bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the role of nasal polyp and normal nasal mucosal epithelial cells on in vitro eosinophil survival. Mediation by GM–CSF and inhibition by dexamethasone
Authors: XAUBET A. , MULLOL J. , LÓPEZ E. , ROCA‐FERRER J. , ROZMAN M. , CARRIÖN T. , FABRA J. M. , PICADO C. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryEosinophilic infiltration of the respiratory mucosa is considered an inflammatory hallmark of allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma and nasal polyposis. However, the mechanisms involved in this infiltration have not yet been totally elucidated. The objective of this study was to investigate and compare the influence of epithelial cell secretions from both nasal polyps (NP) and normal nasal mucosa (NM) on in vitro eosinophil survival. Epithelial cells were identified by microscopy; and immunohislochemisiry. cultured to confluence, and human epithelial cell conditioned media (HECM) was generated from cultures. Eosinophits were isolated at high viability and purity (>90%) from peripheral blood and incubated with HECM. HECM from both NM and NP increased eosinophil survival in a dose‐dependent manner, this effect being maximal at a concentration of 25% for NM (73.4%±5.5%, n= 26, P< 0.001) and of 10% for NP (74.5%± 84%n= 18, P < 0.001). Incubation of monoclonal antibody to human GM‐CSF with HECM, neutralized the induction of eosinophil survival by HECM from both NM and NP. HECM from NP contained higher concentrations of GM‐CSF (111 ± 25.4 pg/ml, n= 17) than HECM from NM (97.1 ± 15.2 pg/ml. n= 8). without reaching statistical significance. Pre‐incubation of dexamethasone with eosinophils also blocked HFCM‐induced eosinophil survival from both NM (10−8‐10−5 M; IC50 = 9.5 nM) and NP (10‐7‐10‐5 M; IC50 = 83 nM). These results suggest that: firstly eosinophil infiltration into the respiratory mucosa during allergic reaction and nasal polyposis may be modulated at least in part by GM‐CSF from epithelial cells; and secondly epithelial cells from NP might have a more potent effect on inducing eosinophil infiltration of the respiratory mucosa than epithelial cells from NM. Finally, we may consider this as a reliable in vitro model to compare the role of epithelial cells from inflammatory (NP) and non‐inflammatory (NM) tissue in respiratory inflammation.
Determination of IgE antibodies to Candida albicans mannan with nitrocellulose‐RAST in patients with atopic diseases
Authors: NERMES M. , SAVOLAINEN J. , KALIMO K. , LAMMINTAUSTA K. , VIANDER M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryA nitrocellulose‐based radioallergosorbent test (RAST) was developed and used for the determination of IgE antibodies to Candida albicans mannan in patients with atopic dermatitis, asthma and allergic rhinitis. The results were expressed as mannan‐RAST index values (an inter‐ and intra‐assay coefficient for variation of 8.0‐10.2%). The normal range for mannan‐RAST index values was determined in 102 non‐atopic adults. Fifty‐three of 78 (67.9%) patients with atopic dermatitis showed elevated mannan‐RAST index values with a significant correlation to the severity of the dermatitis (r= 0.33, P < 0.01). Sixteen of 30(53 3%) patients with asthma had a positive mannan‐RAST index value: however, 12 of the 16 asthmatics (75%) who were positive also suffered from atopic dermatitis. Those who had allergic rhinitis but not atopic dermatitis showed a positive mannan‐RAST index value in 12 of 32 (37.5%) cases. Nitrocellulose‐RAST offered a sensitive method for the determination of polysaccharide‐specific IgE antibodies in alopic diseases. The results show that high values are observed mainly in atopic dermatitis and less sensitization to C. albicans occurs in respiratory allergy.
