bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Food specific skin‐test reactivity in atopic subjects
Authors: MORGAN J. E. , DAUL C. B. , HUGHES J. , McCANTS M. , LEHRER S. B. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIt has been proposed that a permanent or transitory increase in gut permeability is an important facet in the development of food allergy. If this occurs, then individuals with a history of a specific food allergy should have a higher incidence of immunological reactivity to other food allergens as compared to food tolerant subjects. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated the prevalence of food‐specific IgE responses by skin‐prick testing in 60 individuals. Subjects were classified by a history of food allergy (shrimp hypersensitivity) and atopic status. Prevalence of skin‐prick test reactivity to shrimp and a panel of nine other food extracts was determined. Skin‐test reactivity to shrimp was related both to a history of shrimp sensitivity and atopic status. However, the prevalence of skin‐test reactivity to other foods was not related to clinical history of shrimp allergy, although it was related to atopy. A subset of subjects with shrimp allergy had multiple positive skin reactions to many of the nine other foods. This reactivity was associated with a history of pulmonary symptoms following shrimp ingestion. In general our results do not support non‐specific increases in gut permeability being important in the development of food allergy.
The effect of topical nasal anaesthesia on allergen‐induced symptoms, obstruction and blood flow
Authors: HOLMBERG K. , BAKE B. , PIPKORN U. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe effect of topical anaesthesia on the nasal mucosa before and after allergen challenge was evaluated in 12 subjects with strictly seasonal allergic rhinitis. A single‐blind randomized placebo‐controlled design was used. The nasal challenge was carried out after pre‐treatment of the nasal cavity with 52 mg of lidocaine/nasal cavity, or placebo applied topically in spray form. The number of sneezes was counted. The amount of nasal secretion was estimated by weighing used paper handkerchiefs. The capacitance and resistance vessel reactions were monitored by determining nasal peak flow and 133Xe wash‐out respectively. After placebo pre‐treatment the two doses of allergen induced moderate symptoms and vascular changes. Pre‐treatment with local anaesthesia did not affect any of the symptoms nor did it affect the decrease in the tone of the capacitance vessels. It was found that topically applied lidocaine per se did not have any effect on nasal mucosal blood flow as measured using the 133Xe wash‐out technique. However, the local anaesthesia did block the allergen‐induced increase in the tone of the resistance vessels. In conclusion, a redundancy of systems appears to be involved in nasal allergic reactions. Although a reflex‐induced mechanism may well play a significant role in the induction of the signs and symptoms of nasal allergic reactions, the redundancy of systems involved may well override any reduction in one single system, as appears to be the case in the present study. Lidocaine peer se did not influence the nasal mucosal blood flow.
Inflammatory and immunological cell profiles in a rat model of conjunctival immediate hypersensitivity
Authors: DOHERTY MELANIE J. , EASTY D. L. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryA modified model of conjunctival immediate hypersensitivity in the rat is described. The advantages of this model over previously reported rat models are that it does not require invasive challenges, pre‐treatment with mucolytic agents to enhance antigen penetration, or the use of haptens, and is therefore more representative of the mode of allergen challenge seen in human hay fever conjunctivitis. This model has been shown to have both early and late‐phase cellular responses but only early phase clinical signs. During the early phase of the response the tarsal region accommodates a massive neutrophil infiltration and the fornix‐bulbar region participates to a greater extent during the late‐phase reaction, with a significant eosinophil infiltration. The development of this model has allowed us to gain a clearer insight into the mechanisms involved during conjunctival immediate hypersensitivity in the rat; and the simplicity of this model makes it attractive to use in the evaluation of new drug therapies prior to their introduction into human clinical trials.
