bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cord serum IgE: an insensitive method for prediction of atopy
Authors: HIDE D. W. , ARSHAD S. H. , TWISELTON R. , STEVENS M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryCord total serum IgE has been advocated as a screening test to detect infants at high risk of allergy who would be suitable for preventive measures. In a population based prospective study to look at the predictive capacity of cord IgF and family history of atopy 1111 one‐year‐old infants were followed‐up. Cord IgE was measured using the EIA ultra technique (Pharmacia, Uppsala, Sweden). Atopic symptoms developed in 255 (23%) at one year, 183 (16·5%) had probable atopy (clinical disorder but negative skin prick test (SPT)) and 72 (6·5%) had definite atopy (clinical disorder with positive SPT), There was no difference in the mean cord IgE levels in infants with or without atopic manifestations. The cut‐off for IgF was taken at 0·6 ku/1. The specificity of the test was 92% but the sensitivity was only 8·5%. The positive and negative predictive values were 24% and 78% respectively. Family history of atopy is far more sensitive in detecting infants at risk of atopy and little is added by knowledge of cord IgE.
TNFα mRNA expression in allergic inflammation
Authors: YING SUN , ROBINSON D. S. , VARNEY V. , MENG QIU , TSICOPOULOS A. , MOQBEL R. , DURHAM S. R. , KAY A. B. , HAMID Q. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryUsing the technique of in situ hybridization, we have attempted to identify messenger RNA for tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNFα) in cells infiltrating allergen‐induced late phase reaetion (LPR) of the skin and the nose ofatopic subjects. We have also compared the number of TNFα mRNA positive cells in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) from atopic asthmatics and normal controls. Twenty‐four hours after local allergen challenge, 12/14 skin biopsies and 9/10 nasal biopsies had positive hybridization signals for TNFα mRNA whereas only 4/14 and 2/10 biopsies were positive in the relevant diluent controls. Compared with diluent sites significantly increased numbers of cells expressing mRNA for TNFα were observed in the LPR of skin (P <0.004) and nose(P <0.006). All BAL from asthmatics (n= 10) and from normal volunteers (n= 10) had cells showing positive hybridization signals for TNFα mRN A but these were at increased frequency in asthmatics (P< 0.001). These results suggest that TNFα may be an important cytokine in atopic allergic inflammation.
The IgG subclass antibody response to an inhalant antigen (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) during the first year of life: evidence for early stimulation of the immune system following natural exposure
Authors: MARIANI F. , PRICE J. F. , KEMENY D. M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThis study investigates the early humoral immune response following natural exposure to an inhalant antigen (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) in 36 babies, from birth until 1 year of age. The total IgG and subclass 1 and 4 D. pteronyssinus‐specific antibody levels were assayed in sera collected at 7 days, 3 and 12 months by ELISA. After an initial fall, due to the progressive loss of maternal antibodies, an IgG specific response to D. pteronyssinus was seen between 3 and 12 months. This was restricted to the IgG1 subclass when the values at 12 months were significantly higher than those detected at the third month (P < 0.001, paired t test). No D. pteronyssinus‐specific IgG4 antibody was detected in any subject at any of the time points tested. The present study demonstrates that inhalant as well as food antigens are able to stimulate the immune system during the first year of life and that the antibodies produced are of the IgG1 subclass.
Effects of single and multiple inhalations of platelet‐activating factor on airway cell composition and responsiveness in monkeys
Authors: WEGNER C. D. , CLARKE C. C. , TORCELLINI C. A. , LETTS L. G. , GUNDEL R. H. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryPlatelet‐activating factor (PAF) is a potent pro‐inflammatory mediator that may play a role in the pathogenesis of airway hyper‐responsiveness and asthma. In man, a single inhalation of PAF induces a small but prolonged increase in airway responsiveness in some individuals. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of single and multiple inhalations of PAF on airway cell composition and responsiveness in monkeys. Anaesthetized and intubated adult male cynomolgus monkeys were studied. Airway cell composition was measured by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Airway responsiveness was measured by determining the concentration (PC100) of inhaled methacholine that caused a 100% increase in respiratory system resistance (Rrs). Airway cell composition (BAL) and responsiveness (PC100) were determined 1 day before and 20 hr after a single inhalation of PAF (∼200 μg) or 3 days before (Day 0) and 3 days after (Day 10) 3‐alternate‐day (Days 3, 5 and 7) inhalations of PAF (each ∼600 μg). The single inhalation of PAF (n= 8) caused an acute increase in Rrs (147±69%), an increase in BAL granulocytes, and a decrease in PC100 in four of eight animals that was moderate (>eight fold) in only one animal. The mean ±s.e. change in log PC100 was −0.29±0.18. The multiple inhalations of PAF (n=8) caused acute increases in Rrs (143±38%, 175±44% and 156±39%, respectively), an increase in BAL granulocytes, and a decrease in PC100 in four of eight animals that was moderate in two animals. The mean±s.e. change in log PC100 was −0.43±0.22. In summary, single and multiple inhalations of PAF in monkeys induce a granulocyte airway infiltration and, in some animals, an increase (usually small) in airway responsiveness.
