Importance of early allergen contact for the development of a sustained immunoglobulin E response in a dog model.

Background: Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergies are postulated to require early allergen contact and sensitization for the full development of sustained IgE levels.

Methods: Thirty-two Beagle dogs from seven litters selectively bred for their high IgE response were sensitized by subcutaneous injection of chicken ovalbumin (OVA), peanut extract and recombinant birch pollen allergen (Bet v 1). In half of the dogs from each litter, sensitization injections were started on the first day of life; the other half of the same litter was first sensitized at the age of 4 months.