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Biomedical subjects

I L Bernstein

Publications and source records attributed to I L Bernstein.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources
PubMed1984

Heterogeneity of specific-IgE responses in workers sensitized to acid anhydride compounds.

Acid anhydride compounds cause IgE-mediated respiratory sensitization in the workplace. In this study reaginic responses in four workers sensitized to phthalic anhydride (PA), hexahydrophthalic (HHPA), or himic anhydride (HA) were determined by direct RAST by use of PA-human serum albumin (HSA), HPPA-HSA, and HA-HSA methylcellulose disc substrates. RAST inhibition of binding to anhydride-HSA substrates was done with various concentrations of sodium salts, lysine, and HSA conjugates of PA, HHPA, HA, and trimellitic anhydride (TMA) in order to characterize cross-reactivity and specificity of humoral responses in these workers. Molar concentrations of anhydride bound to lysine and HSA carriers were assayed by protein hydrolysis followed by gas chromatographic analysis. Significant direct RAST binding against PA-HSA, HHPA-HSA, and HA-HSA was found in all four workers. PA-HSA-IgE binding in one PA-sensitive worker (no. 1) was inhibited significantly by PA-HSA alone and not by sodium PA or PA lysine. In contrast, another PA-sensitized worker (no. 2) exhibited 50% inhibition of PA-HSA binding by PA-HSA (1 X 10(-9) M), PA-lysine (7 X 10(-8) M), and NaPA (1 X 10(-7) M); no inhibition of PA-HSA by heterologous HHPA-, HA-, or TMA-inhibitory reagents was found in either of the PA workers. RAST binding to HHPA-HSA in the HHPA-sensitive worker was inhibited by HHPA-HSA alone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Local ocular anaphylaxis to papain enzyme contained in a contact lens cleansing solution.

This is a case report of a patient who developed IgE-mediated sensitization and subsequently ocular angioedema and conjunctivitis from papain contained in a commercial contact lens cleansing solution. Serum-specific IgE and positive cutaneous prick tests to papain and chymopapain were detected. When the lens solution containing papain was stopped, there was resolution of her allergic symptoms. Recognition of this route of papain-induced sensitization may be important in those patients undergoing chemonucleolysis with chymopapain who may be at greater risk to develop a systemic allergic reaction after injection of this enzyme.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Antigenic and allergenic properties of the storage mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae.

The antigens and allergens in the storage mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae, commonly found in grain and hay and sometimes in house dust, were characterized by crossed immunoelectrophoresis and crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis. Three mite extracts, T. putrescentiae (TP) mite bodies, feces, and a combination of mites, feces, and culture medium (TP + CM) were studied. TP and TP + CM (primarily feces) extracts exhibited 20 and 18 antigens, respectively. By use of serum from two skin test-positive patients, autoradiograms demonstrated TP contained two allergens and TP + CM contained five allergens, three of which probably originated from feces. CM (whole wheat flour) did not stimulate antibody production in rabbits. TP feces shared 10 antigenic determinants with TP and 14 with TP + CM. Two antigens common to TP feces and TP were also shared allergens.

Allergens↗
PubMed1984

Cross antigenic and allergenic properties of the house dust mite Dermatophagoides farinae and the storage mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae.

The crossed antigenicity and allergenicity of the storage mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae (TP) and the house dust mite Dermatophagoides farinae (DF) were characterized by means of crossed immunoelectrophoresis and crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis. DF extracts exhibited 32 antigens and as many as eight were demonstrated to be allergens. DF feces exhibited 20 antigens and six of these were allergens. Twenty antigens and two allergens were demonstrated for TP. Two antigenic and allergenic determinants were shared by DF and TP, and two determinants were also shared by DF feces and TP feces. TP feces and DF shared two antigenic and allergenic determinants. Our results demonstrated that the two mites and their feces extracts contain multiple antigens and allergens.

Allergens↗
PubMed1984

Failure of enzyme encapsulation to prevent sensitization of workers in the dry bleach industry.

