Cord blood leucocytes/basophils produce and release sulfidoleucotrienes in response to allergen stimulation.

Background: Leucocyte-derived sulfidoleucotrienes (SLT) from children and adults can be detected in vitro in response to specific allergen stimulation, a mechanism thought to require the presence of allergen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E antibodies on the surface of basophils. It is unknown whether this mechanism is functional in cord blood basophils.

Objective: We studied the in vitro SLT-release of leucocytes in response to allergen and anti-IgE stimulation in term newborns and children with allergic diseases.

Prenatal allergen contact with milk proteins.

Background: Cellular proliferation to various allergens (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, beta-lactoglobulin, bovine serum albumin, ovalbumin) has been found in cord blood cells. Whether this reflects a sensitization during foetal life is uncertain.

Objective: We studied the cellular reactivity and cytokine production of cord blood cells in response to cow's milk proteins in a randomly selected group of newborns.

[Trials to improve the media used for the methyl red reaction (MRT). II].

The evolution of the methyl rot reaction (MRT), expressed by the pH dynamics in the first 18 hours was examined. A medium made of caseine or soya hydrolysate distributed in small volumes, was experimented versus a control broth made of meat peptone (Clark-Lubs). For Klebsiella the results showed that in the control group the pH acidifies and remains low, thus mimicking a positive reaction.