bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of SR 140333 and SR 48968 on antigen and substance P‐induced activation of guinea‐pig alveolar macrophages
Authors: Boichot  , Germain  , Emonds‐Alt  , Advenier  , Lagente  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundTachykinins, such as substance P, might be involved in the development of airway hyperresponsiveness and airway inflammation.ObjectiveThis study was designed to investigate the effects of the tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist SR 140333 (Nolpitantium) and the NK2 receptor antagonist SR 48968 (Saredutant) on the activation of alveolar macrophages in the guinea‐pig.MethodsGuinea‐pigs sensitized and challenged by ovalbumin administered by aerosol or naive guinea‐pigs were exposed by aerosol to the neutral endopeptidase, phosphoramidon and, 15 min later, to substance P. Twenty‐four hours later, bronchoalveolar lavages were performed and the cell composition of bronchoalveolar lavage fluids and the arachidonate release from alveolar macrophages stimulated in vitro with fMLP were evaluated.ResultsAntigen challenge in sensitized guinea‐pigs induced an increase in the total number of cells and granulocytes in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids that was not reduced by pre‐treatment of guinea‐pigs with a single dose of SR 140333 or SR 48968 (1 mg/kg). Substance P exposure in phosphoramidon‐pretreated guinea‐pigs did not induce an increase in the total number of cells. In contrast, antigen or substance P exposure induced a significant increase in the in vitro fMLP‐induced arachidonate release from alveolar macrophages. Pre‐treatment of the guinea pigs with SR 140333 or SR 48968 did not reduce the increase in arachidonate release from fMLP‐stimulated alveolar macrophages from sensitized and challenged guinea‐pigs. Pre‐treatment of the animals by SR 140333 and SR 48968 reduced the enhanced arachidonate release induced by fMLP from substance P‐exposed guinea‐pigs.ConclusionThe present data demonstrate the importance of NK1‐ and NK2‐receptor stimulation in the development of substance P‐induced increased reactivity of alveolar macrophages.
T‐cell‐mediated cytotoxicity against keratinocytes in sulfamethoxazol‐induced skin reaction
Authors: Schnyder  , Frutig  , Mauri‐Hellweg  , Limat  , Yawalkar  , Pichler  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe incidence of skin rashes or erythema multiforme to sulfamethoxazole in exposed patients is about 3%. Among patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome the risk is ≈ 10 times higher. The pathogenesis of these reactions and the reason for the increased frequency in HIV infections are not understood.ObjectiveTo investigate drug specific T‐cell‐mediated cytotoxicity in sulfamethoxazole‐ induced skin reactions.MethodsSpecific T‐cell lines and T‐cell clones generated from a donor who developed a skin rash to sulfamethoxazole were assessed with a standard 4 h 51Cr cytotoxicity assay in the presence or absence of soluble sulfamethoxazole. B lymphoblasts and keratinocytes with and without interferon gamma pretreatment were used as target cells. Selective blockers of FasL/Fas and perforin‐mediated killing and immunostaining for perforin were used to evaluate the involvement of the different cytolytic pathways.ResultsCD4+ and CD8+ sulfamethoxazole specific T‐cell clones showed a drug‐specific and MHC‐restricted cytotoxicity against autologous B lymphoblasts in the presence of soluble sulfamethoxazole. Keratinocytes, if pretreated with interferon gamma, were specifically killed predominantly by CD4+ T‐cell clones. Specific T‐cell clones of both CD4+ and CD8+ phenotype showed a strong immunoreactivity for perforin and the cytotoxicity was blocked by concanamycin A which suggests a perforin‐mediated killing.ConclusionPerforin‐mediated killing of autologous keratinocytes in the presence of soluble sulfamethoxazole by drug‐specific CD4+ lymphocytes may be a pathway for generalized drug‐induced delayed skin reactions. The requirement of interferon gamma pretreatment of keratinocytes for efficient specific killing might explain the increased frequency of drug allergies in generalized viral infections like HIV, when interferon gamma levels are elevated.
