bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of the stability of diluted allergen extracts using a concentration step prior to EAST inhibition
Authors: NIEMEIJER N. R. , MEIJER G. , KAUFFMAN H. F. , DE MONCHY J. G. R. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Generally the stability of diluted allergen extracts, as used for skin testing, provocation testing und immunotherapy can not be tneasured using a normal enzyme allergosorbent test (EAST) inhibition method.Objective
The aim of this study was to determine the stability of diluted allergen extracts using an ultrafiltration step prior to the standard EAST inhibition procedure, in which the allergen extract was concentrated 100‐fold.Methods
This eoncentration procedure was validated for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, timothy pollen, birch pollen and cat dander extraets and used in a stability study in which three batches were stored for 1 year al 6° C and 25° C.Results
There was no difference in relative potency before and after concentration of birch and timothy pollen extracts. D. pteronyssinus and cat dander extracts showed a significant decrease of 25% and 35% of the relative potency after concentration. The mean coeffieient of variation of 12 determinations of the stability study was 11.8%.Conclusion
For all allergens the 30BU/mL or approximately 0.00025 mg/mL solution was stable for 12 months at both temperatures, except for D. pteronyssinus which declined rapidly at 25°C.
Airway hyperresponsiveness to acetylcholine induced by aerosolized arachidonic acid metabolites in guinea‐pigs
Authors: SATO T. , IWAMA T. , SHIKADA K. , TANAKA S. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground and objective
To investigate the role of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites in airway hypersensitivity.Method
We studied the change in airway responsiveness to acetylcholine (ACh) after inhalation of some AA metabolites in guinea‐pigs.Results
Exposure to prostaglandin (PG) D2, thromboxane (TX) A2 mimetic U‐46619, leukotriene (LT) D4 or LTE4 at concentrations which did not influence bronchial tone and blood pressure dose‐dependently caused airway hyperresponsiveness. However, the change was not observed after challenge with a high concentration of PGF2α Furthermore, PGD2 and U‐46619 induced an acute and short‐lived increase in responsiveness, while LTD4 and LTE4 induced a slow‐onset and longer‐lived increase. In the tachyphyiaxis study, although the tachyphylaxis for airway hyperresponsiveness provoked by PGD2 and U‐46619 was not observed, airway hyperresponsiveness induced by the second LTD4 tended to decrease, and the second LTE4‐induced airway hyperresponsiveness obviously diminished. In the study using antagonists and inhibitors, TX‐receptor antagonist BM‐13177 inhibited PGD2‐ and U‐46619‐, but not LTD4‐ and LTE4‐induced airway hyperresponsiveness. TX synthase inhibitor OKY‐046 had no effect on PGD2‐, U‐46619‐ and LTD4‐induced airway hyperresponsiveness, while LTE4‐induced airway hyperresponsiveness tended to be inhibited by these inhibitors. However, the LT‐receptor antagonist ONO‐1078 inhibited both LTD4‐ and LTE4‐, but not PGD2‐ or U‐46619‐induced airway hyperresponsiveness. 5‐lipoxygenase inhibitor AA‐861 tended to prevent LTE4‐induced airway hyperresponsiveness, but had no effect on PGD2‐, U‐46619‐ and LTD4‐induced enhanced responses.Conclusion
These findings indicate that the local existence of PGD2, TXA2, LTD4 and LTE4 in the guinea‐pig airway may act as an airway hyperresponsiveness‐ inducing factor rather than as a bronchoconstrictor. In addition, PGD2/U‐46619 may stimulate the TX receptor to induce an acute and short‐lived airway hyperresponsiveness, and LTD4 and LTE4, which may involve secondary mediator release, may act at the LT receptor to induce a slow‐onset and longer‐lived airway hyperresponsiveness, which may be associated with the induction, the development and the long duration of airway hyperreactivity.
