bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Localization of antigenic sites on Der p 2 using oligonucleotide‐directed mutagenesis targeted to predicted surface residues
Authors: SMITH A. M. , CHAPMAN M. D. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground Understanding the molecular nature of allergen‐antibody interactions is important to understanding the mechanism of conventional immunotherapy as well as to designing alternative immunotherapeutic strategies. Many important allergens have been cloned and expressed, making it possible to apply recombinant DNA techniques to dissect antigenic determinants.Objective The aim of this study was to use predictive algorithms and site‐directed mutagenesis to investigate monoclonal antibody and IgE antibody epitopes of the major house dust mite allergen Der p 2.Methods Computer algorithms were used to assess the primary amino acid sequence of Der p 2 and to identify regions of hydrophilic and flexible sequence. Subsequently, site‐ directed mutagenesis was used to generate amino acid substitutions at hydrophilic residues at positions 44–46 and at position 100. The variants were tested in a competitive inhibition EL1SA with four group 2‐specific murine monoclonal antibodies and with human IgE antibody from mite allergic patients.Results Conservative amino acid substitutions at position 44–46 did not distinguish IgE antibody epitopes. but did suggest that these residues are involved in the epitope defined by one monoclonal antibody, 15E11. Non‐conservative substitution of proline at this position reduced binding to all four monoclonal antibodies, as well as IgE antibody, by 50–80%. Point mutants at position 100 mapped the epitopes of two monoclonal antibodies. 7A1 and I3A4, previously shown to bind the same region of Der p 2. In addition, the two variants tested at this position showed distinct inhibition curves with these two monoclonal antibodies indicating differences in fine specificity.Conclusions Using predictive algorithms, in the absence of tertiary structural information, we have been able to localize important B cell determinants on Der p 2. The results suggest that it is possible to modulate antibody recognition of allergens using site‐directed mutagenesis and that this approach may provide a new strategy for allergen specific immunotherapy.
Cetirizine treatment of rhinitis in children with pollen allergy: evidence of its antiallergic activity
Authors: CIPRANDI G. , TOSCA M. , RICCA V. , PASSALACQUA G. , RICCTO A. M. , BAGNASCO M. , CANONICA G. W. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Cetirizine is an antihistamine, largely used in the treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, which also exerts anti‐allergic activity.Objectives
To evaluate cetirizine as treatment for children with rhinitis due to pollen allergy, and to evaluate its anti‐allergic activity in such a clinical condition.Methods
The study was designed as parallel groups, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized. Twenty allergic children were enroled and subdivided in two groups, receiving a 4 week treatment during the pollen season. The following parameters were monitored: clinical symptoms evaluated by the allergist before and after treatment and by the patients through a daily diary card, inflammatory cells count, expression of ICAM‐1 on nasal epithelial cells, inflammatory mediator levels in nasal Iavage and peripheral blood before and after treatment, and pollen counts.Results
This study shows that cetirizine treatment is able to reduce: clinical symptoms (P < 0.01), inflammatory cell infiltrate (P < 0.03), ICAM‐1 expression on epithelial cells (P < 0.05), and soluble ICAM‐1 (P < 0.05) and ECP (P < 0.05) in nasal lavage.Conclusion
Cetirizine is able to clinically improve nasal symptoms due to pollen allergy and to reduce allergic inflammation, which is related to allergen exposure.
Seasonal differences in airway hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic patients: relationship with allergen exposure and sensitization to house dust mites
Authors: VAN DER HEIDE S. , DE MONCHY J. G. R. , DE VRIES K. , DUBOIS A. E. J. , KAUFFMAN H. F. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground The degree of airway hyperresponsiveness in allergic asthmatic patients may be influenced by changes in environmental exposure to inhalant allergens.Objective This study investigates the relationship between seasonal changes in exposure to house dust mite (HDM) allergens and non‐specific airway hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic patients with multiple sensitizations to inhaled allergens.Methods In 43 asthmatic patients sensitized to several inhalant allergens, lung function (FEV1), airway hyperresponsiveness (PC20 histamine), serum total IgE, house dust mite (HDM) specific IgE and number of peripheral blood eosinophils were measured during autumn 1990 (September‐November) and spring 1991 (March—May). During each season. floor dust samples were collected twice from living‐ and bedrooms and the concentration of the HDM allergens Der p 1 and Der p 2 determined.Results More severe airway hyperresponsiveness (lower PC20 histamine) during autumn was only found in patients sensitized to HDM(n= 32; autumn: 2.05mg/mL, spring: 4.51mg/mL (geometric means), P <0.0 1), whereas in patients not sensitized to HDM (n= 11) similar values were observed in both seasons (3.44 and 4.52 mg/mL. respectively, P= 0.56). More severe airway hyperresponsiveness of HDM sensitized patients in autumn was significantly associated with higher Der p 1 concentrations in floor dust. Aside from airway hyperresponsiveness, seasonal changes in serum total IgE and number of peripheral blood eosinophils were seen in patients sensitized to HDM,Conclusions In allergic asthmatic patients, airway hyperresponsiveness may increase during autumn, depending on sensitization to HDM and an increase of exposure to HDM allergen.