Endotoxin and pro‐inflammatory cytokines stimulate endothelin‐I expression and release by airway epithelial cells
Authors: NAKANO J. , TAKIZAWA H. , OHTOSHI T. , SHOJI S. , YAMAGUCHI M. , ISHII A. , YANAGISAWA M. , ITO K. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryEndothelin is a potent bronchoconstrictor peptide first identified as a novel vasoconstrictor produced by vascular endothelial cells. Recent reports suggest that airway epithelial cells are also capable of releasing this active peptide. To investigate the regulatory mechanism of endothelin expression, we studied the effects of endotoxin and pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin‐1 and tumour necrosis factor on the expression and release of endothelin‐1 by airway epithelial cells. Both endotoxin and the cytokines stimulated endothelin‐1 release by human bronchial epithelial cells. Northern blot analysis showed increased expression of preproendothelin‐1 mRNA by these factors. These results suggested that airway epithelial cells might play a role in the local airway smooth muscle tone through the production of endothelin, which might be upregulaled by inflammatory products in the airways.
IgE to food allergens are highly prevalent in patients allergic to pollens, with and without symptoms of food allergy
Authors: BIRCHER A. J. , VAN MELLE G. , HALLER E. , CURTY B. , FREI P. C. 
Published: April 2006

SummarySerum samples from 274 patients allergic to one or more of three pollens (birch, grass, mugwort), from 36 patients allergic to cat and/or Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus but not to pollen and from 55 non‐allergic controls, as well as 20 cord blood samples, were examined for specific IgE to six ‘pollen‐associated’ food allergens In uiing a new sensitive assay (CAP). A questionnaire asking for reactions to food was also sent to all patients.In the pollen group, 111 patients (47%) were positive (≥0.71 kU/l) fora food allergen (392 positive tests). Of these, 92 were sensitive to apple, 68 to potato, 64 to carrot, 63 to celery, 61 to peach and 44 to melon. In the non‐allergic group, no IgE to any of the food allergens tested was found, whereas in the group allergic to non‐pollen allergens, only one individual had such an IgE. The CAP assay was found to he more sensitive than RAST for the allergens studied. A history of clinical reactions (oral symptoms in 67, rhinoconjunctivitis in 65, asthma in 42 and urticaria in 39) to the corresponding food allergen was reported mainly by patients with positive CAP.In conclusion, we found a high prevalence of IgE to some food allergens in patients allergic to pollen and Ihe absence of such antibodies in the control groups. The new in vitro assay, being moresensitue than previous ones, indicated a high prevalence of food specific IgE in pollen allergic patients, which in many cases did not correspond to clinical symptoms of food allergy.
Effect of nasal anaesthesia on lacrimal function after nasal allergen challenge
Authors: LÖTH S. , BENDE M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryOcular symptoms in allergic rhinoconjunctivitis arise partly from direct contact of the allergen with the conjunctiva and presumably partly from a naso‐lacrimal reflex. The aim was to study the importance of this reflex in allergic rhinitis after topical anaesthesia of the nose. Ten patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis lo birch pollen were challenged with increasing intranasal doses of allergen until allergic symptoms occurred. The same dose of allergen was used in two other provocations, when the nasal cavity was anaesthetized with topical lidocaine in a double‐blind rundomized cross‐over manner. The effect on the eyes was evaluated by Shirmer's test, a routine method for measuring tear production. Lidocaine per se and/or allergen challenge had no significant effect on tear production. The naso‐lacrimal reflex was not involved in the eye symptoms, in allergic conjunctivitis.
Airborne birch pollen antigens in different particle sizes
Authors: RANTIO–LEHTIMÄKI A. , VIANDER M. , KOIVIKKO A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryTwo particle samplers for ambient air. situated together: a static size–selective bio–aerosol sampler (SSBAS) and a Burkard pollen and spore trap were compared in sampling intact birch pollen grains through one flowering period of Betula (a total of 44 days). The SSBAS trapped pollen grains three times more efficienily than the Burkard trap, but the variations in pollen counts were significantly correlated. In contrast, birch pollen antigenic activity and the pollen count in the Burkard samples were not closely correlated. The antigenic concentration was occasionally high both before and after the pollination period. There was a high birch pollen antigenic activity in particle size classes where intact pollen grains were absent, even on days when the pollen count was very low. Correspondingly, on days with high birch pollen counts in the air, pollen antigenic activity was on several occasions low. indicating that pollen grains were empty of antigenic material. The small particle size classes are especially important to allergic, patients because they are able to penetrate immediately into the alveoli and provoke asthmatic reactions. Therefore, aerobiological information systems based on pollen and spore counts should be supplemented with information concerning antigenic activities–in the air.