Lack of linkage between atopy and locus 11q13
Authors: HIZAWA N. , YAMAGUCHI E. , OHE M. , ITOH A. , FURUYA K. , OHNUMA N. , KAWAKAMI Y. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAtopy as defined in terms of IgE responsiveness was reported to be controlled by a single gene in British families, and this concept was further supported by a significant linkage between atopy and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) detected by a DNA probe specific to chromosome 11q13. To confirm this observation in a Japanese population, segregation and linkage analyses were done in four large families. Although segregation patterns of atopy were in agreement with the pattern of autosomal dominant inheritance, there was no significant linkage between atopy and locus 11q13. Alterations in the definitions of atopy did not affect the results. These findings suggested the presence of heterogeneity in genetic elements of atopy, even though atopy may be determined mainly by a single dominant gene.
Atopy and bronchial hyperresponsiveness: exclusion of linkage to markers on chromosomes 11q and 6p
Authors: AMELUNG P. J. , PANHUYSEN C. I. M. , POSTMA D. S. , LEVITT R. C. , KOETER G. H. , FRANCOMANO C. A. , BLEECKER E. R. , MEYERS D. A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryPrevious studies have reported a familial predisposition for the development of atopy, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and clinical asthma, and therefore have suggested the presence of a heritable component to these disorders. The specific contributions of genetic and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of allergic disease and asthma have not been determined although Cookson et al. [1] have postulated linkage between atopy and chromosome 11q. We have studied 20 families (two and three generations) ascertained through a proband identified as having asthma (90% were also allergic) during the period of time between 1962 and 1970. Of those who were originally skin test positive, 82% remained positive. All probands whose pulmonary function allowed retesting (FEV1 > 1.21) remained hyperresponsive to histamine. The children of these probands are now in the same age range as their parents when they were originally evaluated; 66% are atopic using criteria described by Cookson et al. (one or more positive skin tests ≥2 mm, an elevated total serum IgE or a positive specific IgE) and 22% demonstrate bronchial hyperresponsiveness (PC20 FEV1) to histamine. Using the highly polymorphic marker INT2 (which maps 2 cM from pλMS.51 on chromosome 11q) and atopy, we obtained a lod score of – 2.00 at a recombination fraction of 0.12. In addition, because many studies have suggested an association between atopy and certain HLA antigens, we investigated the possibility of linkage between atopy and bronchial hyperresponsiveness and D6S105, a polymorphic marker on chromosome 6p, located 7 cM from HLA‐DR. For this marker and atopy, we observed a lod score of – 2.00 with a recombination fraction of 0.07. Similar results were observed with both of these markers and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. By restudying these probands as well as their family members, we were unable to find evidence for linkage between atopy or bronchial hyperresponsiveness and these regions of chromosomes 11 and 6 in this population.
