Tissue extraction procedures for investigation of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and its inhibitors PAI-1 and PAI-2 in human breast carcinomas.

Urokinase type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its inhibitors, plasminogen activator inhibitor type I (PAI-1) and type II (PAI-2), are supposed to be involved in the expression of the invasive and metastatic phenotype of cancer cells. However, clinical investigations on the prognostic significance of their levels in tumor tissue are difficult to realize because of the absence of a convenient method of measurement of these parameters. The aim of the present investigation was to set up a method allowing the measurement of these enzymes and of sex steroid receptor status in appropriate subcellular fraction(s) in conditions easily reproducible in routine.

Cross-reactivity between terrestrial snails (Helix species) and house-dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus). II. In vitro study.

Epidemiologic and in vitro data have shown that the association of house-dust mite (HDM) allergy and snail allergy in the same patients was due to cross-reactivity between HDM and snail allergenic components. However, the cross-reacting allergen(s) have not yet been identified. In vitro reactivity of seven patients' sera to the various extracts and hemolymph of four different Helix snail species was analyzed by IgE detection and immunodots and Western blots.

Hypersensitivity to banana in latex-allergic patients. Identification of two major banana allergens of 33 and 37 kD.

Background: Allergy to banana often occurs in patients sensitized to latex. The spectrum of IgE-mediated responses to latex allergens is more and more documented but banana allergens and epitopes shared by these two allergens have not yet been characterized, even though the existence of cross-reacting IgE antibodies has been demonstrated.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between banana hypersensitivity and latex allergy in a population of 19 latex-allergic patients and to identify allergenic components in banana and the common structures shared with latex.

Hypersensitivity to latex and Ficus benjamina allergens.

Background: Association between allergy to Ficus benjamina and Hevea brasiliensis, two botanically unrelated plants, was suspected in consequence of two clinical observations. Symptoms were rhinitis and asthma. This study was undertaken to assess the in vivo and in vitro cross-reactivity between Ficus benjamina and Hevea brasiliensis allergens.