ISSN:
1365-2222
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Background Results from several studies indicate that the magnitude of immediate symptoms of type I allergy caused by allergen-induced cross-linking of high-affinity Fcɛ receptors on effector cells (mast cells and basophils) is not always associated with allergen-specific IgE levels.Objective To investigate the association of results from intradermal skin testing, basophil histamine release and allergen-specific IgE, IgG1–4, IgA and IgM antibody levels in a clinical study performed in birch pollen-allergic patients (n=18).Methods rBet v 1-specific IgEs were measured by quantitative CAP measurements and by using purified FcɛRI-derived α-chain to quantify IgE capable of binding to effector cells. Bet v 1-specific IgG subclasses, IgA and IgM levels were measured by ELISA, and basophil histamine release was determined in whole blood samples. Intradermal skin testing was performed with the end-point titration method.Results Our study demonstrates on the molecular level that the concentrations of allergen-specific IgE antibodies capable of binding to FcɛRI and biological sensitivities are not necessarily associated. A moderate association was found between cutaneous and basophil sensitivity.Conclusion Our results highlight the quantitative discrepancies and limitations of the present diagnostic tools in allergy, even when using a single allergenic molecule. The quantity of allergen-specific serum IgE is only one component of far more complex cellular systems (i.e. basophil-based tests, skin tests) used as indirect diagnostic tests for IgE-mediated allergic sensitivity.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2222.2005.02156.x
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