Polarized TH1 responses by liposome‐entrapped allergen and its potential in immunotherapy of allergic disorders
Authors: Sehra  , Chugh  , Gangal  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe conventional immunotherapy used for treating allergic individuals may at times lead to varying degrees of anaphylactic reaction. Liposomes have been proposed as a vehicle for safe and effective allergen‐specific immunotherapy as multiple injections of liposome‐entrapped allergen (LEA) have been shown to reduce specific IgE response and induce specific IgG response in BALB/c mice.Objective and methodsTo elucidate the effect of LEA on polarization of T‐cell responses, its effect on the relative production of TH1/TH2 type cytokines (namely IL‐2, IL‐4 and IFN‐γ by commercially available ELISA kits and immunoglobulin profile as measured by ELISA) were studied. Histamine release on challenge of immunized mice was measured to examine the efficacy of LEA in preventing anaphylactic reactions.ResultsMeasurement of cytokine levels in serum and spleen cell culture supernatants of BALB/c mice injected repeatedly with either free allergen (FA) or LEA (three mice per group) indicate that LEA preferentially induces a TH1‐type of response dominated by IFN‐γ and IL‐2 production. Further, it was also shown that immunization of mice with FA or LEA and subsequent challenge with a large dose of the sensitizing allergen leads to fatal systemic reactions in 50–65% of the animals treated with FA, whereas no mortality was observed in mice injected with LEA. Analysis of IgG subclasses in sera of mice immunized with LEA revealed a sixfold higher production of IgG1 antibodies than mice immunized with FA. Serum IgG2a, IgG2b, IgG3 and IgM responses were also enhanced in the group of mice immunized with LEA in comparison with mice injected with FA.ConclusionThe results indicate that LEA confers protection against anaphylaxis to mice due to their ability to induce a high IFN‐γ:IL‐4 ratio which may lead to decreased synthesis of IgE and reduced histamine release on challenge with FA.
Increasing prevalence of asthma over 12 years among dairy farmers on Gotland, Sweden: storage mites remain dominant allergens
Authors: KRONQVIST  , JOHANSSON  , PERSHAGEN  , JOHANSSON  , VAN HAGE‐HAMSTEN  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundEarlier studies from several countries have shown that IgE‐mediated allergy in rural populations is of considerable importance and that storage mites are dominant allergens.ObjectiveIn an epidemiological follow‐up study among farmers on the island of Gotland, Sweden in 1996 we wished to investigate the prevalence of respiratory allergy and to find out whether storage mites are still important allergens in a farming environment.MethodsA questionnaire concerning airway symptoms, social and working conditions and smoking habits was distributed to all Gotland farmers aged 15–65 years and was completed by 1577 (86.7%), of whom 1015 were dairy farmers. Based on the answers, 500 dairy farmers were invited to undergo a medical examination which included a skin‐prick test (SPT) and blood sampling for RAST analyses. Prevalence figures (symptoms, RAST and SPT) given for the whole population (n  =  1015) were based on the investigation of the 461 farmers who took part in the examination.ResultsImmediate onset hypersensitivity was present in 41.7% of the 1015 farmers studied, which is almost the same figure as in 1984 (40.0%). The prevalence of asthma had increased significantly during the previous 12 years (5.3% vs 9.8%), as had asthma in combination with rhinoconjunctivitis (3.7% vs 7.0%). Rhinoconjunctivitis, on the other hand, had not changed significantly (36.5% vs 33.1%) and remained one of the most common symptoms. The prevalence of storage mite allergy in the farming population in 1996 was 6.5% and constituted an important cause of allergic symptoms.ConclusionOver 12 years, Gotland dairy farmers have developed significantly more respiratory symptoms from the lower airways, although the proportion with atopy is unchanged. Storage mites are still dominant allergens for developing allergic disease.
