bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative vascular effects of histamine, prostaglandin (PG) D2 and its metabolite 9α, 11β‐PGF2 in human skin
Authors: BEASLEY R. , HOVEL C. , MANI R. , ROBINSON C. , VARLEY J. , HOLGATE S. T. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIn this double‐blind study we have investigated the vascular effects of prostaglandin, (PG) D2, in normal skin and compared these effects with histamine and the initial PGD2 metabolite 9α, 11β‐PGF2. In eight healthy subjects the vascular response to intradermal injections of histamine, PGD2, a combination of histamine and PGD2, and 9α, 11β‐PGF2, was assessed by measurement of the weal and flare area. Histamine caused dose‐related increases in weal area (P<0.01). The weal response due to PGD2 was greater than saline control only at a dose of 71.0 and 710 nmol (P<0.05). Because of the small size of the weal produced by PGD2 when compared with histamine, it was not possible to determine their relative potencies. Histamine and PGD2 caused dose‐related increases in flare area (P<0.05), and when compared at a response level of 10 cm2 and 15 cm2, histamine was 45 and 251 (P<0.01) times more potent than PGD2 in molar terms. Weal and flare responses due to 9α, 11β‐PGF2 were similar to those observed with the equimolar concentration of PGD2. The weal and flare responses when PGD2 and histamine when combined were not significantly different from that predicted by a purely additive effect. We conclude that histamine is likely to be an important mediator contributing towards increased vascular permeability and vasodilatation following immunological activation of skin mast cells in vivo, while PGD2 and its metabolite 9α, 11β‐PGF2 play only a minor role.
The inhibitory effect of azelastine hydrochloride on histamine‐ and allergen‐induced bronchoconstriction in atopic asthma
Authors: RAFFERTY P. , HOLGATE S. T. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryWe have examined the effect of azelastine, a new H1 histamine receptor antagonist, against bronchoconstriction induced by histamine and allergen. Twelve mild, atopic asthmatics each underwent two histamine and two allergen concentration‐response inhalation challenges 4 hr after treatment with either 8.8 mg of azelastine or a matched placebo. Following azelastine the dose of histamine required to provoke a 20% fall in FEV1 (PD20 histamine) rose, from a geometric mean of 0.31 mg/ml to < 13.2 mg/ml. Azelastine also significantly inhibited allergen‐induced bronchoconstriction, the PD20 allergen rising from 9.3 cumulative breath units (c.b.u.) to < 47.9 c.b.u., a greater than 5‐fold increase. We conclude that azelastine effectively inhibits both histamine and allergen‐induced bronchoconstriction, with considerably greater potency against histamine.
Inhibitory effect of terfenadine on mediator release from human blood basophils and eosinophils
Authors: NABE M. , AGRAWAL D. K. , SARMIENTO E. U. , TOWNLEY R. G. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe effect of terfenadine on histamine release from human basophils and LTC4 production and release from human eosinophils was evaluated. Eosinophils and basophils were obtained by discontinuous gradient centrifugation of the peripheral blood of atopic asthma patients who were off medication. Anti‐IgE‐induced histamine release from human basophils was significantly inhibited by terfenadine. Maximum inhibition was obtained at 1 × 10–5m terfenadine (percentage inhibition = 57.0 ± 20.1; P < 0.05). However, only the highest dose of terfenadine used in this study, i.e. 2 × 10–5m, significantly inhibited calcium ionophore (A23I87)‐induced histamine release from human basophils (percentage inhibition = 40.0 ± 14.6; P < 0.05), and LTC4 production from human eosinophils (percentage inhibition = 59.8 ± 9.9; P < 0.05. These findings demonstrate that terfenadine, in addition to its known antihistaminic property, also has an inhibitory effect on chemical mediator release.
Topical cromolyn (disodium cromoglycate) solution in the treatment of young children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: KIMATA H. , IGARASHI MIE 
Published: April 2006

SummaryA double‐blind, randomized‐group comparative trial was conducted to assess the therapeutic effect of cromolyn solution on atopic dermatitis in young children (< 3 yr old). Topically applied cromolyn solution was found to be very effective, improving dermatitis, itching and sleep disturbance, with no untoward effects.
