Showing papers in "Allergy in 1978"
TL;DR: Recommendations for standardization of allergen extract are presented by the combined use of skin prick tests and radioallergosorbent tests, which provide appropriate means for quantitation of the total allergenic activity of an extract.
Abstract: This paper presents recommendations for standardization of allergen extract by the combined use of skin prick tests and radioallergosorbent tests. These tests provide appropriate means for quantitation of the total allergenic activity of an extract. Advantages and limitations are discussed with reference to the literature.
206 citations
TL;DR: Inhalation challenge test was performed in 12 patients with bronchial asthma and the subsequent variation in blood cosinophils and serum-eosinophil cationic protein was followed up as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Inhalation challenge test was performed in 12 patients with bronchial asthma. The subsequent variation in blood cosinophils and serum-eosinophil cationic protein was followed up. Uniform patterns in both parameters were seen suggesting active participation of the eosinophil leucocyte in allergic inflammation.
130 citations
TL;DR: Among adult patients with bronchial asthma and/or allergic rhinitis und allergological investigation with skin test, nasal provocation test and RAST, 1129 answered a questionaire regarding food sensitivity (FS), where a correlation was found between birch pollen allergy and FS.
Abstract: Among adult patients with bronchial asthma and/or allergic rhinitis undergoing allergological investigation with skin test, nasal provocation test and RAST, 1129 answered a questionaire regarding food sensitivity (FS). 276 (24%) of the patients reported some kind of allergic symptoms on eating or handling various foods, of which hazel nut, apple and shell fish were the most often named. Females reported FS more often than males. A correlation was found between birch pollen allergy and FS with nuts, apple, peach, cherry, pear, plum, carrot and new potato. The higher the degree of birch pollen allergy, according to skin test, RAST or provocation test, the higher the frequency of FS. A correlation was found too between acetylsalicylic acid intolerance and FS with some foods, e.g. nuts, strawberry, almond, green pepper, hip, chocolate, egg, cabbage, milk and wine. The connection between birch pollen allergy and FS is probably explained by the structural relationship between birch pollen allergen and some allergens of the foodstuffs, whereas the high incidence of FS in acetylsalicylic acid-intolerant patients is probably explained by additives in foods as well as salicylates or benzoates naturally occurring in some food.
123 citations
115 citations
98 citations
TL;DR: In the vocabulary of daily life the term allergen is most often used to indicate the whole substance able to initiate an allergic reaction, such as certain pollens, moulds, house dust mites, animal dander, cow's milk and other inhalants or food items known to trigger immediate or late, hypersensitivity reactions.
Abstract: In the vocabulary of daily life the term allergen is most often used to indicate the whole substance able to initiate an allergic reaction, such as certain pollens, moulds, house dust mites, animal dander, cow's milk and other inhalants or food items known to trigger immediate or late, hypersensitivity reactions. The term is also used to denote environmental components which elicit delayed hypersensitivity reactions. Allergen also denotes the particular molecules which specifically take part in the immune reactions of allergy.
81 citations
TL;DR: F fungi from house dust were cultivated and identified and it was demonstrated that members of Mucorales were much more frequently represented in the samples obtained by this method compared with gravimetric and volumetric measurements.
Abstract: In order to encircle possible allergen sources, fungi from house dust were cultivated and identified. Dust from vacuum cleaners was inoculated on Petri dishes containing V-8 agar with addition of penicillin and streptomycin to eliminate the bacterial flora. The number of genera identified were for the most part consistent with the genera trapped from die air. However, presumably owing to their dispersal biology, it was demonstrated that members of Mucorales were much more frequently represented in the samples obtained by this method compared with gravimetric and volumetric measurements. The method is recommended is a simple way to demonstrate and identity the mould contents in house dust and as a tool for the identification of some of the real allergenic sources in house dust.
73 citations
TL;DR: 92 adult patients with springtime allergy were investigated with skin tests, provocation tests and the RAST, and allergen extracts from 12 different deciduous trees were used.
Abstract: 92 adult patients with springtime allergy were investigated with skin tests, provocation tests and the RAST. Allergen extracts from 12 different deciduous trees were used.
Positive reactions, often of high intensity, were most often found with birch, alder, bog-myrtle, beech and hazel allergens whereas oak, aspen, linden, elm, sallow, maple and poplar allergens more often gave negative or only weak positive test results. Cross sensitizations were found between botanically related as well as between less related species of the trees. Almost all patients with a clinically relevant tree pollen allergy had positive provocation tests with birch pollen. No patient had positive reactions to all the 12 allergens included in the study. 68% had positive provocation tests with the combination birch, alder and hazel.