Immunological specificity of chloramine‐T‐induced IgE antibodies in serum from a sensitized worker
Authors: WASS U. , BELIN L. , ERIKSSON N. E. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryA procedure for the preparation of chloramine‐T (CT) conjugates used to assay IgE antibodies was developed using response surface methodology and serum from a subject occupationally exposed to the substance. The conjugates, synthesized by reacting CT with human serum albumin (HSA) and other protein carriers, were used as antigens in a radio‐allergosorbent test (RAST). Human serum albumin was found to be a suitable carrier, although other protein carriers also gave specific IgE‐binding of a similar extent. The CT‐HSA conjugates used in the RAST were characterized by high performance liquid chromatography, electrophoresis, immunodiffusion and ammonium sulphate precipitation. However, no strong correlation was seen between the ability of the conjugates to bind IgE and their physical or immuno‐chemical properties. The hapten and carrier specificity of CT‐induced IgE antibodies in the subject's serum were studied by direct RAST and RAST inhibition. No existence of new antigenic determinants related to the carrier could be demonstrated. Although HSA as a carrier was altered immunochemically by CT, the IgE antibodies were found to be specific to hapten only. Chloramine‐T‐specific IgG antibodies could not be demonstrated in the subject's serum.
Measurement of specific IgE antibodies in individuals exposed to formaldehyde
Authors: KRAMPS J. A. , PELTENBURG LUCY T. C. , KERKLAAN P. R. M. , SPIEKSMA F. TH. M. , VALENTIJN R. M. , DIJKMAN J. H. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryUsing an in‐vitro test, the presence of formaldehyde‐specific IgE antibodies was investigated in sera from four groups of individuals exposed to formaldehyde by different routes and concentrations. Group (A) 28 subjects living or working in rooms or places where formaldehyde‐containing construction materials were used: (B) 18 subjects occupationally exposed to relatively high concentrations of formaldehyde; (C) 12 paramedic employees working in a renal dialysis unit where formaldehyde‐sterilized dialysers were being used; and (D) 28 subjects undergoing haemodialysis with these formatdehyde‐sterilized dialysers. Formaldehyde‐specific IgE antibodies could be detected in only one of the 86 serum samples. This particular sample was from a worker occupationally exposed to formaldehyde (group (B)), but who did not show any work‐related symptoms. In two pools of control sera from unexposed subjects no specific IgE antibodies to formaldehyde were detected. It is concluded that exposure to formaldehyde, even in relatively high concentrations, rarely evokes the production of specific IgE antibodies. The presence of these specific antibodies is not necessarily attended by allergic symptoms. On the other hand, the symptoms supposed to be related to formaldehyde exposure and reported in this study by 24 out of 28 subjects in group (A), and some of the subjects in groups (B) and (C), cannot be attributed to an IgE‐mediated sensitization to formaldehyde.
Comparison of a new type of skin test (Phazet) with existing skin test methods and the radioallergosorbent test (RAST)
Authors: KEMENY D. M. , LAMBOURN E. M. L. , PATEL S. , LESSOF M. H. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryA new skin test method (Phazet) for diagnosis of immediate‐type allergic disease was tested in 232 patients attending the Guy's Hospital Allergy Clinic, and compared with conventional skin test methods, using Bencard and Pharmalgen allergen solutions, and with serum IgE antibody tests (RAST). Six allergens (cat, dust mite, Cladosporium. grass pollen birch pollen and plantain pollen) were used, as well as histamine and a negative control. Phazet proved easy to use and was popular with inexperienced operators (medical and dental students). For the majority of allergens there was reasonably good agreement with the different tests, but overall Phazet and RAST produced fewer positive results than the other skin tests methods. In particular, the frequency of positive histamine tests was lower with Phazet (82%) than with Bencard or Pharmalgen (99′%), but this discrepancy was lower in the second part of the study when the minimum time for the insertion of the needle (1 sec) was more scrupulously observed. Phazet offers a convenient and practical alternative to conventional ‘wet’ skin test methods.
Substance P activation of bronchoalveolar macrophages from asthmatic patients and normal subjects
Authors: PUJOL J.‐L. , BOUSQUET J. , GRENIER J. , MICHEL FRANCOISE , GODARD P. , CHANEZ P. , DE VOS CHRISTINE , DEPAULET A. CRASTES , MICHEL F.‐B. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe role of substance P in the pathogenesis of asthma is unclear. Animal studies suggest that it may be important, whereas human studies do not confirm this. Alveolar macrophages can be recovered easily by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and stimulated in vitro. To assess the role of substance P in humans, we tested its ability to stimulate alveolar macrophages from six normal subjects and seven asthmatic patients. BAL cells were separated by adherence and alveolar macrophages constituted 95% of the adherent cell population. Four concentrations of substance P were used (10−7, 10−6, 10−5, 10−4 M). To assess the non‐specific activation of alveolar macrophages we used three concentrations of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) (5, 10, 20 μg/ml). The stimulation of alveolar macrophages was assessed by the release of thromboxane B2 by radioimmunoassay. This study indicates that alveolar macrophages are stimulated by LPS but are poorly activated or not at all by substance P.
