Comparison of IgE antibody concentrations to pyromellitic dianhydride-modified laminin and human serum albumin in sera of exposed workers with respiratory complaints.

Background: Acid anhydrides are used in a variety of industrial branches because of their highly reactive anhydride groups. Adverse effects of anhydride exposure include toxic/irritative effects as well as IgE- and IgG-mediated respiratory disorders. It was the aim of this study to examine the usefulness of conjugates of pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) and laminin, a respiratory tract protein, for the in vitro diagnosis of sensitization to PMDA.

[Ammonia as inhalatory irritant].

Bronchopulmonary damage caused by heavy exposure to ammonia may result in chronic obstructive bronchitis, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, in rare cases also in a combined ventilation pattern. Exposure to ammonia for several years, as it occurs in swine confinements in pig-fattening farms is associated with a shift-related decrease of FEV1, FEF25-75 and PEF. Several studies show that ammonia at the TLV (20 ppm) inconstantly causes severe cough.

Differentiation between cosensitization and cross-reactivity in wheat flour and grass pollen-sensitized subjects.

Background: To diagnose baker's asthma, occupational sensitization to wheat flour should be distinguished clearly from influences of cosensitization such as it may exist in pollinosis patients. To define the route of sensitization, the cross-reactivity between wheat flour and grass pollen allergens was investigated.

Methods: Two groups of atopic individuals with or without professional contact to wheat flour were screened by skin prick test for their sensitization to wheat flour and grass pollen and, in the case of hints for cosensitization, by Enzyme Allergo Sorbent Test (EAST).

Characterization of soybean allergens causing sensitization of occupationally exposed bakers.

Fourteen bakers suffering from workplace-related respiratory symptoms and sensitized to soybean were studied. Twelve of them were also allergic to wheat flour, 10 to rye flour, and five to alpha-amylase of Aspergillus oryzae (Asp o 2). IgE estimation by RAST strongly indicated that the trypsin inhibitor and lipoxidase are major allergens of soybean.