Inhibition of proliferative responses of lymphocytes to food antigens by an anti‐allergic drug, N(3′,4′‐dimethoxycinnamoyl) anthranilic acid (Tranilast) in children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: KONDO N. , FUKUTOMI O. , KAMEYAMA T. , ORII T. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryExperimental studies have shown that N(3′, 4′‐dimethoxycinnamoyl) anthranilic acid (Tranilast) inhibits reaginic antibody‐mediated hypersensitivity reactions, and it has been demonstrated to be an effective drug for patients with bronchial asthma. On the other hand, from the nature of the cellular infiltrate seen in eczematous lesions, it appears that some form of cell‐mediated immunity may be involved in addition to IgE‐mediated immunity in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). Moreover, we have previously reported that the proliferative responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to ovalbumin (OA) or bovine serum albumin (BSA) in children with AD who are sensitive to hen's egg or cow's milk were significantly higher than those of healthy children and hen's egg or cow's milk sensitive children with immediate symptoms.In this study, we have showed that the proliferative responses of PBMCs to OA were dose‐dependently inhibited by Tranilast on patients with AD. The responding cells to OA were shown, through separation experiments, to be T cells, and the proliferative responses of T cells to OA were also dose‐dependently inhibited by Tranilast. Moreover, the inhibition was thought to occur at the initial stage of the proliferative reactions. These results suggest that Tranilast can be clinically applied to patients with AD.
Purification and characterization of Lep d I, a major allergen from the mite Lepidoglyphus destructor
Authors: VENTAS P. , CARREIRA J. , POLO F. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryA major allergen of the storage mite Lepidoglyphus destructor (Lep d I) has been purified by affinity chromatography using an anti‐Lep d I monoclonal antibody. The purity of the protein obtained by this procedure was assessed by reverse‐phase HPLC. Lep d I displayed a molecular weight of 14 kD on SDS‐PAGE under non‐reducing conditions, and 16 kD in the presence of a reducing agent. Analytical IEF revealed a little charge microheterogeneity, showing three bands with pIs 7.6–7.8. Purified Lep d I retained IgE‐binding ability, as proved by immunoblotting experiments after SDS‐PAGE and RAST with individual sera from L. destructor‐sensitive patients. Results from the latter technique demonstrated that 87% of L. destructor‐allergic patients had specific IgE to Lep d I, and a good correlation between IgE reactivity with L. destructor extract and Lep d I was found. In addition, RAST inhibition experiments showed that IgE‐binding sites on Lep d I are major L. destructor‐allergenic determinants, since Lep d I could inhibit up to 75% the binding of specific IgE to L. destructor extract; on the other hand. Lep d I did not cross‐react with D. pteronyssinus allergens.
Group V allergens in grass pollens: IV. Similarities in amino acid compositions and NH2‐terminal sequences of the Group V allergens from Lolium perenne, Poa pratensis and Dactylis glomerata
Authors: KLYSNER S. , WELINDER K. G. , LØWENSTEIN H. , MATTHIESEN F. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryMonoclonal antibodies (PpV4) raised against Phleum pratense group V allergen were used for immuno‐affinity chromatography of cross‐reacting group V allergens from related grass species. Fractions enriched in group V allergen were obtained from Lolium perenne, Poa pratense and Dactylis glomerata extracts. The major components in these fractions were found in the Mwr range 25–28 kD. IgE binding to these components was shown using a pool of grass allergic sera, by SDS‐PAGE immunoblotting. These fractions were electroblotted from tricine SDS‐PAGE gels onto a polyvinylidenedifluoride membrane and selected group V bands were directly cut out and used for amino acid analysis and NH2‐terminal sequencing.Both the amino acid compositions and the NH2‐terminal sequences obtained for each group V allergen were almost similar to each other and to the sequence and composition of the previously described allergen Phl p V from Phleum pratense. A common trait of the investigated allergens, is the very high contents of alanine (25–32%) and the presence of the modified amino acid, hydroxyproline.
The role of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 in chronic airway inflammation
Authors: GUNDEL R. H. , WEGNER C. D. , TORCELLINI C. A. , LETTS L. G. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryWe have examined the role of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) in chronic airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in a primate model of asthma. Airway cellular composition was assessed by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and airway responsiveness was measured as the bronchoconstrictor response to inhaled methacholine. In animals with chronic airway inflammation (increased BAL eosinophils) and sustained airway hyperresponsiveness, a 7 day dosing scheme with a murine anti‐human ICAM‐1 monoclonal antibody (R6.5, 2 mg/kg/day; i.v.) did not reduce the existing airway inflammation or airway hyperresponsiveness. In contrast, a similar dosing scheme with dexamethasone (0.2 mg/kg/day, i.m.) was found to significantly reduce both the airway eosinophilia and hyperresponsiveness. However, one week after cessation of dexamethasone treatment, the airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness returned to pre‐treatment levels. In further experiments where animals were first treated with dexamethasone (7 days) followed by a 7 day treatment with R6.5, the reoccurrence of airway inflammation and subsequent increase in airway responsiveness was prevented. We conclude that the efficacy of ICAM‐1 is primarily associated with inhibition of the influx of inflammatory cells into the airways and subsequent reduction in airway responsiveness. These data suggest that in lungs with pre‐existing inflammation the modulation of ICAM‐1 following treatment with glucocorticoids may be a novel and more selective long‐term treatment for control of the chronic airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness associated with bronchial asthma.