BDE added to dry bleach have been associated with immunologic sensitization and development of clinical allergic disease in detergent workers and occasionally in consumers. However, improved dust control and modification of the manufacturing process through encapsulation of enzyme were believed to have reduced or eliminated these problems. To determine whether or not immunologic sensitization could still develop in the detergent industry, we studied employees of a dry bleach manufacturing plant that incorporated encapsulated BDE into a consumer product. We performed air sampling for enzyme dust and total particulates, administered questionnaires, conducted physical examinations, and spirometry in 13 currently exposed, two previously exposed and nine nonexposed, employees. To assess sensitization status, RAST and ELISA were performed. Air concentrations of enzyme dust ranged from 0.002 to 1.57 micrograms/m3; all of these levels were below the TLV of 3.9 micrograms/m3. Positive BDE-specific RAST results (3.4%, 4.4%, and 8.0% binding) were obtained in three of 12 currently exposed workers. Results of personal breathing-zone air sampling indicated that these workers had high dust-exposure levels. Specificity of RAST was verified by RAST inhibition with BDE. BDE-RAST binding was not significantly elevated in the nonworkers (range: 0.6% to 1.4% binding). Positive results for specific IgG by ELISA were obtained in four of 12 currently exposed and in one of two previously exposed workers but in none of the nonexposed workers. We conclude that immunologic sensitization can develop after occupational exposure to encapsulated BDE in the dry bleach industry. We have not proved, however, that this immunologic reactivity is related to clinical sensitivity.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Interference in food aversion conditioning by reducing drug dose or conditioning trials.

Previous work has suggested that aversions to foods are relatively resistant to interference effects. Although these findings have been interpreted as reflecting the potency of foods as targets in aversion conditioning, resistance to interference could more generally characterize intense conditioned aversions. In the present studies with Wistar rats we examined whether interference with food aversion conditioning could be demonstrated by reducing either the drug dose (cyclophosphamide; 20 vs 40 mg/kg) or the number of conditioning trials. In both cases interference was produced; that is, the presence of a second food did interfere with the conditioning of aversions to the first or "target" food. Thus, under conditions which would be expected to produce slower or weaker conditioning, interference with food aversions was facilitated.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Learned aversions to proteins in rats on a dietary self-selection regimen.

Rats were allowed continuous access to protein and carbohydrate macronutrient sources during a sequence of cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) injections. Significant aversions developed to the protein but not the carbohydrate source in three studies in which the composition of both protein and carbohydrate diets was varied. These results suggest that animals on a dietary self-selection regimen are more likely to develop conditioned aversions to the protein source than the carbohydrate source. In a final study, the generality of these findings was examined by determining whether aversions would selectively arise to protein but not carbohydrate when these nutrients were conditioned in a single trial, with a meal-feeding paradigm. Proteins again proved more salient targets for aversions than carbohydrates. These findings suggest that the tendency to associate proteins with drug-induced illness more readily than carbohydrates is not limited to a self-selection regimen. The possible role of taste factors and/or postingestive effects as the basis of the differential conditioning of proteins and carbohydrates is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Studies on alternaria allergens. IV. Comparative biochemical and immunological studies of commercial Alternaria tenuis Batches.

The biochemical and immunological characteristics of a series of commercial samples of Alternaria tenuis were examined, including samples from two different companies. There was a considerable variation in the biochemical parameters such as the gel filtration profile on Sephadex G-100, isoelectric focussing pattern and immunodiffusion precipitin band pattern. The content and proportion of two high molecular weight polysaccharides, one a galactomannan and the other a glucan, also varied greatly. In contrast, the allergenic properties of the samples were more consistent. In rat IgE passive cutaneous anaphylaxis tests, extensive cross-reactivity was observed among batches from the same company, but this cross-reactivity was weaker when batches from the two companies were compared. In direct radioallergosorbent tests (RAST) the samples showed similar reactivities, but RAST inhibition tests showed a 40-fold range in activity between samples from one company and 55-fold between batches from the two sources. It was found that the proportions of the major A. tenuis allergen and a related hypoallergenic antigen in the samples were relatively constant, hence RAST inhibition can be used as a measure of allergenic potency despite the presence of this cross-reacting antigen. The lack of correlation between allergenic and biochemical properties of the various samples suggest that a simple biochemical test is unlikely to be a satisfactory replacement for the RAST inhibition assay in standardizing A. tenuis extracts.

Allergens↗
PubMed1983

The influence of age and experience on salt preference of the rat.

The degree to which adult taste preferences can be influenced by early taste exposure is a matter of some debate. The present studies characterize the developmental course of saline preference during maturation in the rat and examine whether adult saline preference is influenced by postweaning exposure to saline solutions. Saline intake from weaning to adulthood was examined in Wistar rats allowed continuous access to demineralized water and either .0, .9, 1.8, or 2.7% sodium chloride (NaCl) w/v solutions. When rats were immature they expressed greater preference for saline solutions than they did as adults. It is hypothesized that the overconsumption of saline by young animals is related to lower sensitivity of the taste system to NaCl in the early postweaning period. Animals that had had continuous access to saline from weaning were compared to those that had not received saline exposure early in life, in order to determine whether extensive experience with salt solutions leads to alterations in adult salt preference. These studies failed to reveal any evidence that rearing condition affects adult salt preference; thus adult salt preference may be maturationally determined and relatively independent of postweaning environmental influences.

Aging↗
PubMed1983

Pulmonary hyperreactivity in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) from nose-only inhalation exposure to disodium hexachloroplatinate, Na2PtCl6.

