitivity but not in allergen induced late‐phase reactions
Authors: WELLER F. R. , DE JONG M. C. J. M. , WELLER M. S. , HEERES K. , DE MONCHY J. G. R. , JANSEN H. M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIn view of increasing evidence suggesting an active immunoregulatory role of the skin keratinocytes and the observation that the differentiation of allergen specific T lymphocytes is critical in the development of allergy, we evaluated epidermal expression of HLA‐DR antigen in skin reactions induced with an atopen (house dust mite) and with an non‐atopic antigen (Hemocyanin). Two groups of patients with house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus [Der p]) allergy were compared, one group was skin tested with Der p, the other group was immunized and subsequently skin tested with Helix pomatia Hemocyanin (HPH), Biopsy specimens taken at 48 h after the HPH (n= 11) and Der p (n= 11) tests were analysed immunohistologically. Reactions in both groups were comparable in size. Immunohistological analysis showed domination by CD4 + lymphocytes. Expression of HLA‐DR antigen by epidermal keratinocytes was observed in six out of 11 of the HPH induced reactions, but in none of the Der p induced reactions. Eosinophils were spotted only throughout the Der p induced reactions, showing a good correlation with the number of CD4 positive lymphocytes. The lack of HLA‐DR expression by keratinocytes during the allergen‐induced reaction, compared with the Hemocyanin induced reaction can be the result of a difference in cytokine profile of the lymphocytes dominating the dermal infiltrate. On the other hand evidence exists that defective HLA‐DR expression by keratinocytes enhances antigen induced lymphocyte activation, and may thus contribute to the development of allergen‐specific T‐lymphocytes.
Immunological study of Melkersson‐Rosenthal syndrome. Lack of response to food additive challenge
Authors: MORALES C. , PEÑARROCHA M. , BAGÁN J. V. , BURCHÉS E. , PELAEZ A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryA study was made of six patients with Melkersson‐Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) to establish the aetiological role of foodstuffs and/or additives and the possible associated immunological alterations. In all cases Melkersson‐Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) was diagnosed both clinically and histologically, excluding other causes of orofacial granulomatosis (OFG). A detailed study of possible triggering factors was performed in all patients. Blood analysis, x‐rays and cultures, were always within normal limits, with the exception of the finding of circulating immune complexes (CICs) in three patients with facial palsy associated, and C‐reactive protein positivity in two patients who presented persistent labial oedema. All patients were subjected to skin‐prick tests with common inhalant allergens and with foods when sensitization to foods were suspected, and patch tests with European Standard Series and pastry components, organic dyes, perfumes and fragrances series. The results were negative in all cases. When asymptomatic, the patients were subjected to a double‐blind oral challenge, under placebo control, with additives (monosodium glutamate, tartrazine, sulfites, erythrosine, paraoxybenzoate, sodium benzoate, lactose, aspirin, and annate), which was again negative. In no case did the patients refer the appearance of outbreaks with exposure to foods or contactants, and the course of the disease was unaffected by exclusion diets and the elimination of contactants. To conclude, we observed no sensitization to foods, additives or contactants in our patients. Likewise, there were no antecedents of atopy or hereditary predisposition related to the aetiopathogeny of MRS. The significance of the CIC encountered only in patients with facial paralysis remains to be established, due to the limited number of patients studied.
Horse gammaglobulin‐induced thrombocytopenia in anaphylaxis involving sequestration and activation of platelets
Authors: LEIR S.‐H. , CHEN S.‐H. , LEI H.‐Y. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThrombocytopenia as well as hemoconcentration and leukopenia followed by leuko‐cytosis were induced after HoGG challenge on HoGG‐sensitized mice. Thrombocytopenia was induced within 2min and sustained for 1 day. HoGG‐induced thrombocytopenia was not observed until day 10 after sensitization; mice challenged with HoGG dose ≥10μg developed thrombocytopenia. Two types of thrombocytopenia were observed in appropriately sensitized mice. HoGG induced thrombocytopenia at 2min and 60 min, whereas, α‐macroglobulin induced thrombocytopenia at 2min, the platelet count of which returned to normal within 60min. Poly (Glu60Ala30 Tyr10) did not induce thrombocytopenia at 2min or 60min. The tracing study by 3H‐serotonin labelled platelets demonstrated the 2min‐sequestration of platelets in lungs or livers. The HoGG‐induced sequestration of platelets at 2min was blocked by high dose heparin or Cobra Venom factor. Platelet activation at 60min was partially inhibited by dexamethasone, rhodostomin synthetic peptide 45–59, or platelet activation factor antagonist (WEB 2086). Furthermore, the thrombocytopenia could be transfered by heat (56°C, 4h)‐treated immune sera. This suggests that HoGG‐induced, non‐IgE‐mediated thrombocytopenia in anaphylaxis involves sequestration and activation of platelets. The sequestion in lungs occurs within 2min and can be inhibited by high dose heparin or Cobra Venom factor. The activation of platelets involves platelet activation factor, and fibrinogen receptor.
