Relaxation of canine pulmonary arteries caused by stimulation of atypical beta-adrenergic receptors

BACKGROUND: Although in some cases delayed hypersensitivity may be observed, beta-lactam antibiotics frequently induce immediate allergic IgE-mediated reactions with the specificity localized in the acyl-side chain structure. Generally, delayed immunologic reactions are related to sensitized T lymphocytes and major histocompatibility complex restricted. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of HLA class I and II antigens in patients with delayed hypersensitivity to aminopenicillins in order to evaluate a relationship between major histocompatibility complex immune response genes and aminopenicillins hypersensitivity. METHODS: We assessed 24 patients with history of delayed hypersensitivity to aminopenicillins using (1) skin test with penicilloyl polylysine, minor determinant mixture, benzylpenicillin, amoxicillin, and ampicillin; (2) patch tests with benzylpenicillin, amoxicillin, and ampicillin; (3) RAST for penicilloyls G and V; and (4) oral challenges with amoxicillin, ampicillin, and penicillin V in 18/24 patients. All patients were typed by microlymphotoxicity standard test for HLA class I and II antigens. Statistical analysis by chi2 test 2 x 2 contingency tables, according to Svejgaard, were used for comparison between patients and random Italian population (522 subjects). RESULTS: In the patients group we found higher prevalence of HLA A2 (12/24 = 50%, RR = 6.76 P < .001, EF = 0.425), DRw52 (20/24 = 83.3%, RR = 9.28, P < .001, EF = 0.74), and lower frequency of DR4 (3/24 = 12% ns). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the immune mechanisms involved in adverse reactions to aminopenicillins in vivo are related to genetic markers of immune response and confirms that the presentation of penicillin-hapten determinants to lymphocyte is major histocompatibility complex restricted.     

Enzymatically active papain preferentially induces an allergic response in mice

Human exposure to papain, a cysteine proteinase, is associated with hypersensitivity reactions. We demonstrate in mice that enzymatically active papain preferentially induces an IgG1 response and results in mast cell degranulation, both features typical of an allergic reaction. Inactive papain, blocked with E-64, appears to desensitize mice to subsequent challenge by active enzyme. These results suggest that the enzymatic activity of papain is critical in inducing an allergic response and that the use of inactive allergens may be a possible strategy for desensitizing allergic individuals.     

Further evidence for allergic pathophysiology in allergic fungal sinusitis

Controversy continues over whether allergic fungal sinusitis represents a true allergy, an infection, or a point somewhere along a spectrum between allergy and infection. The present study describes two experiments that add weight to the argument that allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) is truly an immunologically mediated hypersensitivity and not a form of infection. In the first experiment, eight patients with Bipolaris culture-positive AFS were prospectively evaluated with Bipolaris antigen skin testing and with inhibition radioallergosorbent (RAST) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Bipolaris-specific IgE and IgG antibodies. The Bipolaris AFS cases were compared with 10 control patients with no history of AFS. All eight AFS cases demonstrated positive skin testing to Bipolaris and in addition, all tested positive by RAST and ELISA for IgE and IgG Bipolaris antibodies, respectively. In the control group one patient had a positive skin test, ELISA, and RAST and one additional patient had a positive ELISA only. Good correlation was noted between skin test, RAST, and ELISA results. In the second experiment, sinus mucosa from 14 AFS patients and 10 control patients with other forms of surgical sinus disease was analyzed by immunohistocytochemistry for the eosinophilic inflammatory mediators major basic protein (MBP) and eosinophil derived neurotoxin (EDN) and the neutrophil mediator neutrophil elastase. All AFS cases demonstrated evidence of eosinophilic mediator release, and MBP and EDN predominated over neutrophil elastase. In the control group eosinophil and neutrophil mediator release in sinus mucosa was equal. The two experiments support the concept that AFS is an antigen-triggered, IgE- and IgG-mediated hypersensitivity response with a late-phase inflammatory reaction involving release of eosinophilic mediators.     