The effect of topical steroid application on natural killer cell activity
Authors: LESKO M. J. , LEVER ROSEMARY S. , MACKIE RONA M. , PARROTT DELPHINE M. V. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryPeripheral blood natural killer (NK) cell activity of a group of 10 healthy non‐atopic volunteers was reduced following the topical application of 15 g of 0.1 % betamethasone valerate ointment to the skin nightly for 1 week. In contrast, no such effect was observed when the inactive base of the steroid ointment was used. NK cell activity dropped significantly by day 7 (P < 0.05) and then recovered, although NK cell activity at day 22 was still lower than that observed at the start of the experiment. These findings suggest that topically applied steroid is absorbed in sufficient amounts to cause a systemic effect on NK cell function. This may have implications in a number of dermatological disorders, including atopic dermatitis, where topical steroids form the mainstay of treatment.
Abnormal platelet hydrogen peroxide metabolism in aspirin hypersensitivity
Authors: PEARSON D. J. , SUAREZ‐MENDEZ V. J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe generation and degradation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by platelets was investigated in aspirin hypersensitive and tolerant allergic subjects, and compared to that in general medical patients and healthy controls. H2O2 generation following triggering with anti‐IgE. specific allergen, and with aspirin (ASA) and indomethacin was examined using a chemiluminescence assay. Platelet levels of the main intracellular enzyme responsible for H2O2 metabolism–glutathione peroxidase–were measured by a quantitative functional assay. H2O2 secretion could be triggered by anti‐IgE in platelets from 15/29 ASA‐tolerant atopies, and by relevant allergen in platelets passively sensitized with allergen‐specific IgE. A similar response was observed following triggering with ASA, and with indomethacin, in platelets from 8/25 ASA‐sensitive subjects. Mean platelet glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly lower in subjects with ASA‐induced asthma, but not in subjects with non‐asthmatic reactions to ASA, compared to all other groups. Within the ASA‐sensitive group there was no correlation between low peroxidase activity and ASA‐triggered chemiluminescence. Our findings emphasize the heterogeneity of ASA‐intolerance syndromes and point to abnormal oxygen/peroxide metabolism as a common pathway underlying ASA‐induced asthma.
Lymphocyte activation by house dust allergen in asthma: analysis with monoclonal antibodies
Authors: KUS J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryPeripheral blood mononuclear cell (MNC) response to house dust (HD) stimulation in cultures was studied in a group of 35 subjects with asthma and a multiple positive skin test (ST) reaction to inhalant allergens including HD, and in 19 healthy controls. The MNC response to allergen stimulation was assessed by interleukin‐2 receptor (IL‐2R) expression identified with an anti‐Tac monoclonal antibody. Lymphocyte subpopulations of baseline and cultured cells were also analysed. The percentage of IL‐2R presenting cells increased significantly in HD‐driven cultures in the asthma group compared to controls. The increase in proportion of IL‐2R+ cells was closely related to the increase in CD4+ percentage of cultured cells and was accompanied by a decrease in proportion of CD8+ lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages, suggesting that HD‐activated cells were CD4+ lymphocytes. Lymphocyte activation, measured by IL‐2R expression, was significantly higher in the group of asthmatics, and positive dual (early and late) skin reaction to HD, as compared to those with single early reaction.