Occupational allergy in greenhouse workers: sensitization to Tetranychus urticae
Authors: DELGADO J. , ORTA J. C. , NAVARRO A. M. , CONDE J. , MARTÍNEZ A. , MARTINEZ J. , PALACIOS R. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground Tetranychus urticae (TU) is a macroscopic mite which is found infesting a large number of plants of economic interest. It has rarely been described as a cause of occupational allergic disease in agricultural workers.Objective To describe TU sensitization in greenhouse workers attending the outpatient allergy unit and its clinical associations, and to characterize the allergens involved. Materials and methods Twenty‐four consecutive carnation greenhouse workers with allergy‐related symptoms, referred to our outpatient clinic during a 6‐month period, were included. We made the diagnostic extract from carnation leaves heavily infested with TU. Skin‐prick test, specific IgE measurement and bronchial provocation test with TU extract were carried out in all subjects. Allergen characterization was achieved by SDS‐PAGE (sodium dodecylsulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) and immunoblottingResults Sixteen patients (66%) presented positive skin‐prick test and specific IgE and were diagnosed allergic to TU. Fifteen patients suffered from bronchial asthma, 14 rhinitis and five urticaria. Twelve exibited positive bronchial provocation test to the TU extract. On RAST‐inhibition studies, there was no evidence of crossreactivity between TU extract and D. pteronyssinus. An allergen at 19 kDa was determined in the TU extract by SDS‐PAGE immunoblotting studies.Conclusion TU could be an important occupational allergen in greenhouse workers showing allergic symptomatology. There is no crossreactivity between this mite and the house dust mite D. pteronyssinus.
Molecular cloning and expression of a Penicillium citrinum allergen with sequence homology and antigenic crossreactivity to a hsp 70 human heat shock protein
Authors: SHEN H.‐D. , AU L.‐C. , LIN W.‐L. , LIAW S.‐F. , TSAI J.‐J. , HAN S.‐H. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground Penicillium citrinum has been identified as the most prevalent airborne Penicillium species in the Taipei area. However, detailed studies on allergens of this ubiquitous Penicillium species are still lacking.Objective For the characterization of allergens of this prevalent Penicillium species, molecular cloning and expression of the allergen genes of P. citrinum were performed in the present study.Methods Molecular cloning of the allergen genes was performed by using a λUni‐Zap XR cDNA library of P. citrinum and serum from an asthmatic patient. The cloned cDNA was excised from the phage vector as a recombinant pBluescript phagemid and sequenced. The cDNA of the IgE‐binding clone was expressed as fusion protein with the gultathione‐S‐transferase. The corresponding natural allergen was analysed by absorption immunoblotting using monoclonal antibody and serum from asthmatic patient. The frequency of IgE‐binding to the allergen cloned was analysed by dot immunoassay using recombinant allergen and by immunoblotting using the whole extract of P. citrinum.Results In the screening of cDNA library of P. citrinum using serum from an asthmatic patient, IgE‐binding cDNA clones designated SC4 and XL were obtained. The 5′‐truncated, 0.7‐kb and 1.7‐kb cDNA inserts of clones SC4 and XL contained open reading frames of 163 and 503 amino acids, respectively. On alignment, the deduced amino acid sequences showed that 97 (60%) of the 163 amino acids and 376 (75%) of the 503 amino acids were identical to the corresponding amino acid sequence of the human heat shock protein in the hsp70 family. Both recombinant SC4 and XL showed positive SDS‐PAGE‐immunoblot reactivity to a monoclonal antibody MA3‐006 against the human hsp 70 protein. For characterization of the corresponding natural allergen, immunoblotting reactivities of MA3–006 and IgE antibodies to the 70kDa component of P. citrinum have been shown to be disappeared after absorption of these antibodies with the recombinant SC4 protein. Sera from 14 (41%) of 34 Penicillium‐allergic patients showed IgE‐binding to the recombinant XL protein and the 70kDa component in the extract of P. citrinum.Conclusion Results obtained suggest that hsp 70 is an allergen of P. citrinum and that clones SC4 and XL contain partial cDNAs of this allergen gene.