Specific immunological and bronchopulmonary responses following intradermal sensitization to free trimellitic anhydride in guinea pigs
Authors: HAYES J. P. , DANIEL R. , TEE R. D. , BARNES P. J. , CHUNG K. F. , NEWMAN TAYLOR A. J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryWe have developed a guinea pig model of trimellitic anhydride‐induced airway hypersensitivity responses. In one group of guinea pigs, injected intradermally with 0.1 ml 30% trimellitic anhydride (TMA), we examined the specificity of the bronchopulmonary response to TMA comparing the effect of intravenous TMA conjugated to guinea pig serum albumin (GPSA) with a control hapten (procion dye) protein conjugate (PD‐GPSA). A significant increase in pulmonary inflation pressure (PIP) was provoked in sensitized animals following intravenous injection with TMA‐GPSA (20%; 0–400, median; range) as compared to intravenous injection of PD‐GPSA. In the second group we compared three different methods of sensitization: single injection of 0.1 ml of 0.3% TMA; four injections of 0.1 ml of 0.1% TMA; and a single high dose injection of 30% TMA. Following intravenous TMA‐GPSA guinea pigs sensitized with a single injection 0.3% TMA had an increase in PIP of 395%; 220–600, while those given four repeat injections of 0.1% TMA had an increase in PIP of 343%; 315–490. These results were significantly higher than the increase in PIP (160%; 0–220) which occurred in guinea pigs sensitized with a single dose of 30% TMA. Four of 11 guinea pigs given low dose injections of TMA had bronchopulmonary responses to inhaled TMA‐GPSA. All sensitized guinea pigs had specific IgG1 antibodies demonstrated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and confirmed by ELISA inhibition. Four guinea pigs sensitized by low dose injections of TMA had IgE antibodies demonstrated by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis.We conclude that intradermal sensitization to free TMA induces a specific immune and airway hypersensitivity response to TMA‐GPSA. Single low dose injection of TMA is the most effective method of sensitization. Intradermal sensitization to free TMA may be a valuable method of sensitization for the developing of an animal model of occupational asthma caused by low molecular weight chemicals.
Dynamics of mast cells in the nasal mucosa of patients with allergic rhinitis and non‐allergic controls: a biopsy study
Authors: FOKKENS W. J. , GODTHELP T. , HOLM A. F. , BLOM H. , MULDER P. G. H. , VROOM Th. M. , RIJNTJES E. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryMast cell degranulation is thought to be an important component of the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis. Quantitative studies on mast cells in nasal mucosa after allergen exposure have given widely divergent results, ranging from an overall decrease via redistribution to an overall increase. We investigated this problem by employing a combination of anti‐IgE and toluidine blue staining of biopsy specimens. In allergic patients anti‐IgE was found to identify all mast cells and toluidine blue to detect mast cells that were not (totally) degranulated.The study was composed of two parts done in different patient groups. In the first part of the study biopsies were performed in 23 patients with isolated grass‐pollen allergy, once during natural provocation in the summer and once in the winter. Biopsies were also performed in 12 controls. Non‐allergic controls were found to have the same number of mast cells in the lamina propria as asymptomatic allergic patients. The controls seldom have mast cells in the epithelium. The patients with isolated grass‐pollen allergy showed an increase in the numbers of mast cells in the lamina propria during natural provocation and the same seemed to occur in the epithelium as well. During natural provocation almost all of the mast cells in the epithelium and half of those in the lamina propria were degranulated.In the second part of the study 17 patients with isolated grass‐pollen allergy and four controls were challenged daily with allergen extract during a 2‐week period in the winter. During this period biopsies were performed at eight different occasions, i.e. once before, six occasions during and once after the provocation period. The results of this part of the study showed that during provocation mast cells migrate to the surface of the nasal mucosa, where they become degranulated, and that the pool of mast cells in the lamina propria was apparently replenished by migration of mast cells from the vessels in the lamina propria. The total number of mast cells in the lamina propria remained approximately the same while the mast cells residing in an increasingly thick layer measured from the basal membrane into the lamina propria became degranulated. After 2 weeks, 82% of the mast cells in the lamina propria was degranulated and it was only in the deepest layers that some toluidine blue positive cells were found.This study can explain the seemingly conflicting reports in the literature on mast cell dynamics and degranulation and shows that the reported differences are due to differences in the techniques used and the time of evaluation.
