Search PubMed⌕ Search
Home/Archive/PubMed

PubMed · 8065615

Hypersensitivity.

L C Grammer
View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

Anaphylaxis is a syndrome including one or more of the following life-threatening responses: hypotension, bronchospasm, upper airway angio-oedema. Other manifestations such as urticaria or rhinitis may also occur. Anaphylaxis is due to release of mediators such as histamine or leukotrienes; this mediator release may be due to immunological or non-immunological mechanisms. Ethylene oxide (ETO) is used to sterilize haemodialysers and other medical equipment that cannot with-stand heat sterilization. There is significant scientific evidence that ETO can haptenize human proteins such as human serum albumin (HSA), thus rendering the allergen ETO-HSA. Approximately two-thirds of patients who experience dialysis anaphylaxis have IgE against ETO-HSA, whereas only about 5% of those without anaphylaxis have IgE against ETO-HSA. No other allergens or mechanisms have been described to account for a significant number of anaphylaxis reactions.

Explore related subjects

AllergensAnaphylaxisAntigensEthylene OxideHumansHypersensitivityRenal DialysisJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Review

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

L C Grammer. 1994. Hypersensitivity.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8065615/

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

PubMed1997

Respiratory syncytial virus infection results in airway hyperresponsiveness and enhanced airway sensitization to allergen.

Viral respiratory infections can predispose to the development of asthma by mechanisms that are presently undetermined. Using a murine model of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, acute infection is associated with airway hyperresponsiveness as well as enhanced responses to subsequent sensitization to allergen. We demonstrate that acute viral infection results in increased airway responsiveness to inhaled methacholine and pulmonary neutrophilic and eosinophilic inflammation. This response is associated with predominant production of Th-1-type cytokines in peribronchial lymph node cells in vitro. Mice sensitized to ovalbumin via the airways after RSV infection developed increased airway responsiveness to methacholine and pulmonary eosinophilic and neutrophilic inflammation, associated with the predominant production of Th-2-type cytokines. Treatment of the mice with anti-IL-5 antibody abolished airway hyperresponsiveness and eosinophilic but not neutrophilic inflammation in both acutely infected mice and mice sensitized after infection. We conclude that RSV infection results in airway hyperresponsiveness in the acute phase and leads to changes in immune function that can enhance the effects of airway sensitization to antigen after infection. In both situations, airway hyperresponsiveness is closely associated with pulmonary eosinophilic inflammation. This model provides a means for further analyzing the influence of viral respiratory infections on airway sensitization and the development of altered airway responsiveness.

Allergens↗
PubMed1997

Inhibition of primary and recall allergen-specific T helper cell type 2-mediated responses by a T helper cell type 1 stimulus.

Allergic responses are characterized by the production of Ag-specific IgE Abs that are dependent upon Th2-mediated T cell help. We determined whether heat-killed Brucella abortus (BA), an inducer of Th1 responses, could influence the allergic Th2-mediated IgE response to OVA adsorbed to alum (O/A). BA plus O/A, but not O/A alone, induced high levels of mRNA for IFN-gamma and IL-12 promptly after injection. Furthermore, initial treatment with BA plus O/A rendered both BALB/c and C57Bl/6 mice incapable of mounting high IgE responses even after repeated challenges with allergen alone. Long term abrogation of anti-OVA IgE correlated with an increased frequency of IFN-gamma-secreting OVA-specific cells and a decreased frequency of IL-4-secreting OVA-specific cells. Initial treatment with anti-IL-12 prevented BA-induced early IFN-gamma production and secondary IgG2a responses, but did not abrogate IgE suppression. Additionally, secondary OVA-specific IgE responses were down-regulated by BA conjugated to OVA or by BA given with O/A. BA-induced down-regulation of secondary IgE responses was associated with increased frequency of Ag-specific IFN-gamma-secreting cells. These results suggest the possibility that even recall Th2-mediated immune responses can be attenuated if Ag is given with a carrier or adjuvant that induces potent Th1-promoting cytokines.

Allergens↗
PubMed1997

Sequence polymorphism and structural analysis of timothy grass pollen profilin allergen (Phl p 11).

Three cDNA clones encoding timothy grass pollen profilin (Phl p 11) were newly isolated. Comparison of the sequences of four cDNA clones, including a previously isolated clone, showed a low level of polymorphism. Isoelectrofocusing of highly purified timothy grass profilin indicated the existence of at least five isoforms. One recombinant profilin showed similar immunological properties to natural timothy grass profilin. Tertiary structure of Phleum pratense profilin was obtained by homology-based molecular modeling.

Allergens↗