It is concluded that for diagnostic screening purposes it is sufficient to use birch pollen allergen. If the majority of relevant tree pollens are to be included in a diagnostic or therapeutic programme in Western Sweden it should contain birch, alder, hazel, beech and bog-myrtle allergens.
59 citations
TL;DR: Three allergens, antigens Nos, 3, 25.
Abstract: Three allergens, antigen Nos. 3, 25, and 30, were isolated from freeze-dried aqueous extract of timothy pollen by various combinations of anionic and cationic exchange and gel chromatography. The allergens were all of protein nature and contained less than 2% (w/w) immunochem;cally detectable impurities. Molecular weights and pI's were determined to less than 10 X 10(3), 15 X 10(3) and 3.9, 4.5, 9.4, respectively, and antigen 25 was determined as the major component of the earlier isolated antigen B. amino acid analyses performed an antigens 3 and 30 revealed large variation s in the amino acid composition. The allergenic activities were verified by means of RAST inhibition and pick tests and proved antigen 25 to be quantitatively the most important allergen of timothy pollen.
54 citations
TL;DR: The purpose of this article is to briefly recapitulate the established facts about EIA and to review the more recent developments.
Abstract: Exercise has long been known to provoke a short attack of airways obstruction in asthmatics, and some 3 years ago we were able to review our own results and an extensive literature on this subject (4). Since then interest in exercise-induced asthma (EIA) has continued to flourish, and while a number of studies have merely confirmed earlier observations by more reliable methods, others have contributed substantially to our understanding of this very interesting phenomenon. It is the purpose of this article to briefly recapitulate the established facts about EIA and to review the more recent developments.
49 citations
TL;DR: It is hypothesized that the regular application of aluminium compound‐containing vaccines on the entire population could be one of the factors leading to the observed increase of allergic diseases.
Abstract: The ability of aluminium phosphate and calcium phosphate to stimulate the synthesis of tetanus toxoid-specific anaphilactic and antitoxic antibodies is compared. The observed differences in the kinetics of IgG1a, IgG1b and antitoxines are quantitative--titres after application of aluminium phosphate are higher. Booster immunization with aluminium but not calcium phosphate-adsorbed toxoid leads to a prolonged synthesis of specific IgE. It is hypothesized that the regular application of aluminium compound-containing vaccines on the entire population could be one of the factors leading to the observed increase of allergic diseases.
TL;DR: Hypersensitivity to birch pollen was linked with allergy to apple and carrot, apple seeds and carrot seeds and also with their fractions, and skin reactions among other atopics were rare, and non‐atopic patient showed no reactions to fresh fruits and vegetables.
Abstract: Hypersensitivity to birch pollen was linked with allergy to apple and carrot, apple seeds and carrot seeds and also with their fractions, Skin reactions among other atopics were rare, and non-atopic patient; showed no reactions to fresh fruits and vegetables.
Apple and carrot as well as apple seeds and carrot seeds were fractionated using column chromatography. Two major fractions were obtained, one with sugar and proteins, and one with proteins, the tatter giving skin reactions more often than the former. The correlation between clinical symptoms and skin lest results with the fractionated material was somewhat lower than that obtained with the non-fractionated fresh material. The allergens of fruits and vegetables might be proteins (enzymes).
TL;DR: It is unlikely that the clinical symptoms and the eosinophilia of intolerance to aspirin and tartrazine are mediated by antibodies of the IgE class.
Abstract: Total serum IgE and eosinophil count were determined for 30 patients with intolerance to aspirin. Total IgE levels in the aspirin intolerant patients were similar to those expected in a non-atopic population. In contrast, total eosinophil count (TEC) tended to be elevated in the aspirin intolerant group. Elevated TEC was observed both in bronchospastic (57%) and in urticarial (25%) aspirin intolerance. Specific anti-aspiryl and anti-tartrazyl antibodies of the IgE class were assayed by the galactosidase immunosorbent test (GIST). IgE anti-aspiryl antibodies were possibly detected in one patient, but did not correlate with clinical intolerance to aspirin. It is unlikely that the clinical symptoms and the eosinophilia of intolerance to aspirin and tartrazine are mediated by antibodies of the IgE class.
TL;DR: Sera from 36 patients with manifest allergy to cow hair and dander selected on the basis of case history, RAST, skin and provocation test, were examined in crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis and 31/36 of the sera contained IgE with specific affinity for two of the antigens of the extract.