Oxygen radical production by blood eosinophils is reduced during birch pollen season in allergic patients
Authors: WOSCHNAGG C. , RAK S. , VENGE P. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
The eosinophil granulocyte takes part in allergic inflammatory diseases, like asthma and rhinitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the oxidative metabolism of the blood eosinophils and neutrophils from birch pollen allergic patients, during and after exposure to their allergen.Methods
Thirteen birch pollen allergic patients, with seasonal symptoms of rhinitis, with or without asthma, were followed. The cells were purified using a percoll gradient and the MACS system. The eosinophil purity in all samples was >95%. The oxidative metabolism of both the PMN and the eosinophils was measured by means of a chemiluminescenee (CL) assay, with luminol or lucigenin as the amplifier, and using PMA (16nM) as the activator.Results
In relative terms, the lucigenin CL by the eosinophils was 5‐10‐foId higher than that of the PMN, P= 0.002. The eosinophils of the birch pollen allergic patients produced less oxygen radicals during the season, compared to the reference group, measured both with luminol CL and lucigenin CL, P=0.01 and P= 0.02 respectively. Out of season, there was no difference. There was also no difference, during either period, between patients and references in PMN CL. Separating the eosinophils into hypodense and normodense fractions, showed a decreased oxidative metabolism by the hydrodense eosinophils.Conclusion
We conclude that the eosinophils of birch pollen allergic patients have reduced production of oxygen radicals when the patients are exposed to their allergen, which could depend on higher amounts of hypodense eosinophils in the blood during season.
Specific T cell lines for ovalbumin, ovomucoid, lysozyme and two OA synthetic epitopes, generated from egg allergic patients' PBMC
Authors: HOLEN E. , ELSAYED S. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Proteitis of hen egg white are common ingredients of food and difficult to eliminate. Allergens of egg while induce allergic symptoms among relatively high numbers of palients suffering from food allergy. B cell epitopes to hen egg white tnajor allergens have been reported. Considering that IgE antibody formation is mostly T cell dependent, the study of T cell epitopes is essential for both T cell dependent and independent IgE response.Objectives
Little information on T cell epitopes recognizing food allergens has been reported. T cell responses to hen egg white allergens and two synthetic OA peptides located at amino acid residues No. 105–122 and 323–339 were investigated.Methods
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from hen egg allergic patients were investigated. Various allergens of hen egg white were used for stimulation. Primary proliferation responses were detected followed by the generation of long‐term cultures which were examined for their specificity, phenotype, cytokine profile and IgE production. The allergen specific T cell lines were mapped using a panel of 13 synthetic peptides of ovalbumin.Results
Human T cells recognizing ovomucoid, lysozyme and ovalbumin epitope 105–122 are reported for the first time. The cell lines were enriched CD4+/CD8+ T cells (CD2+ 95%). Ovomucoid and ovalbumin induced IgE synthesis by a small fraction of B cells (1%) present in the ovalbumin and ovomucoid specific T cell lines.Conclusions
Human T cells recognized several egg white allergens and epitopes within the ovalbumin molecule. Specific IgE was produced in cultures stimulated with ovalbumin and ovomucoid. OA peptides 105–122 and 323–339 have no affinity to the specific IgE of the two patients; an observation which could be of particular interest regarding the mechanisms of peptide‐based immunotherapy.
Ethanol metabolite acetic acid as causative agent for type‐I hypersensitivity‐like reactions to alcohohc beverages
Authors: BOEHNCKE W.‐H. , GALL H. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Adverse reactions to alcoholic beverages are common and more frequently mediated by immunological mechanisms than previously thought.Objective
To elucidate relevant allergens in this context we studied patients with an informative medical history.Methods
This report describes a comprehensive allergological approach in a patient exhibiting type‐I hypersensitivity‐like reactions towards beverages and medication containing alcohol, and salad dressings with acetic acid.Results
The ethanol metabolite acetic acid was found to yield positive prick test results in concentrations not eliciting reactions in healthy and atopic controls.Conclusion
Among other ethanol metabolites, acetic acid is a potential allergen in the context of hypersensitivity towards alcoholic beverages.
Nasal polyps: medical or surgical management?