Suppression and long latency excitation of single spinal motoneurons by transcranial magnetic stimulation in health, multiple sclerosis, and stroke

Our objective was to identify risk factors for development of immunologically mediated respiratory disease in workers exposed to hexahydrophthalic anhydride. We performed a medical and immunologic survey study of 57 workers in a workplace molding operation utilizing hexahydrophthalic anhydride. The main outcome measurements were the development of a respiratory disease due to specific IgE antibody (asthma and/or rhinitis) or specific IgG antibody (hypersensitivity pneumonitis or hemorrhagic rhinitis). Of the 57 workers, 7 had both IgE- and IgG-mediated disease, whereas 9 had only IgE-mediated disease. Although neither smoking, age, nor race were risk factors for development of immunologically mediated disease, exposure level and specific antibody were. In conclusion, development of immunologically mediated respiratory disease due to hexahydrophthalic anhydride is most closely associated with exposure level and development of specific IgE or IgG antibodies.     

Modification of unit responses to gustatory stimuli by conditioned taste aversion in rats

Secretion of trypsin, chymotrypsin, lipase and amylase was measured in male rats under urethane anaesthesia using a method of continuous perfusion of the duodenum. Prolonged infusion of cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) over a period lasting 200-360 min was administered either alone or together with a submaximal dose of secretin (1 unit/100 g - 10 min). Infusion of CCK-PZ was carried out using maximal doses (1--1.5 unit/100 g - 10 min) with and without secretin. Supramaximal doses of CCK-PZ (2 and 4 units/100 g - 10 min) were used only in combination with secretin. In all experiments secretion of enzymes showed a triphasic pattern including an initial peak followed by a plateau secretion after 10--20 min (phase 1), a decreasing second phase and finally base-line secretion (phase 3), thus demonstrating exhaustion of enzyme output from the gland with time. With increasing and supramaximal dose of CCK-PZ the cumulative output of enzymes from start to baseline secretion decreased progressively. Under the same conditions the levels of peak and plateau secretion were lower, the duration of plateau secretion was longer and the decreasing phase of secretion was shortened. These features indicate inhibition of secretion with increasing supramaximal doses of CCK-PZ infusion. Whereas the proteolytic enzymes and lipase reacted in a parallel way always amylase secretion was sustained on a higher level, implicating an alternative pathway for secretion.     

Use of pentastarch solution in the treatment of patients with hemorrhagic hypovolemia: randomized phase II study in the emergency room

The weeping fig, Ficus benjamina (Fb), is a relatively common indoor allergen. Many cases of perennial allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and allergic asthma caused by Fb hypersensitivity are not detected. These patients typically have proven sensitization to housedust mites and do not improve after avoidance of exposure (encasing) and specific immunotherapy. The number of Fb sensitizations is increasing in Germany, which can partly be explained by the cross-reactivity between Hevea brasiliensis (Hb) latex and Fb and the rapidly increasing number of mostly occupational latex allergies. But Fb itself is a potential sensitizer which is widely spread as ornamental plant in homes and offices. As relevant indoor allergen Fb ranks third after housedust mites and pets but before molds among our allergy patients. For diagnosis, prick-tests with Fb-latex seem to be more sensitive than in vitro-methods (RAST, CAPRAST). Fb plants should not be kept in the homes of atopic individuals or persons with latex (Hb) allergy.     