Abstract: Quantiative immunoelectrophoresis used for the analysis of a dialysed, centrifuged and freeze-dried extract from cow hair and dander revealed 17 antigens. Five of these were identified as serum proteins. Partial identity to antigens of serum and extract from hair and dander of goat, sheep, swine, horse, dog, cat and guinea pig, and to antigens of house dust was demonstrated. Sera from 36 patients with manifest allergy to cow hair and dander selected on the basis of case history, RAST, skin and provocation test, were examined in crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis (CRIE); sera from five persons with high serum IgE, but without allergy to cow hair and dander, and sera from five normal individuals were controls. 31/36 of the sera contained IgE with specific affinity for two of the antigens of the extract. Further, two major and six minor allergens were identified. The control sera showed no specific IgE binding. A significant positive correlation was found between RAST and CRIE for the first group of patients. The approximate molecular weights of the four major allergens obtained by means of gel chromatography were: 2.4 x 10(4), 2 x 10(4), 2 x 10(5) dalton, respectively. Using Con-A and Con-A Sepharose in crossed immunoaffinoelectrophoresis, eight of the antigens were revealed to contain groups with affinity for Con-A.
TL;DR: Prophylactic treatment with antifibrinolytic agents, epsilon‐aminocapriod and tranexamic acid, reduces the incidence and severits of attacks in patients with hereditary angioedema.
Abstract: Prophylactic treatment with antifibrinolytic agents, epsilon-aminocapriod and tranexamic acid, reduces the incidence and severits of attacks in patients with hereditary angioedema Long-term ellectivenessor risk of antifibrinolytic agents has not been established Sixteen patients needing continuous prophylaxis because of frequency and severity of attacks were treated with tranexamic acid In four patients this treatment was ineffective and the drug was withdrawn after 2 months A remission or reduction in the frequency or serverity of attacks was observed in 12 patients treated for a period ranging from 8 to 34 months Hepatic tests and blood fibrinolytic activity were not influenced by long term oral treatment with tranexamic acid
TL;DR: The radioallergosorbent test (RAST) was used to demonstrate IgE and identified qualitative differences in Antibodies to Cladosporium herbarum in 35 children.
Abstract: The radioallergosorbent test (RAST) was used to demonstrate IgE. Antibodies to Cladosporium herbarum in 35 children. Freeze-dried samples of Cladosporion herbarum were obtained from two commercial producers, extracted and used for the preparation of two RAST disc series which were Compared with the commercially available Phadebas Cladosporium herbarum discs. Marked qualitative differences were found.
TL;DR: An involvement of an autoimmune type I reaction in the pathogenesis of RA directed against the nuclear components RNA and DNA and against immune complexes is found.
Abstract: Basophils from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) respond to RNA, DNA and immune complexes (aggregated IgG) with histamine release. The RNA response was well correlated to the clinical activity of the disease, since histamine liberation was found in all patients with severe activity, whereas no liberation was observed in patients with moderate or quiescent activity. A less significant correlation was obtained with DNA and aggregated IgG. In contrast, no response was obtained with RNA, DNA and aggregated IgG in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or in controls. In the RA and the SLE groups no significant correlation was found between the response of RNA, DNA and aggregated IgG and the serum titres of anti-DNA and antinuclear antibodies. No difference in basophil cell count in peripheral blood and basophil histamine content was found between RA, SLE and controls. Our results point to an involvement of an autoimmune type I reaction in the pathogenesis of RA directed against the nuclear components RNA and DNA and against immune complexes.
TL;DR: The development of laboratory tests for atopic allergy is a research field that has been paid considerable attention; in vitro challenge of the patients' leukocytes with allergen, and detection of reaginic activity in a serum sample.
Abstract: The classical diagnostic procedures for reagin-mediated disorders are the case history and the skin test. Often the initial skin test is followed by an end-point skin titration or, in some countries a nasalor bronchial challenge test. Carefully interpreted, the results of these tests will help the experienced allergist to settle the correct diagnosis in the great majority of cases. Allergic disorders give rise to a wide variety of symptoms, but symptoms simulating allergy can be elicited by other mechanisms. The connection with the offending allergen is sometimes less obvious, as in the case of multiple sensitivity or a continuous exposure of one or several allergens where the dosage is variable. Thus, although the case history is essential it is often necessary to support the patients' information with some kind of testing. The development of laboratory tests for atopic allergy is a research field that has been paid considerable attention. Essentially two different approaches have been tried; in vitro challenge of the patients' leukocytes with allergen, and detection of reaginic activity in a serum sample. The discovery of IgE as the carrier of reaginic activity has permitted the development of serological test procedures for the detection of immediate hypersensitivity.