Prevalence of hay fever and allergic sensitization in farmer's children and their peers living in the same rural community
Authors: BRAUN‐FAHRLÄNDER  , GASSNER  , GRIZE  , NEU  , SENNHAUSER  , VARONIER  , VUILLE  , WÜTHRICH  ,   THE SCARPOL TEAM
Published: March 2003

IntroductionLower prevalence rates of allergic diseases in rural as compared with urban populations have been interpreted as indicating an effect of air pollution. However, little is known about other factors of the rural environment which may determine the development of atopic sensitization and related diseases.ObjectiveThe authors tested the hypothesis that children growing up on a farm were less likely to be sensitized to common aerollergens and to suffer from allergic diseases than children living in the same villages but in nonfarming families.Materials and methodsThree age groups of schoolchildren (6–7 years, 9–11 years, 13–15 years) living in three rural communities were included in the analyses. An exhaustive questionnaire was filled in by 1620 (86.0%) parents. A blood sample was provided by 404 (69.3%) of the 13–15 year olds to determine specific IgE antibodies against six common aeroallergens.ResultsFarming as parental occupation was reported for 307 children (19.0%). After adjustment for potential covariates such as family history of asthma and allergies, parental education, number of siblings, maternal smoking, pet ownership, indoor humidity and heating fuels, farming as parental occupation was significantly associated with lower rates of sneezing attacks during pollen season (adjusted OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.12–0.89) and atopic sensitization (adjusted OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.13–0.73) whereas the association with wheeze (adjusted OR 0.77 95% CI 0.38–1.58) and itchy skin rash (adjusted OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.49–1.50) was not statistically significant. The risk of atopic sensitization was lower in children from full‐time farmers (adjusted OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.09–0.66) than from part‐time farmers (adjusted OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.15–1.96).ConclusionFactors directly or indirectly related to farming as parental occupation decrease the risk of children becoming atopic and developing symptoms of allergic rhintis.
Atopy patch test reactions are associated with T lymphocyte‐mediated allergen‐specific immune responses in atopic dermatitis
Authors: WISTOKAT‐WÜLFING  , SCHMIDT  , DARSOW  , RING  , KAPP  , WERFEL  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundPositive test reactions to epicutaneous application of aeroallergens served as a model of ‘early’ eczema in atopic dermatitis (AD) in a number of dermato‐immunological studies. However, no quantitative evaluation has been performed so far comparing specific T‐cell activation parameters in the peripheral blood of AD patients with positive or negative atopy patch tests (APT).ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate specific immunological parameters in patients with atopic dermatitis showing positive or negative atopy patch tests reactions.MethodsAPT results (n = 96) were compared with allergen‐specific IgE, specific lymphocyte proliferation, and the expression of ‘activation’ markers on peripheral blood T‐cells upon in vitro stimulation with house dust mite, cat or grass pollen allergens.ResultsOnly a subpopulation (48%) of patients sensitized to aeroallergens (i.e. specific IgE > 0.7 kU/L) developed APT‐reactions to the corresponding allergen. APT reactions were, however, significantly associated with allergen specific lymphocyte proliferation (p < 0.0001), and a higher number of CD54+ or CD30+ T‐cells (p < 0.05) upon in vitro stimulation.ConclusionThe association of delayed skin reactions with allergen specific T‐cell parameters in the blood points to an immunologically mediated mechanism leading to positive reactions in the APT.
How far can we simplify in vitro diagnostics for Fagales tree pollen allergy? A study with three whole pollen extracts and purified natural and recombinant allergens
Authors: VAN REE  , VAN LEEUWEN  , AKKERDAAS  , AALBERSE R. C. 
Published: March 2003

BackgroundCurrent diagnostic tests for Fagales tree pollen allergy are often composed of mixtures of pollen of birch, alder and hazel. Their complex composition hampers accurate standardization.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate whether mixtures of tree pollen extracts can be replaced by a single pollen species, and whether a single pollen species can be replaced by a limited number of purified natural or recombinant major allergens.MethodsSera (n = 1725) were selected on ground of a general suspicion for inhalant allergy, and tested in a RAST for birch, alder and hazel pollen. Sera with > 0.5 RU/mL for any of the three species were tested in a RAST for natural Bet v 1 and Bet v 2 as well as for recombinant versions of both allergens.ResultsSpecific IgE antibodies (> 0.3 RU/mL) against birch, alder and hazel were found in 242, 298 and 292 sera, respectively. All sera with a positive RAST for alder and/or hazel and a negative RAST for birch were low‐responder sera on alder and hazel, only five sera having a RAST value > 1.0 (all < 2.0). For all sera with a RAST > 0.5 RU/mL (n = 250), the mean of individual ratio's alder/birch and hazel/birch was 1.02 and 0.54, respectively. Of 223 of these sera, 63.2% had specific IgE against natural Bet v 1 and 63.7% against natural Bet v 2. When responses to both allergens were combined 93.7% were positive. The mean ratios Bet v 1 + 2/extract were 1.00, 1.04 and 2.11 in case of birch, alder and hazel, respectively. For 211 sera the same analysis was performed with recombinant Bet v 1 and Bet v 2. Only six sera with Bet v 1‐specific IgE (all < 0.5 RU/mL) were negative (< 0.3 RU/mL) on recombinant Bet v 1. For Bet v 2, 77/132 sera with specific IgE to the natural allergen did not react to the recombinant version. Twelve false‐negatives had RAST values > 1.0 RU/mL. The mean of the individual recombinant/natural ratios was 0.98 for Bet v 1 and 0.38 for Bet v 2 (P < 0.001). The mean ratio rBet v 1 + 2/birch was 0.75 with 17.5% false‐negatives on the combination of recombinant allergens.ConclusionReliable in vitro diagnosis is possible with a single tree pollen extract (birch or alder). The same is true for purified natural Bet v 1 and Bet v 2. A combination of recombinant molecules is slightly less efficient.