Plasmapheresis in a patient with severe asthma associated with auto‐antibodies to platelets
Authors: LASSALLE PH. , JOSEPH M. , RAMON PH. , DRACON M. , TONNEL A.‐B. , CAPRON A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAlthough the pathogenesis of aspirin‐sensitive asthma remains to be specified, it is known that in the presence of acetylsalicylic acid or non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, platelets from aspirin‐sensitive asthmatics have been described as generating cytocidal mediators that killed parasite targets such as Schistosoma mansoni larvae. Here we report, in a patient with corticosteroid‐dependent asthma associated with aspirin sensitivity, the presence of circulating IgE antibodies against 55 kD and 68 kD platelet antigens. In addition, the serum from this patient was shown to contain a factor able to trigger the release of cytocidal mediators from his platelets as well as from normal individual platelets. This platelet stimulatory activity was presumably supported by IgE antibodies or immune complexes. After informed consent the patient was submitted to plasma exchanges. Plasma removal induced clinical improvement, anti‐platelet antibody decrease, and the reduction of the platelet stimulatory activity. All clinical symptoms disappeared within 2 weeks. The disease remained quiescent for 2 months, and daily requirements for prednisonc (20–5 mg). and beta‐agonist (10–16 to 0–1 inhalations) could be kept at a low level follow‐up. The plasma exchanges were delayed by 3 mg kg−1 azathioprin with the maintenance of clinical improvement. A relapse occurred after the arrest of immunosuppressive therapy with the reappearance of both asthma attacks and anti‐platelet antibodies, as well as the increase of the platelet stimulatory activity. Because of parallel modifications in both clinical symptoms and anti‐platelet antibodies, our results suggest a possible relationship between clinical and immunological data and may support the hypothesis that abnormal plasma constituents (i.e. anti‐platelet antibodies) participate in the pathogenesis of asthma in our patient.
Shared and specific allergenic and antigenic components in the two sexes of American cockroach—Periplaneta americana
Authors: CHAUDHRY S. , JHAMB SHASHI , CHAUHAN U. P. S. , GAUR S. N. , AGARWAL H. C. , AGARWAL M. K. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe whole body extracts (WBEs) of female and male cockroaches (Periplaneta americana; Pa) were prepared separately to study the specific and/or shared allergenic and antigenic components in the two sexes. These two extracts were skin‐tested on 170 respiratory allergy patients and 52 (30–6%) of them elicited a markedly positive cutaneous reaction (2+ to 4+) to any one or both the WBEs. Of these 52 patients, 32 (61·5%) produced a 2+ to 4+ response to only one, and the remaining 20 (38·5%) to both the extracts. In female and male RASTs to Pa both the extracts produced dose‐related inhibition. Using rabbit anti‐Pa female serum: (1) immuno‐diffusion experiments resulted in lines of identity with the two extracts, and (2) the two‐dimensional immunoelectrophoresis of Pa female and Pa male WBEs elicited 12 and nine precipitin peaks, respectively. In partial purification studies, only fraction Pa(F)III (∼ 50 kD) of Pa female WBE and Pa(M)I ( 600 kD) and Pa(M)III (∼ 50 kD) fractions of Pa male WBE revealed significant allergen activity both on skin testing and also in RAST inhibition studies. These results provide evidence for the presence of shared as well as specific allergenic and antigenic components in the two sexes of American cockroach.
Cutaneous reactivity to mosquito bites: effect of cetirizine and development of anti‐mosquito antibodies
Authors: REUNALA T. , LAPPALAINEN P. , BRUMMER‐KORVENKONTIO H. , COULIE P. , PALOSUO T. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryCutaneous reactivity to mosquito bites was examined in 27 adult volunteers exposed to Aedes comniunis mosquitoes. Twenty‐three subjects showed a combination of immediate wealing and delayed bite‐papules, two subjects each experienced only immediate or delayed cutaneous reactions and two were non‐responsive to the bites. The mean si/c of wealing and the mean score of pruritus was similar in 19 non‐atopic and in eight atopic volunteers. These results confirm that normal subjects exhibit different stages of sensitization to mosquito bites. At the onset of the mosquito season, immunoblotting showed that four of 21 subjects (19%) had IgG‐class antibodies to a recently described 21‐5 kD Aedes communis mosquito antigen. After a 10‐day exposure to a mean of 47 mosquito bites, these antibodies were found in 10 subjects (48%) who exhibited both strong and weak cutaneous bite‐lesions. A placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study with cetirizine 10 mg was performed to examine the effect of this non‐sedaling antihistamine on mosquito bites. The bite lesions were measured and pruritus scored at 15 min, 60 min, 12 hr, and 24 hr. Cetirizine decreased significantly immediate wealing and pruritus (P < 0.01), but had no effect on the delayed symptoms. This result supports the view that immediate mosquito‐bite reactions are histamine‐mediated.