Association of HLA class-II genes and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies in Chinese patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND: Occupational respiratory allergy to green coffee beans (GCB) and to castor beans (CB) was studied in 112 workers in a modern coffee manufacturing plant of Trieste (Italy), where the process is completely automatic, the environmental conditions are good and where exposure to CB can be considered absent because since 1970, only new sacks have been used for coffee transportation. METHODS: All subjects were interviewed by a trained doctor using a questionnaire to investigate allergic symptoms and predisposing factors. Sensitization to GCB and to common allergens (pollens, molds, house dust mites) were evaluated by the skin-prick test. The serum of subjects with a positive skin-prick test to CGB or who had symptoms at work was tested for specific IgE (RAST) for GCB and CB. Lung function was evaluated by a Ponigraph spirometer. RESULTS: Sensitization to GCB was found in 25.8% of green coffee workers (31 cases), in 2.7% of roasted coffee workers (37 cases) and in 4.5% of the clerks (44 cases), p < 0.01. The evaluation of IgE specific for CB gave positive results only in 3 of 10 subjects sensitized to GCB. A total of 20% of GCB workers (6 cases) complained of work-related respiratory symptoms (asthma and/or rhinitis) compared with only one subject in the roasted coffee group and one in the control group (p < 0.01). Asthma was reported by 2/31 of the green coffee workers and by 1/44 of roasted coffee workers. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant correlation between sensitization to GCB and work related symptoms (p < 0.01), common allergic symptoms (p < 0.05) and atopy by prick test (< 0.01). These results point to the need to evaluate atopic status in workers and identify the most susceptible subjects, with the aim of informing them of their at-risk status and monitoring their progress. This makes it possible to diagnose sooner those symptoms possibly indicative of a work-related disease, because even in presence of good environmental conditions and even when symptoms are mild, it is almost always the atopic subjects who are affected.     

Effect of orally administered betel leaf (Piper betle Linn.) on digestive enzymes of pancreas and intestinal mucosa and on bile production in rats

The influence of two varieties of betel leaf (Piper betle Linn.) namely, the pungent Mysore and non-pungent Ambadi, was examined on digestive enzymes of pancreas and intestinal mucosa and on bile secretion in experimental rats. The betel leaves were administered orally at two doses which were either comparable to human consumption level or 5 times this. The results indicated that while these betel leaves do not influence bile secretion and composition, they have a significant stimulatory influence on pancreatic lipase activity. Besides, the Ambadi variety of betel leaf has a positive stimulatory influence on intestinal digestive enzymes, especially lipase, amylase and disaccharidases. A slight lowering in the activity of these intestinal enzymes was seen when Mysore variety of betel leaf was administered, and this variety also had a negative effect on pancreatic amylase. Further, both the betel leaf varieties have shown decreasing influence on pancreatic trypsin and chymotrypsin activities.     

Allergy to the heat-labile proteins alpha-lactalbumin and beta-lactoglobulin in mare's milk

BACKGROUND: Allergy to mare's milk is rare. Recently, however, mare's milk has been recommended for treatment of various ailments by practitioners of "alternative medicine," and it is available in health food stores. OBJECTIVE: We report a case of allergic reaction to mare's milk in a 51-year-old woman who was able to tolerate cow's milk. METHODS: The protein composition of mare's milk was determined by methods based on measurement of nitrogen content. The patient underwent prick and intracutaneous tests with commercially available bovine milk proteins and several mare's milk preparations, including mare's milk granulate and boiled mare's milk. RAST and immunoblotting were also performed. RESULTS: Results of skin testing and RAST with cow's milk were negative but demonstrated an IgE-mediated allergy to mare's milk. Immunoblotting revealed two allergen bands with molecular weights of 16 and 18 kd, most likely representing the whey proteins alpha-lactalbumin and beta-lactoglobulin. The bands disappeared after the mare's milk was boiled, indicating that the proteins are heat-labile. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate the existence of an IgE-mediated mare's milk allergy caused by low molecular weight heat-labile proteins, most likely alpha-lactalbumin and beta-lactoglobulin, which do not cross-react with the corresponding whey proteins in cow's milk.     