Authors: HOLMBERG K. , KARLSSON G. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryNasal polyposis is considered to be a non‐IgE‐mediated inflammatory condition of the nose and sinuses, often associated with chronic non‐allergic rhinitis, aspirin intolerance and non‐allergic asthma. The aetiology of nasal polyposis is unknown. The main symptoms are nasal obstruction and disturbance of the sense of smell. Occlusion of the nasal passage by a few large polyps could be treated by simple polypectomy to help lhe patient breathe through the nose. Polypectomyper sedoes not worsen asthma. Other surgical procedures can be performed, depending on the degree of the disease. The aim of surgery is to restore the physiological properties of the nose by making the nose as free from polyps as possible. and to allow drainage of infected sinuses. Complementary medical treatment of polyphonies is always necessary, as surgery cannot treat the inflammatory component of the mucosal disease. In this respect, topical corticosteroids have long been the drugs of choice to reduce the size of polyps, to prevent recurrence after surgery, and are often the main treatment for the disease in many patients. Fluticasone propionate has now been shown to be at least as effective as beclomethasone dipropionate as a medical tool in the management of polyposis. Short‐term treatment with systemic corticosteroids is an alternative method of inducing remission and controlling nasal polyps. However, in mosl patients with nasal polyps, treatment consists of both medical and surgical management.
House dust mite immunotherapy results in a decrease in Der p 2‐specific IFN‐γ and IL‐4 expression by circulating T lymphocytes
Authors: O'BRIEN R. M. , BYRON K. A. , VARIGOS G. A. , THOMAS W. R. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground Allergen‐specific immunolherapy (IT) can be an important adjunctive therapy in the treatment of allergic disorders. Although it has now been used for over 80 yr. the precise mechanism of action remains unclear. Recently a number of studies have shown that cytokine production may be modified by IT, but different protocols have been used and different results obtained.Objectives The aims of the present study were: (1) lo document the allergen‐specific expression of intcrleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) by peripheral blood cells in both untreated house dust mite (HDM) allergic patients(non‐lT) and following at least 10 months of HDM‐specific IT (post‐IT); and (2) to determine whether alterations in these critical regulatory cytokines correlated with the clinical outcome of IT.Methods IT was undertaken with nine fortnightly subcutaneous injections of increasing amounts of a Dertnatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dpt) extract, reaching a final dose of 10000 PNU. This was followed by 6‐ to 8‐monthly maintenance injections of 5000 PNU. For cytokine measurement, mononuclear cells were separated from peripheral blood and stimulated with the major Dpt allergen, Der p 2. for 18 h, after which mRNA was isolated and IL‐4 and IFN‐γ cDNA were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The presence of the particular cytokine was determined by visualization following clcctrophoresis on an agarose gel. The study was observational in nature being open and without a placebo group.Results Fifteen Dpt‐sensitive patients who had not received HDM IT (non‐IT), and 16 who had, were studied. In the non‐IT group. 80% expressed IL‐4 and 75% expressed IFN‐γ. In those post‐IT, only 12.5% expressed IL‐4 and 19% IFN‐γ. The two patients still expressing IL‐4 post‐IT had had very little clinical response. Six patients were studied both pre‐ and post‐IT. Prior to IT, three were positive for both cytokines, two positive for IL‐4 alone and one for IFN‐γ. Post‐IT, all six were negative for IL‐4 and five were negative for IFN‐γ.Conclusion Allergen‐specific IT results in a reduction in expression of the critical eytokines IL‐4 and IFN‐γ in circulating lymphocytes. It is possible that this is a contributary mechanism in the beneficial effect of IT.