Immunogenicity of a so‐called hypoallergenic formula in at‐risk babies: two case reports
Authors: BUSINCO L. , LUCENTI P. , ARCESE G. , ZIRUOLO G. , CANTANI A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe clinical and immunologic findings of two breast‐fed babies who experienced anaphylaxis after a feeding with a partially whey hydrolysate formula (PWHF) are reported. Sensitization to this formula seems to have occurred in the first days of life in the Maternity Hospital where the babies were fed the same formula. These two case reports suggest that PWHF may be immunogenic in the IgE system. This data is in agreement with previous studies which showed intact fragments of cow's milk (CM) proteins in PWHF.
Effects of acute injection of methylprednisolone in man on immunological and non‐immunological histamine release from leucocytes and its potentiation by interleukin‐3
Authors: LOUIS R. , BURY T. , CORHAY J.‐L. , RADERMECKER M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryWe investigated the effects or intravenous injection of methylprednisolone (MPR) compared with placebo (saline) on ex vivo leucocytic histamine release in eight healthy volunteers. All subjects received in a randomized and a single‐blind manner the placebo and MPR, 20 mg and 125 mg, each injection given in 2 week intervals. On each occasion blood samples were taken just before and 24 h after the intravenous injection to determine circulating leucocyte counts and leucocytic histamine release induced by anti‐IgE (1/2000) and FMP (Formyl‐Methionyl‐Phenylalanine) (10−5 M) and its modulation by IL‐3 (2 ng/ml). MPR 20 mg and 125 mg significantly increased circulating leucocyte counts (P 0.05 and P< 0.001 respectively) but decreased leucocytic histamine content (P 0.05 and P < 0.001 respectively) by 24 h. Placebo had no effect. As for circulating basophils, after 24 h they were decreased by 125 mg MPR (P < 0.05) but increased by 20 mg (P < 0.05). Anti‐IgE‐induced HR was significantly inhibited by 125 mg MPR (P < 0.05) but not by 20 mg MPR or by the placebo. In contrast, neither MPR (20 mg and 125 mg) nor placebo significantly reduced FMP‐induced HR. The strong potentiation by IL‐3 of HR evoked by anti‐IgE and FMP at baseline (P < 0.001) persisted 24 h after injection of MPR or placebo (P < 0.001 except P < 0.05 for anti‐IgE‐induced HR after 125 mg MPR). We conclude that a single injection of a high dose of MPR can, after 24 h, decrease not only the number of circulating basophils but also their ‘releasability’ to an immunological stimulus, without preventing the potentiating effect of IL‐3.
Ionic regulation of human basophil releasability. II. Non‐releasing basophils are converted into releasing basophils in a low‐Na+ medium
Authors: TEDESCHI A. , ARQUATI M. , PALELLA M. , MILAZZO N. , MIADONNA A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe effects of different extracellular Na+ and CV2+ concentrations on histamine release from human basophils were investigated. Isosmotic replacement of extracellular Na + either with choline +, a non‐permeant Na + analogue, or glucose significantly increased spontaneous and anti‐IgE‐induced histamine release. Basophils from 12 of 49 normal subjects, which were found not to release histamine upon challenge with an optimal dose of anti‐IgE in a 135 mM NaCl buffer, were converted into releasing basophils when stimulation with anti‐IgE was performed in a low‐Na+ medium. The increase in Na + concentration in the extracellular medium was accompanied by a reduction in the magnitude of basophil response to anti‐IgE, which was significantly more pronounced in non‐releasers than in releasers (per cent inhibition by 70 mM NaCl 75.5 + 3.2 vs 43.5 + 9.0, P < 0.01). At higher Na+ concentrations a progressive and almost complete abrogation of histamine release was observed in non‐releasers, but not in releasers (maximal per cent inhibition at 140 mM NaCl 97.3+1.3 vs 50.4 + 8.6). The Na+/H+ exchanger monensin had a dose‐dependent inhibitory effect on anti‐IgE‐induced histamine release, and the concentration inhibiting 50% of histamine release was l.5 × 10−7M. When basophils were challenged in the presence of different Na+ and C2+ concentrations, it was shown that the two cations have antagonistic effects, which is to say that they down‐regulate and upregulate histamine release, respectively. Moreover, the requirement of extracellular Ca2+ was lowered in a low‐Na+ medium. These results suggest that Na+ and Ca+ ions contribute with opposite effects to the modulation of basophil response to anti‐IgE and that non‐releasing basophils are converted into releasing basophils in a low‐Na + medium.