Cytidylyltransferase-binding protein is identical to transcytosis-associated protein (TAP/p115) and enhances the lipid activation of cytidylyltransferase

Serum IgG PAN, IgG1-4, and IgE antibodies (Ab) specific for the house dust mite Dermatophagoides antigen (Ag) Der p 2 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in two groups of school children, age 12-14, exposed to high (Charlottesville, VA) and low (Los Alamos, NM) mite Ag levels in their environment. More than 90% of the children were found to have Der p 2-specific IgG antibodies, although the levels of both IgG PAN and IgG 1-4 Ab were substantially higher in the high exposure group (P = 0.001). In addition, there was considerable overlap between these two groups in all Ab measurements. The presence of IgG anti-Der p 2 Ab in the Los Alamos children was unexpected and suggests continuing Ag exposure, although the source of such exposure is not apparent. There is no correlation between RAST (+) and RAST (-) subjects with respect to the level of IgG Ab measured by ELISA. These results suggest that the IgG Ab response to house dust mite has been underestimated in the RAST negative population. Two twin pairs were included in this study and the divergent and varied Ab responses in these individuals indicate that factors in addition to environmental exposure and genetic susceptibility require further investigation and provide evidence for the complexity of the pathogenesis of the allergic response.     

Chemotherapy as a part of each treatment fraction in a twice-a-day hyperfractionated schedule: a new chemoradiotherapy approach for advanced head and neck cancer

In allergic asthma, there is convincing evidence that changes in eosinophil and lymphocyte state of activation in blood may reflect disease activity. We evaluated whether simple blood eosinophil or lymphocyte counts in atopic children with asthma could reflect the degree of allergic sensitization. Seventy-six asthmatic children, sensitized to house dust mites (HDM), in stable conditions at the time of the study, and 53 sex- and age-matched controls (CTR) were studied. As compared to CTR, allergic patients showed higher eosinophil numbers and percentages (p < 0.001) but similar lymphocyte numbers and proportions (p > 0.1). Both in CTR and in allergic patients, eosinophil counts did not correlate with lymphocyte counts (p > 0.05; each comparison) but positive correlations were observed between eosinophil numbers and percentages and paper radio immunosorbent test (PRIST) levels or radio-allergo sorbent test (RAST) classes (p < 0.001; each comparison). When allergic asthmatic individuals were subdivided according to their age into two subgroups (Gr), no differences were found in eosinophil and lymphocyte counts and in PRIST levels and RAST values between Gr1 (< or =5 years old [preschool children]) and Gr2 (>5 years old [school children]) (p > 0.05; each comparison). Interestingly, although positive correlations between eosinophil counts and PRIST levels were found in both subgroups (p < 0.05; each comparison), only in Gr2 did eosinophil counts correlate positively with RAST classes (p < 0.001). No correlations between lymphocyte counts and PRIST levels or RAST classes were demonstrated (p > 0.05; each comparison). These data suggest that although blood eosinophilia was similar in preschool and in allergic asthmatic school children sensitized to HDM, only in the oldest children did blood eosinophil counts appear to be related to the degree of HDM-specific sensitization.     

RAST using crude and purified anti-IgE

The sensitivity of the RAST using anti-IgE in 125I-labelled IgG fractions of sheep antiserum was compared to that using anti-IgE purified by immunosorbent techniques in tests with three allergens (grass pollens, Aspergillus fumigatus and the detergent enzyme "Alcalase") on sera from 248 workers in a detergent factory. Both anti-IgE reagents measure the same antibody but the RAST procedure using the crude anti-IgE reagent is less sensitive than that using the immunosorbent-purified anti-IgE in its ability to detect circulating IgE in subjects with positive skin-prick tests. In general the agreement between positive RAST and positive skin test was improved when only skin tests equal to or greater than 3 mm were considered positive. With Alcalase, antigen non-specific binding by the crude anti-IgE reagent may give false positive results. Optimal conditions for the preparation of allergosorbents with this allergen are defined. Predictive equations relating the results of RAST and skin test show that the hitherto arbitrary definition of a positive RAST result is statistically valid.     