TL;DR: Clinical hypersensitivity to wasp stings was found to be fairly well correlated with the presence of serum IgE‐antibodies against yellow jacket venom as detected by the RAST technique.
Abstract: Clinical hypersensitivity to wasp stings was found to be fairly well correlated with the presence of serum IgE-antibodies against yellow jacket venom as detected by the RAST technique. Such antibodies were never found in a control group of non-allergic blood donors, but they were detected in a surprisingly large proportion of patients with bee sting allergy without known allergic reactions to wasps. Studies using RAST inhibition technique failed to prove cross-reactions between bee and wasp venoms.
Considerably better results were obtained when venom antigens instead of whole body antigens were used in the RAST, RAST inhibition studies suggested that IgE-antibodies detected with RAST using whole body antigen are directed against bee venom constituents in the whole body extract.
TL;DR: It was shown that the allergens were extracted extremely fast and that both the total allergenic activity and the concentration of one allergen readied maximum after about 20 min.
Abstract: Extraction and degradation of timothy pollen in saline has been compared with extraction in nasal secretion and gastric fluid. By measuring the absolute amount of one important allergenic substance by quantitative immunoelectrophoresis and the total allergenic activity by RAST as a function of time it was shown that the allergens were extracted extremely fast and that both the total allergenic activity and the concentration of one allergen reached maximum after about 20 min. Compared with saline, extraction under the simulated in vivo conditions gave a lower maximum level and a faster degradation of allergens.
TL;DR: In a food allergic patient challenge evoked a dual asthmatic response that could be partly or completely blocked by pretreatment with disodium cromoglycate (Intal®, Lomudal®) orally, depending on the doses given.
Abstract: In a food allergic patient challenge evoked a dual asthmatic response. These reactions could be partly or completely blocked by pretreatment with disodium cromoglycate (Intal®, Lomudal®) orally, depending on the doses given. Pretreatment with inhalations of disodium cromoglycate gave no protection.
TL;DR: The steady accumulation of contradictory information in this area has stimulated us to survey reports dealing with the cyclic AMP content of secretory cells and its regulatory function on histamine release, and the authors have focused interest only on investigations where direct measurements of cycling AMP have been performed.
Abstract: In recent years there has been an explosive development in research concerning the regulatory role of cyclic AMP. Each year a number of publications bring direct and indirect information about the alleged functions in various biological systems. Histamine release from mast cells and basophils is one of the functions considered to be controlled by cyclic AMP. An elevation of cyclic AMP in target cells is generally regarded to inhibit histatnine secretion and the process would hereby conform to a bidirectional regtilatory system (Berridge: Adv. Cyclic Nuc!. Res. 6. 1, 1975). However, this opinion can now be questioned, since data have appeared in the literature which oppose this general concept. The steady accumulation of contradictory information in this area has stimulated us to survey reports dealing with the cyclic AMP content of secretory cells and its regulatory function on histamine release. Considering possible tissue and species differences, we have chosen to analyse only the reports dealing with isolated rat mast cells, since these cells can be obtained as a pure cell population, which is a prerequisite for proper evaluation of the significance of cyclic AMP data. Furthermore, we have focused interest only on investigations where direct measurements of cyclic AMP have been performed. Table 1 shows the basal levels of cyclic AMP in rat mast cells in various investigadons. The values vary by a factor of about 50. This large variation is difficult to explain even when taking into account differences in experimental procedures: incubation media, strains of rats, and methods
TL;DR: The present work evaluates several of the technical variables of the Fair radioimmunoassay for anti‐DNA antibody determination and describes a recommendable procedure, emphasizes the most important sources of error and gives the range of normal blood donors and a group of hospital patients without SLE.
Abstract: Anti-DNA antibody determination in serum is increasingly used because it supports the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with high selectivity. The present work evaluates several of the technical variables of the Farr radioimmunoassay for anti-DNA antibody determination and describes a recommendable procedure, emphasizes the most important sources of error and gives the range of normal blood donors and a group of hospital patients without SLE.
TL;DR: The presence of specific IgE antibodies and/or an early onset of the symptoms of CNSLD was accompanied by higher total serum IgE levels compared with the IgE values in the other CNSLD patients, and the total IgE Levels were increased in all subgroups of CNS LD patients.