The pulmonary and dermal effects of exposure to Na2PtCl6 were investigated in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) exposed by the nose-only inhalation and percutaneous routes. Separate inhalation exposures were performed in monkeys at 200 micrograms/m3 and 2 mg/m3 (4 hr/day, biweekly for 12 weeks), while another group of monkeys was percutaneously exposed biweekly by an open patch method. After a 2-week refractory period, serial Na2PtCl6 bronchoprovocation challenges and intradermal Na2PtCl6 sensitivity evaluations were performed. Na2PtCl6 bronchoprovocation in naive control monkeys yielded significant impairments in post-challenge pulmonary mechanics and ventilatory function. These results indicate a pharmacologic or irritant-mediated bronchoconstriction mechanism for acute exposure to this compound. When the post-challenge pulmonary function of animals exposed for the 12-week exposure regimen (across treatments) was compared to pulmonary deficits observed in control animals upon challenge, significantly greater pulmonary deficits were seen in animals exposed at the 200 micrograms/m3 concentration. Exposure at this concentration yielded significant changes in post-challenge average pulmonary flow resistance (RL) and forced expiratory volume in 0.5 sec corrected for vital capacity (FEV0.5/FVC) when compared to control monkey responses. Animals exposed by the percutaneous route or at 2 mg/m3 showed no significant post-challenge pulmonary deficits when compared to control animals. Intradermal Na2PtCl6 sensitivity was found not to be exposure related in the conditions of this experiment.

Aerosols↗
PubMed1983

Multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of fluocortin butyl in perennial rhinitis.

Fluocortin butyl (FCB) is a newly synthesized corticosteroid with a high ratio of topical to systemic activity. FCB was studied in a multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of therapy of perennial rhinitis. The study was conducted between January and May 1981. Patients evaluated suffered from either chronic allergic or chronic nonallergic rhinitis or both. A total of 306 patients from 16 investigative centers were evaluated by comparing FCB to placebo. Three separate dosage regimens were employed. Patients received a total daily dose of 2, 4, or 8 mg. FCB was found to be an effective therapeutic agent. It reduced symptoms of nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, postnasal drainage, and sneezing. It also markedly reduced the use of concomitant medications (chlorpheniramine maleate and/or pseudoephedrine). Relief of symptoms was noted as early as the first week of therapy, and the degree of improvement increased progressively during the study. There was little difference between the relief produced by the 4 mg and 8 mg regimens. Both of these were superior to the 2 mg regimen. The drug was well tolerated; no significant side effects were noted.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Mealworm asthma: clinical and immunologic studies.

Mealworms are larvae of the Tenibrio molitor (Tm) beetle and are widely used as fishing bait. Four of five bait handlers in a warehouse who were exposed to particulates of Tm exoskeletons reported immediate-onset asthma, rhinitis, or contact urticaria while unwrapping and packaging the larvae. Positive cutaneous prick tests to Tm extract were detected in all four symptomatic workers. Specific IgE against Tm antigens of 14.6% and 22.5% were found by the RAST method in the two workers with Tm-induced asthma. Specificity of Tm-IgE binding was confirmed by RAST inhibition of 73%, 58%, and 37% by 2 X 10(-1), 2 X 10(-2) and 2 X 10(-3) dilutions of Tm antigen. No significant inhibition of Tm-IgE binding by mite and cockroach antigen or by extracts of three other larval species of the Diptera and Lepidoptera orders, to which the workers were also exposed, was detected. Bronchial provocation challenge with Tm antigen performed in the two workers with asthma exhibited an immediate fall in FEV1 of more than 20% at provocation-dose dilutions of 2 X 10(-3) and 2 X 10(-5), respectively. In the latter worker, pretreatment with disodium cromoglycate inhibited the bronchial response to 2 X 10(-4) dilution of Tm antigen. This study demonstrates that inhaled particulates from Tm exoskeletons are potent sensitizers and elicit IgE-mediated occupational asthma. Allergenic cross-reactivity between orders of insects was not observed. This occupational setting serves as a model for the prospective study of insect allergy.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Relative potency of foods and drinks as targets in aversion conditioning.

The potency of food stimuli as targets in aversion learning was examined using an interference paradigm. In the first study, foods interfered with liquid aversions but liquids did not interfere with food aversions. In the second study, food aversions were found to be resistant to interference by other foods. These findings suggest that foods are relatively potent targets in aversion conditioning in that they are resistant to interference by both foods and drinks. The final study examined the contribution of flavor intensity and nutrient density to the potency of aversion conditioning. The relative potency of foods over drinks may reflect differences in their intensity as well as their different roles in toxin avoidance and nutrient selection.

Animals↗