Monitoring allergen immunotherapy of pollen‐allergic patients: the ratio of allergen‐specific IgG4 to IgG1 correlates with clinical outcome
Authors: GEHLHAR  , SCHLAAK  , BECKER  , BUFE  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundAlthough allergen immunotherapy has been established as a treatment of type I allergy back in 1911, until now the underlying mechanisms have not been fully understood, nor are there any parameters which would allow one to monitor an ongoing treatment or to assess therapeutic success in the meantime.ObjectiveWe wanted to define allergen‐specific parameters that change due to treatment in correlation with the clinical outcome.MethodsWe conducted a controlled study with grass pollen‐allergic children and compared allergen‐specific antibody titres before and 1 year after the onset of immunotherapy in contrast with untreated allergic and healthy children. Two recombinant forms of the major allergen group V of Phleum pratense (Phl p 5) served as model allergens.ResultsNo change in IgE levels and no significant reduction of skin prick test (SPT) reactivity were seen. On the other hand, a significant reduction of symptom scores in the treated group and a significant rise in allergen‐specific IgG1, IgG2 and IgG4 due to the treatment could be observed, but in neither case could we establish a correlation between the increasing amounts of the single antibody classes and the reduction of symptom scores. But most interestingly, when comparing the ratio of IgG4 to IgG1 with the symtom scores, we found significant correlations. Nevertheless, treated allergic patients still differ considerably from healthy controls as nonatopics have hardly any measurable allergen‐specific IgG antibodies and no IgE antibodies at all.ConclusionThe ratio of IgG4 to IgG1 can serve as a valuable parameter that allows us to assess the success of immunotherapy already 1 year after the onset. The increase of specific IgG1 in relation to IgG4 during treatment reflects a possible influence of this subclass on the induction of tolerance towards allergens.
Risk factors for latex allergy in patients with spina bifida and latex sensitization
Authors: BERNARDINI  , NOVEMBRE  , LOMBARDI  , MEZZETTI  , CIANFERONI  , DANTI  , MERCURELLA  , VIERUCCI  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundSome subjects with spina bifida (SB) and latex sensitization (cutaneous and/or serum IgE) can have clinical reactions, while others may have no symptoms after the exposure to latex products.ObjectiveThis study was carried out to determine the risk factors associated with latex allergy in patients affected with SB and latex sensitization.MethodsFifty‐nine consecutive subjects affected with SB, besides answering a questionnaire, underwent a skin‐prick test (SPT) to latex and the determination of the specific serum IgE (RAST CAP) to latex. The total serum IgE concentration was determined and SPT to common aero‐ and food‐allergens, skin tests (prick + prick) with fresh foods (kiwi, pear, orange, pineapple, tomato, banana) and RAST CAP to the same foods tested by the prick + prick technique, were also performed.ResultsFifteen out of the 59 subjects (25%) were sensitized to latex according to the presence of IgE to latex detected by SPT (nine patients) and/or RAST CAP (13 patients). Five out of the 15 sensitized patients (33%) suffered from clinical reactions to latex (urticaria, conjunctivitis, angioedema, rhinitis, bronchial asthma) while they were using latex gloves and while inflating latex balloons. In the 15 sensitized patients, the presence of specific latex seric IgE > 3.5 kU/L (≥ class 3), a positive latex SPT, an elevated total serum IgE, and a positive prick + prick and/or a positive RAST CAP to foods, were significant (P < 0.05) risk factors associated with latex symptoms. The other factors tested (age, gender, months of intermittent bladder catheterization, surgical procedures, SPT reactivity and clinical reactions to aero‐allergens and food‐allergens, skin tests for fresh foods, positive RAST CAP to foods) were not significantly different in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.ConclusionSignificant risk factors for symptoms to latex in patients with SB and latex sensitization were a presence of specific IgE to latex > 3.5 kU/L, a more frequent positive latex SPT, elevated total IgE, and one or more positive prick + prick and/or RAST CAP to fresh foods.
