The two present systems of units for the strength of allergen extracts, Noon and p.n.u. are both unsatisfactory. A new activity unit, based on skin prick in humans, is described, and its relationship to in vitro tests is explored. Potency limits for provocation materials used for skin prick tests are suggested.

Allergens↗

PubMed1979

Studies on untoward reactions to diphtheria and tetanus toxoids.

Adverse reactions to diphtheria and tetanus toxoids have frequently been reported. The cause of these reactions has been attributed to different factors, including sensitization by prior vaccination. However, this explanation does not hold for primary vaccination. In this case, undesirable reactions to diphtheria toxoid are most likely due to bacterial cellular fractions present in the vaccines. In fact, we were able to demonstrate that fortuitous contact with atoxigenic diphtheria strains can induce sensitization. Consequently, vaccination should be carried out with highly purified toxoids, so as to prevent untoward reactions due to the presence of impurities. It is also preferable to detoxify purified toxins, rather than to purify crude toxoids.

Adult↗

PubMed1979

Immuno-enzymatic study of IgG subclasses specific for allergen in house dust immediate hypersensitivity.

Investigation of the serum-specific IgE by the RAST technique and of the four specific subclasses of IgG in house dust allergy by an immuno-enzymatic assay was made among healthy control subjects, non-treated atopic patients and hyposensitized patients. There was evidence that the titer of specific IgE remains high in the treated patients regardless of their improvement or non-improvement clinically. A good prognostic significance, however, correlates with a low specific IgG4 titer in the serum, but the pathogenic significance of IgG4 cannot be determined until these immunoglobulins can be studied on the membrances of circulating basophils of hyposensitized patients.

Allergens↗

PubMed1979

[Breast cancer: a dynamic approach of cellular immunity and immunostimulation with an immunoadjuvant: P40 fraction. (author's transl)].

The study of the immune status of breast cancer patients with delayed hypersensitivity skin tests reveals a clear immune deficiency in comparison with a reference patients group. This immunstatus was significantly improved by an immunstimulation with the P40 fraction. The responsive capacity to an immunstimulation appears independant of the lymphnodes involvment, whereas, on the contrary, the initial degree of immune deficiency appears connected. The P40 fraction has an immunstimulant effect comparable with the BCG and has not occasioned any local or general undesirable reaction.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed1978

[Occupational eczema in nurses].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Dermatitis, Contact↗

PubMed1978

Cellular histamine release, specific and total serum IgE levels in hay fever patients and controls.

The amount of histamine released from blood leucocytes by allergen, the amount of allergen required to release 50% histamine and the total IgE and IgE specific for Dactylis glomerata are compared in nine hay fever patients and five control individuals. The variation with time of total IgE, of specific IgEe and of the percentage of histamine released at a fixed allergen concentration, corresponding to the cellular sensitivity, is shown for one control individual with positive in vitro and skin tests, but without clinical symptoms. For four patients with a low total IgE level the evolution of these parameters during a 1 year treatment period is presented.

Adult↗

PubMed1977