Investigation of the tendency to wheeze in pollen sensitive patients
Authors: ARMITAGE J. M. , LAM K. SIN FAI , WILKINSON I. , FAUX J. A. , HOPKIN J. M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryWe have undertaken a double blind placebo controlled study of the effect of nasal beclomethasone on the tendency to wheeze in 20 unselected hay fever sufferers, half with a history of previous seasonal wheezing. We found no difference between either bronchial hyperresponsiveness, as measured by methacholine challenge, home‐monitored PEFR, nor recorded wheeze nor cough between treated and placebo groups although the numbers were small. All were allowed the antihistamine cetirizine hydrochloride 10 mg daily. Eighteen out of the 19 patients had either bronchial hyper‐responsiveness (PD20 methacholine < 8 μmol or a > 2 doubling dose change in their PD20 during the pollen season). We have shown a significant positive correlation between a hay fever score (HFS) (created by taking the sum of the home scored; nasal discharge, nasal blockage, eye irritation, sneeze and antihistamine use) and peak seasonal specific IgE to mixed grass pollen (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.5 P<0.02). There was also a positive correlation between the rise in specific IgE from pre to peak season and the HFS, correlation coefficient 0.6 P =0.03).
The allergens of dog II. Identification and partial purification of a major dander allergen
Authors: FORD A. W. , KEMENY D. M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryA dog hair and dander (DHD) extract was prepared from hair obtained from mixed breeds. By SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE) and immunoblotting, using sera from 32 dog‐allergic subjects, a number of IgE radio‐staining bands could be seen. In 78% of sera a protein of molecular weight (MW) of 21 000 daltons, designated Ag X, was found to bind IgE and in 34% it did so strongly. This allergen was isolated from DHD by size‐exclusion and ion exchange chromatography. The final product was a single allergen of MW of 21 000 and an isoelectric point of approximately 5.2. An additional protein‐staining band could still be seen of MW of 24 000 daltons. Using a serum which contained IgE antibodies only to Ag X, this allergen was found only in DHD extract and dog saliva and was absent from dog serum and urine. It was the same dog allergen that we [1] reported as Ag 8 using crossed radio‐immunoelectrophoresis (CRIE) and that Blands et al. [2] and Løwenstein [3] described as Ag 13. We propose that this major dog allergen be given the title Can f I according to the new allergen nomenclature.
Localization of allergens in the domestic mite Lepidoglyphus destructor
Authors: VAN HAGE‐HAMSTEN M. , SCHEYNIUS A. , HÄRFAST B. , WIRÉN A. , JOHANSSON S. G. O. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe non‐pyroglyphid domestic mite Lepidoglyphus destructor is a major source of allergen causing respiratory symptoms in farming environments. This study is the first to focus on the localization of the allergens in the non‐pyroglyphid domestic mite Lepidoglyphus destructor. Cryostat‐cut sections of L. destructor mite bodies and faecal pellets were probed with one of three mouse monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) raised against L. destructor or with patient sera, and stained with immunoperoxidase. Eight sera were RAST‐positive to L. destructor and L. destructor faecal pellets. These eight RAST‐positive patient sera labelled the wall of the L. destructor gut and two of them also the faecal pellets. The MoAbs additionally labelled parts of the exoskeleton and reacted with a majority of the faecal pellets. Cryostat‐cut sections of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus mite bodies and faecal pellets were probed with L. destructor MoAbs, which resulted in only slight staining of a few faecal pellets. The results suggest that at least one L. destructor allergen is associated with digestion.