Effects of JTV‐506, a new K+ channel activator, on airway smooth muscle contraction and systemic blood pressure
Authors: ANDO T. , KUME H. , URATA Y. , TAKAGI K. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground ATP‐sensitive K+ (KATP) channel activators produce relaxation of smooth muscle in many tissues. However, this wide range of effects restricts their clinical usefulness in bronchial asthma because of a reduction in systemic blood pressure.Methods We have now examined the effects of JTV‐506, a new benzopyran derivative, on airway smooth muscle contraction and systemic blood pressure and have compared this compound with cromakalim. We measured isometric tension records from guinea‐pig isolated trachea, as well as the respiratory resistance (Rrs) and systemic blood pressure in anesthetized guinea‐pigs.Results JTV‐506 caused a concentration‐dependent inhibition of histamine‐induced contraction in guinea‐pig isolated tracheal smooth muscle, and was antagonized by glibenclamide. JTV‐506 was 7.6‐fold more potent than cromakalim. In anesthetized animals the intravenous injection of JTV‐506 reduced the increase in Rrs induced by intravenous application of 5 μg/kg of histamine in a dose‐dependent manner, 10μ/kg of JTV‐506 resulted in 57.0 17.9% inhibition of the increase in Rrs at 10 min. The inhibitory action on Rrs disappeared after 60 min. 10μg/kg of cromakalim caused 25.4 ± 5.8% inhibition of the increase in Rrs induced by histamine at 1 min. The ED50 values for JTV‐506 and cromakalim were 6.7 ± 3.5μg/kg and 60.1 ± 15.8μg/kg, respectively (P<0.05). Cromakalim was ± 9‐fold less potent in inhibiting the increased Rrs by histamine. and the inhibitory action lasted less than 10 min. The reduction of systemic blood pressure by JTV‐506 and cromakalim (each at a dose of 10μg/kg iv) was 11.3% and 21.5%, respectivelyConclusion JTV‐506 inhibits histamine‐induced contraction of tracheal smooth muscle by activation of KATP channels. This compound is more potent and longer‐lasting in the suppression of histamine‐induced increases in Rrs, and is less hypotensive than cromakalim. Our results suggest that this compound merits further investigation for utility as a bronchodilator in the clinic.
Clinical efficacy of specific immunotherapy to cat dander: a double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: VARNEY V.A. , EDWARDS J. , TABBAH K. , BREWSTER H. , MAVROLEON G. , FREW A. J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryObjectives
To assess the efficacy of specific immunotherapy with standardized cat dander extract, using objective endpoints and simulated ‘natural’ exposure to cats.Design
Double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study carried out at a UK Allergy research clinic.Subjects
Twenty‐eight patients with moderate to severe allergic rhinoconjunctivitis with asthma due to cat allergy. Subjects were stratified for cat sensitivity, cat ownership and asthma, and the groups were well matched for all relevant parameters.Main outcome measures
Symptom scores and peak flow rate during and after exposure to cats in a cat‐room. Skin tests and conjunctival provocation thresholds.Results
The actively treated group showed a marked reduction in symptoms during the cat exposure (mean score 61.6–17.1; P < 0.001) with no change in the placebo group (64.7 vs 62.1). The active group also showed a reduced peak flow response to cat exposure (mean fall of 85L/min pretreatment, 29L/min after treatment, P < 0.005) as well as reductions in conjunctival provocation sensitivity, skin sensitivity to cat extract and skin sensitivity to house dust mite (D. pteronyssinus). Skin reactivity to histamine and codeine were unaltered. No significant adverse reactions were encountered.Conclusions
Specific immunotherapy seems to be an effective treatment for cat allergy. Allergy to cats is common and often poorly controlled on conventional pharmacotherapy. Although cat allergy has not traditionally been considered as a valid indication for immunotherapy in the UK, it should now be considered as a legitimate treatment, especially for those who are unable to avoid exposure.