Attenuation of allergic airway inflammation in IL‐4 deficient mice
Authors: BRUSSELLE G. G. , KIPS J. C. , TAVERNIER J. H. , VAN DER HEYDEN J. G. , CUVELIER C. A. , PAUWELS R. A. , BLUETHMANN H. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryTo investigate the role of IL‐4 in vivo in allergic asthma, we developed a murine model of allergen‐induced airway inflammation. Repealed daily exposures of actively immunised C57BL/6 mice to aerosolized ovalbumin (OVA) induced a peribronchial inflammation and an increase in eosinophils and lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar‐lavage(BAL) fluid. In IL‐4 deficient (IL4−/−) mice, treated in the same way, there were substantially fewer eosinophils in BAL and much less peribronchial inflammation compared with wild type mice. In this model, mast cell deficient (W/Wv) mice developed a similar degree of BAL eosinophilia and peribronchial inflammation as wild type mice, demonstrating that the mast cell is not required for the induction of chronic airway inflammation. In contrast, BAL eosinophilia and airway inflammation were absent in OVA‐treated MHC ClassII deficient (B6.Aa−/−) mice which lack mature CD4+ T lymphocytes. In conclusion, these results indicate that IL‐4 is a central mediator of allergic airway inflammation, regulating antigen‐induced eosinophil recruitment into the airways by a T cell dependent mechanism.
Effects of ipratropium bromide on bradykinin nasal provocation in chronic allergic rhinitis
Authors: BARANIUK J. N. , SILVER P. B. , KALINER M. A. , BARNES P. J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBradykinin (BK) induces albumin exudation and glandular secretion in chronic allergic rhinitis subjects. Since bradykinin may stimulate nociceptive sensory nerves, neural reflex arcs could contribute to the secretion process. Six chronic allergic rhinitis subjects received 1000nm bradykinin by unilateral nasal provocation using the method of Raphael et al. This dose induces optimal contralateral glandular secretion. Ipratropium bromide (80μg) or saline were applied topically before the challenges. Total protein, albumin, glycoconjugate, and lysozyme were measured in lavage fluids. On the ipsilateral side, bradykinin induced significant total protein, glycoconjugate, and albumin secretion. None of these were affected by ipratropium. On the contralateral side, total protein and glycoconjugates were increased by bradykinin, while albumin and lysozyme were not significantly affected. Ipratropium bromide completely ablated total protein and glycoconjugate secretion on the contralateral side indicating that cholinergic reflexes mediated the glandular secretion. In chronic allergic rhinitis, bradykinin directly stimulated albumin secretion, but also stimulates nociceptive neuron–parasympathetic nerve reflexes to induce glandular secretion. The reflex loop was apparent on the contralateral side to the unilateral bradykinin challenge. This loop induced mucoglycoconjugate, but not serous cell, secretion in chronic allergic rhinitis subjects and can be inhibited by iptratropium bromide.