Experimental study on relationship between exogenous estrogen and breast cancer risk

To clarify the pathomechanisms underlying the involvement of different organs by atopic dermatitis (AD) and allergic respiratory disease (ARD), we compared the immune reactivities to various environmental allergens between 46 adult patients who suffered only from AD but were without any history of ARD and 41 patients who had only ARD, using a RAST FEIA (radioallergosorbent test/fluoroenzyme immunoassay) and a scarification patch test. We also studied 42 healthy adult subjects in a similar fashion. Total serum IgE antibody levels were found to be far higher in the AD group than in the ARD and healthy control group, and RAST revealed that the AD group was sensitized to far larger numbers of allergens such as food mix, cereal mix, fungus mix and Candida albicans than were the other groups. The ARD group displayed a high incidence in RAST, comparable to that of the AD group, only against Japanese cedar and grass pollen mix antigen. However, the most remarkable difference in the immune reactivity profiles was that the AD group showed a uniquely higher RAST score and a lower incidence of positive patch test reactions to C. albicans antigen than did the ARD group. The reactivities in the ARD group to C. albicans antigen did not differ from those in the control group. Our present data suggest that a more pronounced shift from Th1 to Th2 cells, reactive against various allergens, takes place in AD patients.     

Oligodendroglioma with signet-ring cell morphology: a case report with an immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study

Clinical reports have suggested an unusual frequency in the number of patients with food allergy to snails who are also allergic to the house-dust mite (HDM). As allergy to HDM is one of the most frequent sensitizations in atopic patients of Western countries, evaluation of the relevance of the concomitant sensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and to snails is an important consideration. To evaluate the responsibility of different snail components and of snail mites for inducing in vivo hypersensitivity in patients allergic to HDM, the in vivo reactivity of patients with clinical symptoms after ingestion of snails was assessed by skin prick tests with extracts and hemolymph from four different Helix species snails, and extracts from the snail parasitic mite, Riccardoella limacum. In addition, to obtain epidemiologic data on cosensitization to HDM and snails in allergic patients, the frequency of snail sensitization and its relationship to HDM sensitization were determined in a population of 169 allergic children. All patients allergic to snails had positive skin prick tests to the snail extracts and none to R. limacum extract. The number of positive skin reactions did not significantly differ whatever the species, snail part, or heating procedure used. The strongest reactions were obtained with Helix pomatia (Burgundy snail). Among the 169 prospectively tested children, 38 had a positive prick test to snail extracts; 79% of the snail-sensitized children had sensitization to HDM; and 31% of the children allergic to HDM were found to be sensitized to snails. These results show that snail components, and not the mite R. limacum, were responsible for the in vivo hypersensitivity. These snail components reacting in vivo are present in different parts of snails, including the hemolymph. One-third of the children allergic to HDM were sensitized to snails without any previous ingestion of snails: this observation suggests that HDM was the sensitizing agent and that the cross-reaction could be clinically relevant in countries where eating snails is common.     

Codfish allergy in adults. Specific tests for IgE and histamine release vs double-blind, placebo-controlled challenges