Skin test and crossreactivity studies with Euroglyphus maynei and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus
Authors: KEMP S. F. , LOCKEY R. F. , FFRNÁNDFZ‐CALDAS E. , ARLIAN L. G. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
The prevalence of sensitization to Euroglyphus maynei (E. maynei) in the United States has not been reported previously.Objectives
To determine: (l) the prevalence of skin‐test reactivity in allergic subjects to E. maynei compared to D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae, and B. tropicalis and (2) the allergenic crossreactivity between D. pteronyssinus and E. maynei.Methods
Skin testing with extracts of B. tropicalis and E. maynei (1:50 w/v) and standardized D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae extracts (1:50 w/v; 10000 AU/mL) provided data on 250 subjects (87 males and 163 females) aged 9–77 years (mean age, 39.8 years) with possible allergic respiratory diseases. RAST inhibition assays were used to study crossreactivity between D. pteronyssinus and E. maynei.Results
One hundred (40%) of 250 subjects had insignificant or no allergic diseases. Of the 150 allergic subjects (53 males, 97 females), 101 (67.3%) had a positive test (a percutaneous test with a weal diameter ≥ 3 mm larger than the saline control) to at least one mite species; 60.7%, 60.0%, 28.7%, and 52.0% reacted to D. farinae, D. pteronyssinus, B. tropicalis, and E. maynei, respectively; 40(26.7%) reacted to the four mite species. Positive tests to D. farinae, D. pteronyssinus, B. tropicalis, or E. maynei alone occurred in six (4.0%), four (2.7%), two (1.3%), and 0%, respectively. D. pteronyssinus and E. maynei showed moderately high crossreactivity in RAST inhibition assays.Conclusion
There is a high rate of skin‐test reactivity to E. maynei in Florida. Moderately high crossreactivity exists between E. maynei and D. pteronyssinus.
Quantification in mass units of Bet v 1, the main allergen of Betula verrucosa pollen, by a monoclonal antibody based‐ELISA
Authors: RAMÍREZ J. , CARPIZO J. A. , IPSEN H. , CARREIRA J. , LOMBARDERO M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Fagales pollens are considered among the main agents responsible for allergic diseases in many countries of the northern hemisphere and single major allergens have been shown to be responsible for these responses.Objective
To develop a solid phase immunoassay for the quantification of Bet v I, the main allergen from Betula verrucosa (birch), and to assess its suitability for quantitating the equivalent major allergen in other Fagales species as well.Methods
The assay is based on the use of two different anti‐Bet v 1 monoclonal antibodies which were immobilized on the solid phase and. as a primary standard, affinity purified Bet v 1, the protein content of which was determined by amino acid analysis.Results
The ELISA proved to measure less than 0.2 ng/mL of Bet v 1 with a practical range of 0.4–40 ng/mL and could be suitable lo quantify the equivalent major allergen in other Fagales species such as Corylus avellana (hazel), Carpinus betulus (horbeam) and Alnus glutinosa (alder). The method was compared witb quantitative electrophoresis and rocket immuno‐electrophoresis for the determination of the allergen content in several Betula verrucosa extracts, and a very good quantitative correlation was found. Likewise, the Bet V 1 content exhibited a good correlation (r = 0.87; P < 0.005) with the allergenic potency values obtained by RAST inhibition.Conclusions
The results indicate that the Bet v 1‐assay could be useful for standardization purposes in Fagales pollen extracts intended for clinical use.
Effect of terfenadine on TNFα release from peripheral blood mononuclear cells during cow's milk allergy
Authors: BENLOUNES N. , DUPONT C. , CANDALH C. , BLATON M.‐A. , BLOOM M. , HEYMAN M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackgroundIn infants with cow's milk allergy and intestinal symptotns, peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulatedin vitrowith cow's milk proteins, secrete large amounts of the proinflammatory cytokine TNFα thus altering intestinal barrier capacity. Terfenadine, an antihistaminic drug, inhibits the release of several inflammatory mediators, including histamine, prostaglandins and leukotrienes.ObjectivesTo test the potential ability of terfenadine to inhibit TNFα secretion by mononuclear cells from infants with cow's milk allergy.MethodsMononuclear cells from infants allergic to cow's milk proteins were stimulatedin vitrofor 6 days by a mixture of milk proteins (β‐lactoglobulin, α‐lactalbumin and casein) with or without terfenadine (0.1 –1 μM) and culture supernatants were assayed for TNFα by enzyme immunoassay. The effect of culture supernatants on intestinal barrier capacity was evaluated by measuring the electrical resistance (index of integrity) of filter‐grown HT29–19 A intestinal cells in Ussing chambers.ResultsDuring active cow's milk allergy, mononuclear cells stimulated with cow's milk proteins secreted large amounts of TNFα which significantly reduced the electrical resistance of HT29–19 A intestinal cells. There was a dose‐dependent decrease in TNFα secretion in the presence of terfenadine, with a maximal inhibition of 62% of this secretion at 1 μM. Accordingly, terfenadine‐treated mononuclear cells supernatants did not alter the electrical resistance of intestinal HT29. 19 A cells.ConclusionThese results indicate that in infants with intestinal dysfunction due to cow's milk allergy, terfenadine is a potent inhibitor of the TNFα secretion induced by sensitizing milk protein antigens. This inhibition prevents the degradation of intestinal function as measured in an intestinal cell line,in vitro.