Abstract: Total serum IgE was measured, using a sensitive sandwich method, in a healthy control population, in healthy persons with a familial history of chronic non-specific lung disease and in patients with chronic non-specific lung disease (CNSLD). In the control population a median total serum IgE of 39 I.U./ml was found. Total serum IgE levels were significantly lower in women that in men. Healthy persons with a familial history of CNSLD had significantly increased total IgE levels compared with the control population. The IgE level was even higher in the group of patients with CNSLD. The presence of specific IgE antibodies and/or an early onset of the symptoms of CNSLD was accompanied by higher total serum IgE levels compared with the IgE values in the other CNSLD patients. But the total IgE levels were increased in all subgroups of CNSLD patients. A significant decrease of the IgE level with age was observed in CNSLD patients.
TL;DR: The immune response induced by a foreign agent (antigen) which has penetrated the natural defense barriers and gained access to the host appears to take two basic forms, which often function in concert and help to facilitate destruction and removal of the antigen.
Abstract: The immune response induced by a foreign agent (antigen) which has penetrated the natural defense barriers and gained access to the host appears to take two basic forms. One culminates in specific antibody production by plasma cells and their precursors the B-lymphocytes (humoral immunity). The second form results in stimulation of Tlymphocytes which react against the antigen directly and/or through recruitment and activation of other inflammatory cells {cellmediated immunity). Both types of reactivity often function in concert and help to facilitate destruction and removal of the antigen.
TL;DR: Eosinophil cationic protein was estimated after extraction of the cells and a similar content was found in cells from both groups, suggesting a low intracellular content in patients with bronchial asthma.
Abstract: Eosinophil cationic protein constitutes a major part of eosinophil leucocyte granule protein. Low serum concentrations have previously been found in patients with bronchial asthma. As this might reflect a low intracellular content, eosinophils were isolated from normal controls and patients with bronchial asthma. Eosinophil cationic protein was estimated after extraction of the cells and a similar content was found in cells from both groups.
TL;DR: In 57 patients with house dust allergy and 20 controls protease inhibitor concentrations in nasal secretions were measured before and after antigen challenge, a correlation was found between low inhibitor levels and long duration of disease.
Abstract: In 57 patients with house dust allergy and 20 controls protease inhibitor concentrations in nasal secretions were measured before and after antigen challenge. A correlation was found between low inhibitor levels and long duration of disease. Furthermore, significant differences of inhibitor concentrations could be demonstrated between patients with strong or moderate reactions to antigen provocation, and between patients with isolated rhinitis or a combination of rhinitis and bronchial asthma. The clinical significance of the results will be discussed with special regard to different biochemical mechanisms in the pathophysiology of seasonal and perennial immediate-type rhinitis.
TL;DR: It is found that specific IgE antibodies account for high percentages of the total IgE protein, and Severity of grass pollen allergy could be related to die absolute level of IgE antibody, but no definite conclusion could be made on the importance of affinity constant and the proportion of Ig E antibodies to the total amount of antibodies.
Abstract: Knowledge of specific IgE bound on immunosorbent as assayed by RAST is useful but cannot give a complete description of the biological states of patients concerning IgE antibodies. Using a computer program based on a least squares error method and knowing the amount of bound specific IgE antibodies to grass pollen antigens in a serum at each of the four tested dilutions it is possible to calculate the absolute value of specific IgE antibody level, the relative value of affinity constant and the relative proportion of IgE antibodies to the total amount of specific (IgE plus non-IgE) antibodies. It is found that specific IgE antibodies account for high percentages of the total IgE protein (mean of 20%). High differences in affinity constant and in the proportion of IgE antibodies to the total amount of antibodies could be found between sera. Severity of grass pollen allergy could be related to the absolute level of IgE antibody, but no definite conclusion could be made on the importance of affinity constant and the proportion of IgE antibodies to the total amount of antibodies.
TL;DR: The leucocyte migration test (LMT) was performed on patients with an intolerance to glafenin – a non‐narcotic analgesic drug and found to be positive in 50% of the subjects with intolerance, a highly significant percentage as compared with the control groups.
Abstract: The leucocyte migration test (LMT) was performed on 20 patients with an intolerance to glafenin--a non-narcotic analgesic drug. LMT was found to be positive in 50% of the subjects with intolerance, a highly significant percentage as compared with the control groups. HSA-glafenin was found to be the most appropriate method for presenting the antigen, but glafenin and its hydroxylated metabolites were only found to induce a migration inhibition in the subjects intolerant to glafenin.