Dermal blood flow after local challenges with allergen, histamine, bradykinin and compound 48/80
Authors: HAMMARLUND A. , OLSSON P. , PIPKORN U. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBlood flow was determined in weal and flare reactions and in late dermal reactions after skin‐prick tests with allergen, histamine, bradykinin and compound 48/80 in pollenallergic subjects. Local blood flow was measured with laser Doppler flowmetry intermittently for up to48 hr at three distances from the prick centre (2 mm; weal, 15mm; flare and 30 mm). Continuous recordings were also made in the weal area after challenge with bradykinn and compound 48/80. The size of the induced weal and flare area of all the substances and the late phase after allergen was determined using digitized planimetry. Furthermore, simultaneous determinations of local dermal temperature and blood flow in the weal and flare site were performed intermittently for 6 hr after allergen and histamine challenges. There was a dose‐dependent and distance‐related increase in blood flow for all the substances tested. The blood flow in the 2‐mm registrations had normalized 20 min after bradykinin, 1.5–2 hr after histamine and 3 hr after compound 48/80, while allergen induced a continuous increase in blood flow for more than 24 hr. The area of the weal and flare reaction was dose related for all substances, and a similar dose‐dependent increase was noted for the observed dermal late‐phase reactions present after allergen. The local temperature after challenge with allergen and hislamine was also increased in a distance‐dependent manner. These studies suggest that laser Doppler flowmetry is a sensitive and reproducible method to quantify blood flow changes occurring after skin‐prick tests. Different putative mediators or mast cell stimulating substances produce various response profiles, all of which differ from those observed after allergen. Temperature measurements after skin‐prick tests seem to follow the observed changes in blood flow as measured with laser Doppler flowmetry, which may be why both techniques might reflect changes in capillary blood flow.
The significance of specific IgG and IgG4 antibodies to a reactive dye in exposed workers
Authors: PARK H. S. , HONG C.‐S. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryTo evaluate the significance of specific IgG and specific IgG4 in the development of work‐related respiratory symptoms, specific IgG and specific IgG4 to Black GR‐human serum albumin (HSA) conjugate were measured by ELISA in 309 dye‐exposed workers and 63 unexposed patients as negative controls. A survey revealed that 78 (25.2%) had work‐related lower respiratory symptoms with or without nasal, skin or eye symptoms. Specific IgG and specific IgG4 were detected in 23% and 14% of the exposed workers, respectively. The prevalence of specific IgG and specific IgG4 was significantly higher in smokers and workers with specific IgE or those with lower respiratory symptoms (P < 0.05), but was not associated with work station, duration of dye exposure or atopy. These results suggested that the existence of specific IgG to Black GR HSA might represent a response to Black GR exposure and be closely related with work‐related respiratory symptoms.
Neopterin quantification in acute severe asthma
Authors: NEALE T. J. , WINDOM H. H. , HILL J. , DUNBAR P. R. , COOK R. , CRANE J. , BEASLEY R. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryTo investigate the pathogenic role of cell‐mediated immunity (CMI) in acute severe asthma, 10 patients with acute asthma requiring admission to hospital had measurements of serum and urine absolute neopterin and neopterin/creatinine ratios. Serum was collected upon entry to hospital, 24 hr later and at 2 weeks; and urine at 24 hr and at 2 weeks after admission. Comparisons were made with 12 stable asthmatic patients, healthy control subjects, and six renal transplant patients undergoing transplant rejection. In contrast to the renal transplant patients who demonstrated T‐lymphocyte‐macrophage activation, neopterin concentrations and neopterin/creatinine ratios in both acute and stable asthmatic patients were not elevated. We have not found functional evidence that CMI participates in the pathogenesis of acute severe asthma.
