Gastro-intestinal exposure to latex antigens induce allergic responses in mice.

Background: Natural rubber latex (NRL) has emerged as a major cause of respiratory allergy among specific exposed groups of individuals. Since latex allergens are dispersed in the environment it is conceivable that latex proteins are both inhaled and ingested. The mechanism of latex allergy and the immune responses following reexposure of latex allergens by the intranasal route was studied in a murine model of latex allergy developed by intragastric sensitization with NRL.

Effect of chronic hyperoxic exposure on duroquinone reduction in adult rat lungs.

NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) plays a dominant role in the reduction of the quinone compound 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-1,4-benzoquinone (duroquinone, DQ) to durohydroquinone (DQH2) on passage through the rat lung. Exposure of adult rats to 85% O2 for > or =7 days stimulates adaptation to the otherwise lethal effects of >95% O2. The objective of this study was to examine whether exposure of adult rats to hyperoxia affected lung NQO1 activity as measured by the rate of DQ reduction on passage through the lung.

The use of sterically stabilized liposomes to treat asthma.

Asthma is characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, chronic inflammation, and airway remodeling, which may lead to progressive, irreversible lung damage. Liposomes have been used for the delivery of aerosolized asthma medications into the lungs. This method could facilitate sustained action of steroids while using only a fraction of the dosage and a less frequent dosing interval than conventional therapy.

Alkaline serine proteinase from Aspergillus fumigatus has synergistic effects on Asp-f-2-induced immune response in mice.

Background: Exposure to Aspergillus fumigatus allergens results in the sensitization and the development of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in susceptible individuals. Aspergillus antigen consists of a number of chemically diverse components and their cumulative or synergistic effect may result in disease. When mice were challenged with individual recombinant allergens, there was only reduced inflammation and immunological responses compared to the whole antigen.