Immunomodulatory effect of endotoxin on the development of latex allergy.

Background: Although numerous studies have been conducted delineating the clinical manifestations of latex allergy and characterizing the protein allergens, little is known regarding the natural history of the disease.

Objective: These studies were undertaken to investigate the immunomodulatory role of inhaled endotoxin on the development of latex-specific IgE-mediated responses to natural rubber latex (NRL) proteins by using a mouse model.

Methods: Female BALB/c mice were exposed to 25 microg of NRL proteins with or without increasing concentrations of endotoxin (50-25,000 EU) through the respiratory tract.

Immunotoxicity of medical devices. Symposium overview.

Determination of the ability of a medical device to interact with the immune system currently involves assessment of the immunogenic potential and biocompatibility of the device or an extract of the device. However, implants are often in the body for extended periods of time and/or are placed by a surgical procedure that in and of itself will generate an acute inflammatory response. This symposium discussed studies that have been performed to evaluate the immunogenicity of various devices consisting of several different compositions (i.

Characterization of the allergen(s) in latex protein extracts.

Background: Immediate hypersensitivity to latex, induced by natural latex proteins remaining on the finished products, may lead to severe anaphylactic reactions.

Methods: We investigated the distribution of latex proteins by molecular weight and identified the specific allergenic molecules. Proteins extracted from various latex products were compared with those extracted from raw latex sap, both ammoniated and nonammoniated.

Cornstarch powder on latex products is an allergen carrier.

Allergic reactions of the upper respiratory tract during use of powdered latex rubber gloves have been recently associated with sensitivity to latex. We have studied the ability of cornstarch powder to bind latex proteins and evaluated allergenic properties of the bound protein. Allergenicity was determined by competitive inhibition of human anti-latex IgE binding to solid-phase latex antigen.