BACKGROUND: At present, several in vitro tests for immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated food allergy are available. An estimation of the diagnostic accuracy of the various tests used in predicting clinical sensitivity to codfish in a well-characterized allergic material is necessary. OBJECTIVES: To compare the diagnostic value of four specific IgE tests, and histamine release from basophils (HR) in identifying clinical type I allergy to codfish. As a true diagnosis, double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenges (DBPCFC) were employed. METHODS: Eight clinically codfish-allergic adult patients were investigated together with 30 codfish-tolerant control subjects for evidence of codfish-specific reactivity by Phadebas RAST (PHA), Pharmacia CAP System RAST (CAP), Magic Lite (ML) and HR. To characterize the diagnostic properties of a freshly prepared raw codfish extract, experiments were conducted employing an in-house radioallergosorbent test (RAST), the Maxisorp RAST (MAXI) and HR. Finally, protein profile and IgE-reacting allergens were detected by means of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblotting. RESULTS: The sensitivities of HR with commercial extract and the three commercially available specific IgE analyses were 0.83 and 1.00 respectively. Specificities were 1.00 (HR) and 0.87-1.00 (specific IgE tests). Freshly prepared codfish extracts improved the sensitivity of HR. SDS-PAGE revealed approximately 29 bands (< 14.3-200 kDa) including a band of 12-13 kDa, and in immunoblotting 18 sera identified 17 IgE-binding bands. The protein migrating at 12-13 kDa was identified in the fresh codfish extract tested with sera from all clinical codfish allergics, while no significant reaction was seen in the control subjects. CONCLUSION: Based on the small number of adult patients included in our study, the in vitro assays with commercial and fresh extracts have high sensitivity and are acceptable for screening for codfish allergy. Specificity of Phadebas, CAP, and our in-house RAST was less than unity, whereas ML and strong binding of IgE to a 12-13 kDa protein completely matches DBPCFC results, and thus seems sufficient for establishing the diagnosis.     

Prevalence of malingering in inpatient suicide ideators and attempters

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: In an attempt to study the pathogenesis of mucosal hypersensitivity in allergic rhinitis, we investigated the suppressive effects of cyclosporin A (CyA) and glucocorticosteroids on ovalbumin (OA)-induced hypersensitivity to topical histamine challenge. MATERIALS: Actively sensitized Dunkin-Hartley guinea pigs. TREATMENT: OA and alum were applied to guinea pigs intraperitoneally 3 times at two-week intervals. After general sensitization, OA inhalation was performed every day for 6 days as topical sensitization. Before inhalation, treatment with CyA (50 mg/kg, p.o.), glucocorticosteroids (beclomethasone propionate (1.0 mg/kg, i.p.), fluticasone propionate (FP, 0.5 mg/kg, i.p.)) or vehicle were performed, and the sensitivity to histamine was measured before and after the inhalation. Moreover, in actively (general and topical) sensitized guinea pigs, FP (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) was applied every day for 5 days and histamine sensitivity was evaluated before and after the application. RESULTS: We found that histamine sensitivity was significantly increased by nasal antigen challenge in this guinea pig model, and that the occurrence of histamine hypersensitivity was inhibited by the pretreatment with CyA and glucocorticosteroids. Although multiple administration of FP gradually reduced the histamine hypersensitivity according to the period of administration, it did not significantly alter the histamine hypersensitivity after the occurrence of hypersensitivity. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that CyA and glucocorticosteroids suppress antigen-induced histamine hypersensitivity in a guinea pig model of allergic rhinitis.     

硝酸铈对水稻种子活力和萌发期间酶活性的影响

用２．５～３０ｍｇ／ＬＣｅ（ＮＯ３）３浸泡水稻种子能明显提高稻种的活力，促进幼苗的生长。这与Ｃｅ提高稻种萌发期间的呼吸速率、增加淀粉酶、蛋白酶和脂肪酶等水解酶的活性有密切关系。其中用１０ｍｇ／Ｌ浓度的Ｃｅ（ＮＯ３）３浸种效果最好。当浓度超过５０ｍｇ／Ｌ时，种子的萌发、呼吸作用及三种酶的活性均受到抑制。     