On the use of absorbing discs to sample mucosal surface liquids
Authors: ERJEFÄLT INGRID , PERSSON C. G. A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryA common technique to sample airway mucosal ‘surface’ liquids is with absorbing discs of filter paper. The present study examined the efficacy of this technique by analysing tracheal liquids of control and capsaicin (0.1 nmol)‐exposed guinea‐pig airways. Mucosal fluids, obtained by topically applied discs or by a specific lavage procedure, and tracheal tissue were sampled. The animals had received FITC‐dextran (MW 70 kDa) intravenously and this specific plasma tracer was analysed in the sampled material. Under control conditions significantly more FITC‐dextran was found in the discs than in the tracheal lavage fluids (P < 0.001) despite the fact that the lavaged mucosal surface was much larger than that covered by the discs, Capsaicin significantly increased the content of FTTC‐dextran in all fluids sampled as well as in the airway tissue. In all cases concentrations of FITC‐dextran in the disc fluids did not differ much from that in the tissue samples. These data suggest that absorbing discs severely disturb the epithelial‐barrier function and sample subepithelial fluid and solutes including macromolecules. As demonstrated in this study by the elevated content of a plasma tracer molecule an inflammatory process may, nevertheless, be traced in the mixture of surface and tissue fluids that is sampled by the discs.
The‘nasal pool’device applies controlled concentrations of solutes on human nasal airway mucosa and samples its surface exudations/secretions
Authors: GREIFF L. , PIPKORN U. , ALKNER U. , PERSSON C. G. A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryA‘nasal pool’(NP) device, a compressible plastic container with an adapted nozzle, was used to perform a continuous 10‐min nasal provocation and lavage. This novel technique brings known concentrations of agents into contact with a large and defined area of the nasal mucosal surface for extended periods of time. Simultaneously, the surface exudations/secretions of the same nasal mucosa are effectively sampled by the NP fluid. A concentration‐response study of histamine (80, 400 and 2000 μg/ml) was performed in 12 normal subjects on three different occasions. Exudation of plasma albumin into the lavage fluid was measured to quantitate the histamine‐induced airway inflammation. The effect of the dwell time on exudation was examined using histamine (400 μg/ml) instilled in the nasal cavity for time periods from 10 sec to 10 min. The time course of histamine‐induced plasma exudation response was studied by exposing the mucosa to histamine (400 μg/ml) for 12 min, with the NP renewed every minute. Allergen‐provocations were performed in subjects with hay fever and TAME‐esterase activity in the returned lavage fluid was determined to indicate the degree of response. Histamine produced a concentration‐dependent increase in albumin levels in the NP fluid; 123·3 ± 25·6, 213·8 ± 19·7 and 430·2 ± 32·0 μg/ml (mean ± s.e.m.), respectively. The time‐course study demonstrated that plasma exudation into the lumen occurred promptly and that the exudation response reached a maximum after exposure to histamine for 6–10 min. The dwell‐time experiments supported this finding. After 10 min the exudation appeared to decline despite the continued presence of histamine. Allergen provocation resulted in a concentration‐dependent increase in TAME‐esterase activity of the NP‐fluids. It is concluded that the NP technique provides new possibilities in studies of pathophysiology and pharmacology of human airway mucosa. With the NP technique controlled concentrations of mediators, drugs, tracers, etc. can be applied for desirable lengths of time on a well‐defined mucosal surface area. This particular area is gently and effectively lavaged during the presence of the NP fluid and when the fluid is recovered by decompressing the NP device.
Evidence of grass‐pollen allergenic activity in the smaller micronic atmospheric aerosol fraction
Authors: SPIEKSMA F. Th. M. , KRAMPS J. A. , VAN DER LINDEN A. C. , NIKKELS BEP H. , PLOMP A. , KOERTEN H. K. , DIJKMAN J. H. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIn June 1988, during the grass‐pollen season in Leiden, The Netherlands, outdoor airborne paniculate matter was collected and separated into fractions according to aerodynamic sizes ( 10μm, 4·9–10μm, 2·7–4·9μm, 1·3–2·7μm, 0·6–1·3μm, 0·6μm), with a cascade impactor mounted on top of a high volume sampler. The different fractions were tested for the presence of grass‐pollen allergenic activity using a RAST‐inhibition assay: specific IgE‐antibody‐containing patient serum was applied on the particle‐loaded impaction strips, and the serum was recovered by descending elution for further analysis in the RAST. Simultaneously, continuous measurements were made of the airborne grass‐pollen concentration using a volumetric pollen trap. Sampling observations lasting 7–9 hr during a period with relatively high airborne grass‐pollen concentrations showed reliably detectable amounts of grass‐pollen allergen, not only in the first impaction stage where intact pollen were collected, but also in the lower stages collecting the smaller, paucimicronic and submicron atmospheric aerosol fraction. It is evident that this result has serious implications for the understanding of the bronchial symptoms frequently seen in hay fever patients on days with high pollen concentrations in the air.