Regulation of the human immune response to ragweed pollen by immunotherapy. A controlled trial comparing the effect of immunosuppressive peptic fragments of short ragweed with standard treatment
Authors: LITWIN A. , PESCE A. J. , FISCHER T. , MICHAEL M. , MICHAEL J. G. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryA new allergenic preparation consisting of peptic fragments of short ragweed has been tested for its clinical effectiveness. Such enzymatically derived fragments have been shown in prior murine studies to retain the T epitopes of the original allergen but to have a severe reduction in the number of B epitopes. Three groups of ragweed hay fever patients were placed on pre‐seasonal immunotherapy. One group received a conventional ragweed preparation that had been enriched for antigen E (Amh a I), designated as Pool 2. The second group was given fragments of Pool 2 (fSRW) prepared by peptic digestion and the third group was injected with histainine as a placebo. Groups treated with the fSRW and Pool 2 had significantly reduced symptom‐medication scores compared with the placebo‐treatment group. However, fSRW‐treated patients fared significantly better than Pool 2 patients (P<0.02). FSRW injections caused a significant rise in preseasonal specific IgG antibodies as well as suppression of the seasonal anamnestic specific IgE increase. Similar, but not quite as marked changes occurred with Pool 2 treatment, f SRW was well tolerated and non‐toxic. Thus, allergen modification by enzymatic degradation, as demonstrated here, appears to be a promising new approach for allergen immunotherapy.
Reduction of side effects from rush‐immunotherapy with honey bee venom by pretreatment with terfenadine
Authors: BERCHTOLD E. , MAIBACH R. , MÜLLER U. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIn a double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial on 52 patients with bee venom allergy we studied the effect of a pretreatment with terfenadine 120 mg twice daily on the occurrence of local and systemic allergic side effects from rush‐immunotherapy. Large local reactions were significantly reduced by terfenadine pretreatment (P < 0.01), while systemic side effects were observed with similar frequencies in both groups. Analysis of individual systemic allergic manifestations showed that cutaneous symptoms like itching (P < 0.025) and urticaria/angioedema (P < 0.05) were significantly reduced, while respiratory or cardiovascular symptoms were not influenced. A lower consumption of additional anti‐allergic medication was found during terfenadine pretreatment (p < 0.05). Pretreatment with antihistamines during immunotherapy may thus be helpful in the management of patients with cutaneous side effects.
Longitudinal variability of skin prick test results
Authors: KUEHR J. , KARMAUS W. , FRISCHER T. , HENDEL‐KRAMER A. , WEISS K. , MOSELER M. , STEPHAN V. , FORSTER J. , URBANEK R. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe skin prick test (SPT) is a commonly used procedure for assessing a specific sensitization. The longitudinal variability of test results is of interest for clinical as well as epidemiological investigations. The sensitization to four common aeroallergens (grass pollen, birch pollen,Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, cat dander) is investigated within the framework of three consecutive SPTs at 11‐month intervals for a population of 587 schoolchildren. The prevalence of sensitization based on a weal diameter of at least 2 mm was between 12.9% (cat dander) and 23.9% (grass pollen) in the initial testing. The positive predictive values of the initial SPT were between 75.3% (birch pollen) and 88.2% (cat dander) for the two subsequent SPTs. In the case of initially negative tests with positive second and third SPTs the incidence ranged between 3.2% (cat dander) and 4.3% (birch pollen) per year. A clear increase in the intensity of reaction in subsequent tests was observed in a number of probands testing positively in the initial SPT. In conclusion, our data indicate a high long‐term stability of a specific sensitization to aeroallergens in SPT.
IgE‐binding components of baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) recognized by immunoblotting analysis. Simultaneous IgE binding to mannan and 46–48 kD allergens of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans
Authors: KORTEKANGAS‐SAVOLAFNEN O. , KALIMO K. , LAMMINTAUSTA K. , SAVOLAINEN J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe Saccharomyces cerevisiae allergens were characterized by IgE‐immunoblotting with serum samples of 83 patients; 63 represented patients with atopic dermatitis with previous positive skin prick test or RAST for S. cerevisiae, seven patients with AD but negative test results and 13 were non‐atopic controls. Disrupted whole body extract of S. cerevisiae was used in the assays. From the patients tested 41 patients with atopic dermatitis appeared positive in IgE immunoblotting revealing 22 IgE stained bands. From these bands 10 represented intermediate allergens, and 12 minor allergens. The most frequent staining was obtained with the 48 kD band (39%). When the staining pattern of 45 kD and 48 kD bands and mannan was compared with Candida albicans allergens or purified baker's yeast enolase a simultaneous binding was seen with the 48 kD band of S. cerevisiae and the 46 kD band of C. albicans and enolase whereas the 45 kD band was neither associated with the 46 kD band of C. albicans nor purified enolase. High molecular weight staining was found in five samples. The staining pattern was associated with the mannose containing structures in parallel with C. albicans.