Feather mites are potentially an important source of allergens for pigeon and budgerigar keepers
Authors: COLLOFF M. J. , MERRETT T. G. , MERRETT J. , McSHARRY C. , BOYD G. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackgroundPrevious studies on allergy to feathers have not adddressed whether orgatiisms living on feathers (mites. lice, moulds) are a source of allergens.ObjectiveTo investigate whether feather mites produced allergens of clinical relevance to bird keepers.MethodsWe examined serum IgE responses of 96 pigeon breeders to an extract of feather mites from pigeons (predominantlyDiplaegidia columbae). using Western blotting, specific IgE assay using AlaSTAT EIA and RAST inhibition.ResultsFeather mites are a major source of soluble proteins derived from feathers, accounting for up to 10% of the total weight of the feather. Forty‐three sera had a negative score (0) for anti‐feather mite IgE. 27 were weakly positive (1–2) and 26 had strongly positive scores (3–4). Fewer pigeon breeders with scores ± 3 were asymptomatic than those with negative scores (12 versus 40%). more had late onset symptoms (with or without early onset symptoms; 77% versus 44%) and had IgE antibody against house dust mite (89% versus 23%). Western blotting of eight sera against the extract ofDiplaegidia columbaerevealed 20 IgE‐binding components ranging from 22 to 200 kDa. A high diversity of components was recognized by each serum: arithmetic mean 7 (range 2 14). RAST inhibition indicated feather mites had species‐specific epitopes as well as ones that cross‐reacted withDermatophagoides pteronyssinus.ConclusionStrongly‐positive AlaSTAT scores to pigeon leather mite were associated with allergic symptoms of late onset in pigeon breeders. We conclude that feather mites are a major source of clinically‐relevant allergens for pigeon breeders.
Detection of snow‐crab antigens by air sampling of a snow‐crab production plant
Authors: MALO J.‐L. , CHRÉTIEN P. , MCCANTS M. , LEHRER S. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground and objective We previously assessed the prevalence of occupational asthtna (OA) to snow‐crab in production plant workers. We also showed that this type of OA is related to immediate immunological reactivity as demonstrated by skin reactivity and increased specific IgE antibodies. However, we did not show that snow‐crab antigens causing immunological reactivity and OA could be found in the air sampling in the plants atmosphere. This was the purpose of the current work. Material and methods Area air samples worn by workers at four different worksites of a snow‐crab producing plant were obtained on PVC filters with an SKC pump run at 1.5 L/min for 2h. Snow‐crab was being boiled and processed during the air sampling periods. Filters were analysed by RAST inhibition in a blind manner (i.e. without knowledge of the worksite where the filter originated).Results Eluate from one of the four sites (#2) had the highest protein concentration and yielded the highest per cent inhibition of RAST — 13% inhibition with the snow‐crab meat, 23% and 28% inhibition with the snow crab water RAST in two separate assays. An eluate taken from a filter at another site (#1) showed borderline reactivity (1% and 10% inhibition in two assays) whereas the two other ones and a control filter were negative. The two filters that contained snow‐crab proteins were the ones nearest the boiling process, site #2 being the nearest followed by site #1. It was estimated that a 28% inhibition corresponded to ∼8.6 μg of proteins and to ∼1.5 μg of allergens on the filter.Conclusion This study suggests that airborne snow‐crab‐derived proteins, released during the boiling process, arc the cause of immunological reactivity and of OA to snow‐crab.
IgE antibodies to protein and mannan antigens of pityrosporum ovale in atopic dermatitis patients
Authors: LINTU P. , SAVOLAINEN J. , KALIMO K. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground Pityrosporum ovale is a common saprophyte on the skin capable of inducing IgE antibody production in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients. Allergens ofP. ovale have been examined in several studies, but consensus on them is lacking.Objective This study was carried out to obtain more information about the IgE antibody response against P. ovale. including niunnun.Methods Sera from 64 AD patients and 10 healthy controls were analysed with immuno‐blotting and the nitrocellulose radio allergosorbent test (RAST) method specifically developed to detect antimannan P. ovale IgE antibodies.Results In immunoblotting a total of 39 different IgE stained protein bands were seen. A high molecular weight staining was also seen especially in patients who displayed elevated mannan P. ovale RAST values. The most commonly stained protein bands in immunoblotting were 9 and 96 kD bands with antibodies in 73 and 65% of AD patients who had been positive in commercial P. orbiculare RAST with total serum IgE less than 4000 kU/I. Mannan RAST appeared positive in 77% of them. Positive immunoblotting to either of these bands was seen in 90% and, if added with staining with ihe 20 kD band, in 100% of these AD patients. A comhination of 9 kD IgE staining and mannan P. ovale RAST was positive in 92% of the patients and % kD and mannan P. ovale RAST in 85% of the patients. Conclusion It is evident that P. ovale has several allergens, the 9. 96 and 20 kD regions being the most important. According to our results mannan is also an important allegen of P. ovale