Natural anti‐IgE auto‐antibodies interfere with diagnostic IgE determination
Authors: VASSELLA CLAUDIA C. , DE WECK A. L. , STADLER B. M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryA simple method is described which enables measurement of anti‐IgE antibodies in free form as well as in immune complexes of IgE and anti‐IgE. Anti‐IgE antibodies were purified from serum of one selected blood donor with highly elevated levels of such auto‐antibodies. These purified anti‐IgE auto‐antibodies inhibited the measurement of myeloma IgE. Purification also revealed that 98% of the subject's serum IgE was masked by anti‐IgE auto‐antibodies. Our data suggest that IgE determinations in sera containing anti‐IgE antibodies might be underestimated.
Salicylate pre‐treatment attenuates intensity of bronchial and nasal symptoms precipitated by aspirin in aspirin‐intolerant patients
Authors: NIZANKOWSKA E. , DWORSKI R. , SOJA J. , SZCZEKLIK A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAspirin (ASA) and other non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, which are cyclo‐oxygenase (COX) inhibitors, precipitate asthmatic attacks in ASA‐intolerant patients, while sodium salicylate, hardly active on COX by itself, is well tolerated by these patients. However, salicylate moiety appears to interfere with aspirin inhibitory action on platelets and vascular COX. Such interaction, if present at the level of respiratory tract, may be of interest to pathogenesis of ASA‐induced asthma.We performed a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized cross‐over study on the effect of choline magnesium trisalicylate (CMT, trilisate) pre‐treatment on ASA‐induced adverse reactions in nine patients. Pulmonary function tests, nasal symptoms score, PNIF and serum salicylate levels were monitored following challenges with threshold doses of ASA. Trilisate administered at a dose of 3000 mg daily for 3 days, offered a moderate protection against ASA‐induced symptoms; it diminished the severity and/or delayed the appearance of FEV1 fall. Maximal decreases in FEV1 as well as reaction intensity indexes were significantly lower (P < 0·02 and P < 0·002, respectively) after trilisate pre‐treatment as compared to placebo. Trilisate also attenuated nasal symptoms in three out of five patients. Although the precise mechanism of the protective action of trilisate is unknown, our data support the possibility of interaction between salicylate and ASA on cyclo‐oxygenase locus in the respiratory tract in ASA‐intolerant patients.
The inflammatory response in asthma exacerbation: changes in circulating eosinophils, basophils and their progenitors
Authors: GIBSON P. G. , DOLOVICH J. , GIRGIS‐GABARDO A. , MORRIS M. M. , ANDERSON M. , HARGREAVE F. E. , DENBURG J. A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryCirculating eosinophils, basophils and eosinophil/basophil (Eo/B) progenitors were examined in 12 patients at the time of an exacerbation of asthma accompanied by sputum eosinophilia and after resolution of the exacerbation with inhaled corticosteroid treatment. Differential counts were performed and peripheral blood non‐adherent mononuclear cells were cultured for 14 days in methyl‐cellulose to determine the number of Eo/B and granulocyte‐macrophage (GM) colonies without knowledge of the clinical conditions or findings. With resolution of the asthma exacerbation on beclomethasone therapy, there were significant falls in circulating eosinophils, basophils and Eo/B colonies whereas GM colonies were unchanged. To elucidate whether the observed changes could be due to systemic absorption or local action of inhaled corticosteroid, seven subjects with allergic rhinitis and no current evidence of lower airway inflammation (no symptoms of asthma and normal methacholine airway responsiveness) received 14 days' treatment with the same dose of inhaled beclomethasone or of placebo in a double‐blind randomized cross‐over study. No significant changes in airway function or in circulating cell counts were observed. The results suggest reduced production of eosinophils and basophils after the resolution of an exacerbation of asthma. This effect may be due to reduced levels of airway‐derived eosinophil‐basophil growth and differentiation factors.