Evidence for chestnut pollinosis in Paris
Authors: LAURENT J. , LAFAY M. , LATTANZI B. , GALL C. LE , SAUVAGET J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe existence of chestnut pillions in Paris is not generally accepted in spite of the production of very large quantities of chestnut pollen in July. We carried out systematic skin‐prick testing with chestnut pollen on 81 patients seen in the allergology department. The results were positive in 17 of the 47 patients presenting seasonal symptoms and in none of the 34 patients with perennial symptoms (x2 test= 12.12, P< 0.0). Eight of the 17 positive patients had sIgE levels above 300 IU/ml, 15 had a positive RAST and 14 had a positive nasal provocation test result. On the basis of these findings and the results of the clinical examination during the peak period of pollen emission, we diagnosed chestnut pollinosis in 11 patients. We draw our conclusions from the evidence of this form of pollinosis in the Paris region, together with the reasons why it is, as yet, rarely recognized.
Laser high performance liquid chromatography determination of prostaglandins in nasal lavage fluid in allergic rhinitis
Authors: SUGIMOTO M. , SUGIYAMA S. , YANAGITA N. , OZAWA T. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThis study was designed to analyse prostaglandins (PGs) in human nasal lavage‐ fluid using the combination of microcolumn high performance liquid chromatography and a He/Cd laser induced fluorescence detection system. Forty‐seven patients with allergic rhinitis and 12 healthy volunteers were investigated. Four species of PG. i.e. PGD2, PGE2, PGF2x and 6‐keto‐PGF1, were detected in the nasal lavage fluid. Concentrations of PGD2; (1.33 ± 0.17 nmol/ml) and PGE2 (0.87 ± 0.11 nmol/ml) in nasal lavage fluid from patients with allergic rhinitis (the allergy group) were significantly increased compared with those of volunteers (the control group, 0.23 ± 0.16 nmol/ml, 0.29 ±0.19 nmol/ml, respectively). On the other hand, no significant differences were observed in concentrations of cither PGF2x, or 6‐keto‐PGF1x between the control group and the allergy group. Histamine concentration in nasal lavage fluid was significantly increased in the allergy group (53 ± 7.6 nmol/l) compared with the control group (3.4 ± 1.0 nmol/1). No significant correlation was observed between PGD2 and histamine concentration (r= 0.24), or between PGE2 and histamine concentration (r= 0.08) in nasal lavage fluid from patients with allergic rhinitis. Treatment with oxatomide, an anti‐histamine and anti‐allergic drug, significantly improved symptom scores, but did not alleviate them completely. Concentrations of each PG detected in nasal lavage fluid did not change significantly after oxatomide treatment. It is concluded that, not only histamine but also PGs, particularly PGD2 and PGE2, might be involved in the genesis of allergic rhinitis.
Vesicular transport of peroxidase in human eosinophilic myelocytes
Authors: DVORAK A. M. , ESTRELLA P. , ISHIZAKA T. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryWe performed ultrastructural cytochemistry to detect peroxidase in developmentally arrested human eosinophilic myelocytes. Human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells were cultured for 21 days in the presence of murine‐derived conditioned media, resulting in the development of eosinophilic myelocytes. Unlike normally developing eosinophilic myelocytes, which contain peroxidase in synthetic organelles (i.e. cisterns surrounding the nucleus and hounded by the rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi structures) and in immature and mature granules, the developmentally arrested cells showed ultrastructural evidence of decreased synthesis and secretor transport of peroxidase. Thus. peroxidase was generally absent in the perinuclear and rough endoplasmic cisterns, in Golgi structures, in immature granules and in the matrix‐compartment of most mature granules. Rather, bicompartmental specific granules displayed empty, peroxidase‐negative matrix and central, peroxidase‐negative core material. Peroxidase was present in perigranular vesicles, some of which were attached to granules. Such peroxidase‐loaded transport vesicles are similar to those that effect piecemeal degranulation of mature human eosinophils cultured in rhIL‐5‐containing media [1]. These findings establish vesicle‐mediated piecemeal degranulation in the secretory repertoire of immature human eosinophils and suggest the possibility that eosinophilic myelocytes may participate in vivo in important physiological and/or pathological events that require selective secretion from the specific granule matrix compartment.