Allergy to the pine processionary caterpillar (Thaumetopoea pityocampa)
Authors: Vega  , Moneo  , Armentia  , Fernández  , Vega  , De La Fuente  , Sánchez  , Sanchís  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe contact with the pine processionary caterpillar (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) induces dermatitis and ocular lesions by a mechanic and toxic mechanism. However, IgE‐mediated hypersensitivity to this caterpillar has been demonstrated in two recent studies.ObjectiveTo find if an IgE‐mediated mechanism was operative among patients with suspected previous reactions to processionary caterpillars, particularly exposed workers.MethodsFifty‐five patients were studied by skin prick test (SPT), and specific IgE detection by immunoblotting.ResultsA total of 58.18% patients had a positive SPT for caterpillar extract. Positive SPT patients had more generalized cutaneous reactions (47%) and oedema (50%) as well as a shorter latency period (mean, 36 min) and duration of cutaneous lesions (mean, 26 h) than the patients with negative SPT. A total of 60% of the positive SPT patients had occupational exposure to the processionary caterpillar. The occupationally exposed workers showed significant symptoms from October to December. The anaphylactic reactions only appeared in allergic patients with occupational exposure and were also more frequent from October to December. These patients with anaphylactic reactions had a major size of SPT and the exercise was found in them to be a variable that increased the symptoms. The IgE immunoblot detected in the caterpillar extract several reactive bands with apparent molecular weights from to 35–4 kDa in 72% of the cases with positive SPT.ConclusionsAllergic reactions to T. pityocampa urticating hairs have different clinical characteristics than those induced by a toxic‐irritative mechanism and are more frequent than suspected. Allergic reactions to this caterpillar among occasional visitors to pine‐wood areas, and particularly in pine‐forest workers, should be taken into consideration by allergists.
Expression of interleukin (IL)‐12 (p40) and IL‐12 (β2) receptors in allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis
Authors: Wright  , Christodoulopoulos  , Frenkiel  , Hamid  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundInterleukin (IL)‐12 is a relatively new and structurally distinct TH1‐associated cytokine produced by B cells and macrophages, which may play a suppressive role in the development of allergic sinonasal mucosal responses.ObjectiveWe investigated the expression of IL‐12 (inducible p40 subunit) and its receptor (IL‐12R β2 subunit) in tissue biopsies of naturally exposed patients with allergy‐associated (ACS) and nonallergy‐associated chronic sinusitis (NCS) and compared it with controls. We also examined IL‐12 and IL‐12R expression in biopsies from a ragweed allergen challenge model. In the allergen challenge model, the effect of pretreatment with topical corticosteroids on IL‐12 and IL‐12R expression was assessed.MethodsTo detect IL‐12 and IL‐12R mRNA, we employed the technique of in situ hybridization using digoxigenin‐labelled riboprobes.ResultsIn both ACS and NCS subjects there was decreased expression of IL‐12 as compared with control (P < 0.05). IL‐12R (β2) expression was decreased in ACS subjects as compared with control (P < 0.05), however, there was no significant difference found between NCS subjects and control. In the allergen challenge subjects, there was a significant decrease in IL‐12 expression following challenge (P < 0.05). This effect was abrogated by pretreatment of the subjects with topical corticosteroids. However, IL‐12R (β2) expression showed no change following allergen challenge while pretreatment with topical corticosteroids resulted in increased expression of the (β2) receptor after allergen challenge (P < 0.05).ConclusionOur data suggest that IL‐12 plays a role in the in vivo suppression of the allergic inflammatory response and that the control of this suppression may be exerted largely via the IL‐12 (β2) receptor.