Experimental intestinal hyper sensitivity. Effect of four anti‐allergic drugs on protein uptake, permeability to sugars and mucosal mast‐cell activation
Authors: TURNER M. W. , BOULTON P. , STROBEL S. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe ability of four drugs with anti‐allergic action to modulate the uptake of bystander protein, lactulose/rhamnose permeability ratios and mast cell activation was studied in rats presensitized with egg albumin in alum and challenged intraduodenally with the same antigen. Beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) and nedocromil both significantly reduced the uptake of the bystander protein, bovine serum albumin (P < 0.002 and P>0.02 respectively). BDP also significantly reduced sugar permeability (P<0.1). In animals with elevated lactulose/rhamnose permeability ratios we confirmed our earlier observation of a significant correlation between levels of the specific mucosal mast cell protease Rat Chymase II (RChyII‐previously known as RMCPII) and the sugar ratios. None of the drugs had any influence on the levels of mast cell protease II released following challenge and there was no correlation between the histological light microscopic appearance of the mast cells and the experimental treatment administered. Our results suggest that in the gut the pharmacological effect of anti‐allergic drugs may be complex. Some, such as nedocromil, appear to act only on the mechanisms underlying increased protein uptake whereas others, such as BDP, appear to abrogate both increased protein uptake and increased sugar permeability.
Localization of major allergens in the dust mite Lepidoglyphus destructor with confocal laser scanning microscopy
Authors: VAN HAGE‐HAMSTEN M. , OLSSON S. , EMILSON A. , HÄRFAST B. , SVENSSON A. , SCHEYNIUS A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe dust mite Lepidoglyphus destructor is the dominating source of allergens giving rise to asthma and rhinitis among farmers. In a previous study of the localization of allergens in L. destructor we demonstrated that the 39 kDa allergen is associated with digestion. Here we describe the localization of the principal 15 kDa allergen and the high molecular weight allergen complex (79 and 93 kDa) in L. destructor with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Cryostat‐cut sections of mite bodies and faecal pellets were probed with mouse monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) raised against the allergens. The 15 kDa allergen disclosed labelling of the mite body and most of the faecal pellets but left the exoskeleton unlabelled. The binding was widespread, and most intense in the mouth region. However, some staining was also observed around the gastrointestinal tract. In contrast, the 79 and 93 kDa allergen complex stained the exoskeleton and the front part of the mile. Interestingly, we detected no labelling of the faecal pellets with the MOAb against the 79/93 kDa allergen. The study indicates that the 15 kDa allergen is associated with the digestive tract whereas the function of the 79 and 93 kDa allergen complex remains to be elucidated.
Inhalant allergen‐specific T‐cell reactivity is detectable in close to 100% of atopic and normal individuals: covert responses are unmasked by serum‐free medium
Authors: UPHAM J. W. , HOLT B. J. , BARON‐HAY M. J. , YABUHARA A. , HALES B. J. , THOMAS W. R. , LOH R. K. S. , O'KEEFFE P. T. , PALMER L. , LE SOUEF P. N. , SLY P. D. , BURTON P. R. , ROBINSON B. W. S. , HOLT P. G. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
It is widely held that in vitro T cell responses to allergens are more prominent in atopic than in normal individuals, though this conclusion is based upon culture techniques which fail to detect proliferative responses in a significant minority of atopies and many normals.Objectives: Study allergen‐specific proliferative responses of T cells cultured in serum‐free medium (SFM). Examine associations between atopic status, age and T cell reactivity.Methods
Initially, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with allergens or antigens in SFM, and compared with cells cultured in RPMI + 10% fetal calf serum or human AB serum. Subsequently, T cell reactivity was studied in 34 adults (20–49 years), 27 children (2–13 years), and 19 infants (≤ 10 weeks) using SFM alone. Results Compared with serum‐supplemented medium, SFM enhanced net T cell proliferation, both in bulk culture and when cloning at limiting dilution. In many subjects, SFM unmasked T cell reactivity to allergens which was not otherwise evident, and lowered the threshold allergen levels required for in vitro T cell triggering. For most allergens, T cell proliferative responses did not differ between adults who had specific IgE, and those who did not. The most vigorous responses observed were to ubiquitous inhalant allergens, which stimulated T cells from close to 100% of adults and children, and over 60% of infants. In contrast, responses to the ‘vaccine’ antigen tetanus toxoid were completely absent in the latter age group, but present in the majority of adults and children.Conclusions
These findings suggest that the extent of active T cell recognition of environmental allergens has been hitherto underestimated, and further that these responses may frequently be initiated in very early life. Additionally, these findings reinforce the notion that qualitative (as opposed to quantitative) variations in specific T cell reactivity ultimately determine allergen responder phenotype.