No release of histamine and substance P in capsaicin‐induced neurogenic inflammation in intact human skin in vivo: a microdialysis study
Authors: PETERSEN L. J. , WINGE K. , BRODIN E. , SKOV P. S. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Studies in rodents ‘skin have indicated substance P to be the main inflammatory mediator involved in neurogenic inflammation, acting partly by release of histamine from skin mast cells. The mediators released in neurogenic inflammation in human skin remain to be determined.Objectives
To determine the effects of intradermally injected and topically applied capsaicin on the release of histamine and substance P and skin responses in intact human skin in vivo.Methods
Extracellular skin levels of histamine and substance P were measured by microdialysis technique and assayed by enzyme and radio immunoassays. Two kinds of dialysis fibres (210μm, 2 kDa, and 500 μm, 20 kDa) were inserted intradermally into forearm skin for studies of histamine release to topically administered capsaicin and intradermally injected capsaicin and substance P.Results
Baseline histamine skin levels were 8.0 ± 0.7 nM. Intradermally injected capsaicin (0.3–30μM, 7.5–750 pmol) caused significantly and dose‐related flare and pain reactions, but no significant histamine release or weals. Intradermally injected substance P (1 and 3 μM, 25 and 75 pmol) released significant amounts of histamine (peak levels being 90 and 475 nM), evoked weal‐and‐flare reactions, but did not cause pain. Capsaicin 2% ointment, applied on the skin for 2.5 h, increased skin blood flow by 300–400% as measured by laser Doppler flowmetry, elicited a longstanding burning sensation, but did not release histamine. Substance P‐like immunoreactivity (SP‐LI) was below the 1.8 pM detection limit following insertion of 20 kDa dialysis fibre and after intradermal injection of capsaicin 3μM. Intradermal injection of injection of 1 μM of substance P increased SP‐LI levels to values greater than 4500 pM, confirming the ability of the dialysis fibre to recover this peptide.Conclusions
Capsaicin‐induced neurogenic activation does not involve the release of histamine from mast cells or detectable amounts of substance P release from sensory nerves in normal human skin in vivo.
5‐Hydroxytryptamine inhibits Na absorption and stimulates C1 secretion across canine tracheal epithelial sheets
Authors: TAMAOKI J. , CHIYOTANI A. , TAKEMURA H. , KONNO K. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
5‐Hydrozytryptamine (5‐HT) can be released from mast cells and platelets through an IgE‐dependent mechanism and may play a role in the pathogenesis of allergic bronchoconstriction. However, the effect of 5‐HT on ion transport by airway epithelium remains uncertain.Objective
To determine whether 5‐HT alters electrical and ion transport properties of C1‐secreting epilhelia and, if so, what subtype of 5‐HT receptors is involved, we studied canine tracheal epithelium under short‐circuit conditions in vitro.Methods
Canine tracheal mucosa was mounted in Lucite half‐chambers and the responses of short‐circuit current (lsc), transepithelial potential difference (PD) and tissue conductance (G) were measured. ln addition, ion fluxes were directly measured using 22Na and 36C1.Results
Mucosal addition of 5‐HT caused a rapid increase in lsc, which was accompanied by the increases in PD and G, whereas submucosal 5‐HT had no effect. In the presence of amiloride, 5‐HT and its receptor agonists dose‐dependently increased lsc, with the rank order of potency being 5‐HT > α‐methyl‐5‐HT>2‐methyl‐5HT>5‐carboxamidotryptamine. The effect of 5‐HT was inhibited by ketanserin and spiperone but not by ondansetron. 5‐HT increased C1 flux from the submucosa to the mucosa with a slight inhibition of Na flux to the opposite direction.Conclusion
5‐HT inhibits airway epithelial Na absorption and stimulates C1 secretion. The latter action predominates the former and is mediated by 5‐HT2 receptors. These effects may result in the increase in water movement toward the airway lumen.