Immediate allergic reactions to amoxicillin

A large group of patients with suspected allergic reactions to beta-lactam antibiotics was evaluated. A detailed clinical history, together with skin tests, RAST (radioallergosorbent test), and controlled challenge tests, was used to establish whether patients allergic to beta-lactam antibiotics had selective immediate allergic responses to amoxicillin (AX) or were cross-reacting with other penicillin derivatives. Skin tests were performed with benzylpenicilloyl-poly-L-lysine (BPO-PLL), benzylpenicilloate, benzylpenicillin (PG), ampicillin (AMP), and AX. RAST for BPO-PLL and AX-PLL was done. When both skin test and RAST for BPO were negative, single-blind, placebo-controlled challenge tests were done to ensure tolerance of PG or sensitivity to AX. A total of 177 patients were diagnosed as allergic to beta-lactam antibiotics. We selected the 54 (30.5%) cases of immediate AX allergy with good tolerance of PG. Anaphylaxis was seen in 37 patients (69%), the other 17 (31%) having urticaria and/or angioedema. All the patients were skin test negative to BPO; 49 of 51 (96%) were also negative to MDM, and 44 of 46 (96%) to PG. Skin tests with AX were positive in 34 (63%) patients. RAST was positive for AX in 22 patients (41%) and to BPO in just 5 (9%). None of the sera with negative RAST for AX were positive to BPO. Challenge tests with AX were performed in 23 subjects (43%) to establish the diagnosis of immediate allergic reaction to AX, and in 15 cases (28%) both skin test and RAST for AX were negative. PG was well tolerated by all 54 patients. We describe the largest group of AX-allergic patients who have tolerated PG reported so far. Diagnosis of these patients can be achieved only if specific AX-related reagents are employed. Further studies are necessary to determine the exact extent of this problem and to improve the efficacy of diagnostic methods.     

Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase: a tunnel runs through it

BACKGROUND: Sensitivity to specific allergens and increased sensitivity to common spasmogens are characteristic features of allergic asthma and are also features demonstrated by tissues passively sensitized with serum from atopic donors, displaying high levels of IgE. It is evident that the specific response to allergen is related to circulating levels of allergen-specific IgE, but it is unclear whether the histamine hypersensitivity is also related to this immunoglobulin. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to deplete IgE in the serum of a donor with high levels of total and allergen-specific IgE and compare specific-allergen sensitivity and sensitivity to histamine in tissues passively sensitized with either the whole serum or the IgE-depleted serum. METHODS: Serum from a Dermatophagoides farinae-sensitive asthmatic (total IgE = 1047 U/mL, D. farinae-specific IgE > 17.5 U/mL) was subjected to an immunomagnetic separation technique to reduce the levels of IgE (total and specific) to below 10 U/mL. Bronchial tissue from six non-atopic donors was then passively sensitized overnight with either the whole serum or IgE-depleted serum and D. farinae and histamine sensitivity were evaluated the next day using standard organ bath techniques. RESULTS: Passive sensitization with the whole serum resulted in the development of sensitivity to D. farinae and increased sensitivity to histamine (750+/-169 mg contraction to 10 U/mL D. farinae, histamine pEC50 5.64+/-0.16 and max. 813+/-109 mg in sensitized vs 37+/-34 mg contraction to 10 U/mL D. farinae histamine pEC50 5.05+/-0.23 and max. 490+/-84 in non-sensitized tissues, P>0.05). Incubation with IgE-depleted serum still produced histamine hypersensitivity (histamine pEC50 5.57+/-0.16 and max. 737+/-70 mg P>0.05), but no significant response to allergen was detected (20+/-13 mg contraction to 10 U/mL D. farinae). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate, that increased reactivity to histamine and airway contraction to allergen induced by passive sensitization, occur through independent mechanisms and that, unlike allergen-sensitivity, histamine hypersensitivity is caused by a serum factor other than IgE.     

Sensitivity to latex and other rubber substances--an important occupational risk for health personnel (case report)

Sensitization to latex and rubber additives has been acknowledged during the last 10 years as a major occupational health problem among health-care workers. In sensitized persons, respiratory and/or skin symptoms may be present. Pathophysiologic mechanisms of senzitisation involve allergic reactions types I and IV (Coombs and Gell). In this case report we described a female health-care worker with sensitization to latex and rubber additives simultaneously present on the skin and in the respiratory system, caused by wearing protective rubber gloves. The complex diagnostic procedure involved in determination of occupational allergic diseases is discussed.