Atopic sensitization and respiratory symptoms among Polish and Swedish school children
Authors: BRÅBÄCK L. , BREBOROWICZ A. , DREBORG S. , KNUTSSON A. , PIEKLIK H. , BJÖRKSTÉN B. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAllergic sensitization and symptoms from the airways in relation to air pollution were compared in 10–12‐year‐old school children (n= 1113) from urban Konin in central Poland and both urban and rural parts of Sundsvall in northern Sweden. The measurements included parental questionnaires, skin‐prick tests and serial peak flow measurements during 2 weeks with simultaneous monitoring of outdoor air pollutants. The skin‐prick test technique was validated by IgE antibody determinations. The levels of common industrial pollutants, SO2 and smoke particles were much higher in Konin than in urban Sundsvall and the levels of NO2 were similar. Various respiratory symptoms were more often reported among school children in Konin (except for wheezing and diagnosed asthma). Multiple logistic regression analyses yielded the following increased odds ratios for children in Konin as compared with the reference group (rural Sundsvall): chest tightness and breathlessness 348 (95% confidence interval 2.08–5.82), exercise‐induced coughing attacks 3.69 (95% confidence interval 1.68–8.10), recurrent episodes of common cold 2.79 (95% confidence interval 1.53–5.09) and prolonged cough 4–89 (95% confidence interval 2.59–9.23). In contrast, as compared with rural Sundsvall, the adjusted odds ratio for a positive skin‐prick test was decreased in Konin, but increased in urban Sundsvall, 0.58 (95% confidence interval 0.37–0.91) and 1.67 (95% confidence interval 1.15–2.42) respectively. The study confirms that living in urban, as compared with rural areas, is associated with an increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms and sensitization to allergens. These differences could be explained by air pollution. Respiratory symptoms were more common in a similar urban group of Polish children who were exposed to even higher levels of air pollution. These children, however, had a much lower prevalence of sensitization to allergens, as compared with the Swedish children. This indicates that differences in lifestyle and standard of living between western Europe and a former socialist country influences the prevalence of atopy.
Influence of prolonged treatment with topical corticosteroid (fluticasone propionate) on early and late phase nasal responses and cellular infiltration in the nasal mucosa after allergen challenge
Authors: RAK S. , JACOBSON M. R. , SUDDERICK R. M. , MASUYAMA K. , JULIUSSON S. , KAY A. B. , HAMID Q. , LÖWHAGEN O. , DURHAM S. R. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryWe have examined the effect of prolonged treatment with topical corticosteroid on allergen‐induced early and late nasal responses and the associated inflammatory cell infiltrate in grass pollen sensitive allergic rhinitics. Following a randomized double‐blind 6 week treatment period with fluticasone propionate 200 μg aqueous nasal spray twice daily or matched placebo spray, nasal provocation was performed using Timothy grass pollen extract. Nasal symptoms were recorded at intervals from 0 to 24 h. Nasal biopsies were performed before treatment and at 24 h after allergen and processed for immunohistology. When corticosteroid‐treated patients were compared with the placebo group there was an approximately 50% decrease in the size of the early (0‐60 min) response and almost complete inhibition of late (1–24 h) nasal symptoms after allergen challenge. After allergen challenge markedly fewer T lymphocytes and CD25+ (interleukin‐2 receptor bearing) cells were observed in both the epithelium and submucosa in fluticasone treated patients compared with the placebo group. Significantly less total and activated eosinophils were observed, particularly within the nasal epithelium. Submucosal mast cell counts were decreased, whereas increased numbers of submucosal neutrophils were observed. These results confirm that topical corticosteroid treatment inhibits allergen‐induced early and late nasal responses. This may possibly occur following a decrease in T lymphocytes and/or mast cells and their products and a consequent reduction in tissue eosinophilia.
Comparison of the levels of the major allergens Der p I and Der p II in standardized extracts of the house dust mite, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus
Authors: MEYER C. H. , BOND J. F. , CHEN M.‐S. , KASAIAN M. T. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAllergy to the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus is mediated by IgE to the major allergens Der p I and Der p II in the majority of mite‐allergic patients. In recent years, standardized preparations of D. pteronyssinus, commercially available from several sources, have become widely used for the diagnosis and immunotherapy of mite allergy. As standardization implies uniformity of allergen composition and potency, we directly compared the absolute and relative quantities of Der p I and Der p II in six different commercial standardized extracts of D. pteronyssinus. Our findings reveal variability in levels of both Der p I and Der p II, producing ratios of Der p I/Der p II ranging from 1.1/1 to 6/1. Although the content of minor allergens in the extracts was not evaluated here, their contribution to the overall reactivity of mite‐allergic patients to the commercial extracts was judged to be minimal. This was demonstrated by showing that plasma depleted of reactivity to both Der p I and Der p II had virtually no residual IgE directed against extract components. The variation in the proportion of Der p I and Der p II among different D. pteronyssinus extracts is likely to influence their biological effectiveness. Patients with reactivity against only Der p I or Der p II, who were found to comprise approximately one‐third of the mite‐allergic population, may not respond optimally to extracts containing relatively low levels of the allergen to which they are sensitive.