The inhibitory effect of TMK688, a novel anti‐allergic drug having both 5‐lipoxygenase inhibitory activity and anti‐histamine activity, against bronchoconstriction, leukotriene production and inflammatory cell infiltration in sensitized guinea pigs
Authors: TOHDA Y. , NAKAJIMA S. , SHIZAWA T. , MAEDA KAZUHA , OHMORI S. , SATOH H. , ISHII T. , KAMITANI T. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground TMK688 is being developed as ati anti‐allergic drug having both 5‐lipoxygenasc inhibitory activity atid anti‐histaminc activity.Method We compared the inhibition ol the late asthmatic rcsponses by TMK688 with that by other anti‐allergic agents in actively sensitized guinea pigs, and examined the relationship between 5‐lipoxygetiase inhibition and the late asthmatic responsesResults At 1–3.2 mg/kg, TMK688 inhibited the increases in respiratory resistance, leukotriene (LT) B4 and C4 production in the lungs and eosinophil infiltralion into the alveoli during the late asthmatic response, whereas the eliects tended to lessen at the dose of 10mg/kg. These effects are thought to be caused by the 5‐lipoxygenase inhibitory activity of TMK688 because Azelastine. an anti‐allergic drug having potent antihistamine activity, exhibited no effect. ONO‐1078. a peptide LT antagonist. inhibited the late‐phase bronchoconstriction at a dose of 100mg/kg p.o., but not the increase in the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the alveoli, suggesting that the late‐phase bronchoconstriction is induced, in part, by peptide LTs, i.e. LT C4, D4 and E4 atid that the inflammatory cell infiltration may be caused by LTB4, TMK688 inhibited the immediate bronchoconstriction dose‐dependently, and the effect was significant at a dose of 10mg/kg orally. Since Azelastine, Ketotifen and Oxatomide suppressed the bronchoconstriction at far lower doses than did TMK688, the inhibitory effect was mainly caused by its antihistamine activity.Conclusions TMK688 appears to be a novel anti‐allergic drug having inhibitory effects on both the bronchoconstriction and the infiltration of inflatnmutory cells during late asthmatic responses.
The lymphocyte transformation test for the diagnosis of drug allergy: sensitivity and specificity
Authors: NYFELER B. , PICHLER W.J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground The diagnosis of a drag allergy is mainly based upon a very detailed history and the clinical findings. In addition, several in vitro or in vivo tests can be performed to demonstrate a sensitization to a certain drug. One of the in vitro tests is the lymphocyte transformation test (LTT), which can reveal a sensitization of T‐cells by an enhanced proliferative response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to a certain drag.Objective To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the LTT, 923 case histories of patients with suspected drag allergy in whom a LTT was performed were retrospectively analysed.Methods Based on the history and provocation tests, the probability (P) of a drag allergy was estimated to be >0.9, 0.5–0.9, 0.1–0.5 or <0.1, and was put in relation to a positive or negative LTT.Results Seventy‐eight of 100 patients with a very likely drag allergy (P<0.9) had a positive LTT, which indicates a sensitivity of 78%. If allergies to betalactam‐antibiotics were analysed separately, the sensitivity was 74.4%. Fifteen of 102 patients where a classical drag allergy could be excluded (P<0.1), had nevertheless a positive LTT (specificity thus 85%). The majority of these cases were classified as so‐called pseudoallergic reaction to NSAIDs. Patients with a clear history and clinical findings for a cotrimoxazole‐related allergy, all had a positive LTT (6/6), and in patients who reacted to drags containing proteins, sensitization could be demonstrated as well (i.e. hen's egg lysozyme, 7/7). In 632 of the 923 cases, skin tests were also performed (scratch and/or epicutaneous), for which we found a lower sensitivity than for the LTT (64%), while the specificity was the same (85%).Conclusion Although our data are somewhat biased by the high number of penicillin allergies and cannot be generalized to drag allergies caused by other compounds, we conclude that the LTT is a useful diagnostic test in drag allergies, able to support the diagnosis of a drag allergy and to pinpoint the relevant drag.