Optimal sites for mini-implant insertion in the lingual or palatal alveolar cortical bone as assessed by cone beam computed tomography in South Indian population.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the optimal sites of mini-implant placement in the palatal alveolar cortical bone by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Cone beam computed tomography records of 60 patients were divided into two groups of equal sizes, based on age and sex. The images were analysed using Planmeca Romexis Software (Version 4.1.2). The measurements were made in axial sections of the maxilla and mandible, at 2, 4 and 6 mm from the CEJ. The optimal sites were defined in terms of (a) Palatal or lingual alveolar cortical bone thickness and (b) Mesiodistal palatal or lingual inter-radicular width. RESULTS: The optimal site for mini-implant insertion, anteriorly, was the canine-lateral incisor embrasure in both the jaws. Posteriorly, the inter-molar embrasure in the mandible and the molar-premolar embrasure in the maxilla were optimal sites. Females demonstrated significantly lesser bone widths in all areas of the maxilla (P < .05) but greater bone thickness in the mandibular regions, as compared to males. The adolescent age group demonstrated a significantly lesser bone thickness but greater mesiodistal widths than the adult population in both the jaws (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The optimal sites for mini-implant insertion were the anterior canine-lateral incisor and posterior buccal inter-radicular embrasures, in both the jaws. Significant differences existed between age and gender groups, which need to be kept in mind while choosing the locations for placing mini-implants.

Knowledge, attitude and practice on exposure to Bisphenol A among dental surgeons in Southern India.

BACKGROUND: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a product in the manufacture of Bis-GMA, which is commonly used in dentistry, and is known to have a number of adverse effects. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice based on exposure and handling of BPA containing materials among dental surgeons for better understanding about the level of care rendered to the patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted on 400 dental surgeons in Southern India. The questionnaire consisted of 20 objective type questions out of which ten questions assessed knowledge and five questions assessed the attitude and five questions to understand the practice related measures taken by the dentist. The data collected were analysed using SPSS version 23. RESULTS: A total of 402 responses were collected for this online questionnaire survey over a period of 2 months. It was found that females showed higher knowledge and attitude towards exposure to BPA which was statistically significant when compared to males. It showed that dentists with more than 20 years of practice had a higher level of knowledge. Though most of the groups agreed fairly on safety practice to be undertaken related to BPA exposure in their clinics, the ones with experience more than 20 years displayed the least positive attitude and dentists with 6-10 years of practice had the least positive behaviour among all. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of having a good knowledge regarding the harmful effects of BPA, dental surgeons are not very cautious while using materials containing them on a regular basis. Therefore, there is a need to enhance the awareness with the help of Continuing Dental Education programs or proper instructions on the packaging.

Radiographic and histochemical assessment of root resorption during canine retraction through piezocision site.

Introduction: The number of adult patients seeking orthodontics treatment has increased drastically. There is increased need for faster tooth movement and good esthetics. Piezocision is one of the methods used for accelerating the rate of tooth movement. Aims and Objectives: To assess the amount of root resorption after retraction of canine through piezocision site and compare it with that of recently extracted site using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and assessment of dentin sialoprotein (DSP) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). Materials and Methods: A split mouth design was used in 15 patients who were undergoing first orthodontic treatment with premolar extractions. Randomly one of the sides was chosen as control (Group I) and the other side underwent piezocision procedure (Group II). 0.022 × 0.028'' MBT system was used with 0.017 × 0.025 SS wire for canine retraction using 150 grams of force. GCF samples were collected from mesio-buccal and disto-buccal of the canine with micropipette at baseline (TO) and day 90(T1) to detect the levels of DSP and the root resorption was measured using CBCT. Results: Statistically significant amount of root resorption was observed after retraction in both the groups. DSP levels were increased in both the groups, though little higher in Group II when compared to group I. Conclusion: DSP level was increased on the piezocision side but it was statistically insignificant which suggests the amount of root resorption on both the sides is similar.

A proposed classification for orthodontic practice in India.

AIM AND BACKGROUND: Dental practice is blooming in India with many conventional and advanced setups providing orthodontic services. Orthodontics as a specialty has come to the forefront, as awareness of orthodontic therapy has increased. It is important to classify any health practice to understand, compare, and research the implications of various organizational setups in the country. It should possess the ability to chart the similarities and distinctions between different setups for ease of communication and patient awareness. Presently, there is no defined system that classifies the type of orthodontic practice in the country. Lack of any classification of the organizational setups makes it impossible to categorize or compare the various setups for research purpose, recognition of the dental personnel and facilities provided. This article aims to propose a simple 3-stage classification to orthodontic practices in India. TECHNIQUE: Three-stage classification of orthodontic practice in group, type, and subtype gives a comprehensive coverage to all types of orthodontic setups in India. The group explains the center in three levels based on the armamentarium and services provided. The type explains the center in five levels based on ownership and scope of providing care. Finally, the subtype explains the availability and qualification of the operating personnel. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: This classification aims to provide a tool for communication and recording the levels of orthodontic care possible at any given center. It also facilitates continued study of its impact on practice efficacy and patient awareness.

Assessment of dentofacial widths in adults with anterior open bite.

CONTEXT: Anterior open bite is a complex condition involving a combination of various dental and skeletal components in three dimensions. The data on the differences and changes in the transverse relation in individuals with anterior open bite are limited. AIMS: To assess the dental arch widths in individuals with anterior open bite using study casts and facial widths using frontal cephalogram and to compare these widths with that of individuals without anterior open bite. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty adults [40 with and 40 without anterior open bite, mean (standard deviation) age = 20.68 years] were selected. The study group was divided into skeletal (n = 19) and dental (n = 21) open bite groups according to Jarabak's ratio. Posteroanterior cephalograms and study casts were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean width of zygomatic arch (112.18 mm) and condylar region (100.55 mm) in the control group was significantly higher (P < 0.05). The mean gonial width in the skeletal open bite group (81.143 mm) was significantly (P < 0.05) lesser than the dental open bite group (84.842). The maxillary intercanine width for the skeletal open bite group (36.48 mm) was significantly (P < 0.01) higher than that of the dental open bite group (34.26 mm). CONCLUSION: A transverse deficiency was seen in in the zygomatic and condylar regions in adults with anterior open bite. Individuals with a skeletal open bite showed a narrow gonial and wider maxillary intercanine width compared with individuals with dental open bite.

IgE and eosinophil regulation in a murine model of allergic aspergillosis.

Exposure of BALB/c mice to Aspergillus fumigatus (Af), the antigen responsible for causing allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in humans, caused elevated levels of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and peripheral blood and lung eosinophilia similar to that observed in the human disease. We have investigated the role of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5 and interferon-gamma in regulating IgE and eosinophilia in the mouse model. Animals were immunized by intraperitoneal injections of soluble Af antigens adsorbed to alum. These animals developed elevated IgE and Af specific IgG1 and were then treated with anticytokine monoclonal antibodies before the final exposure to particulate Af antigens by the intranasal route. The results showed that anti-IL-5 abrogated eosinophilia in mice, while those treated with anti-IL-4 retained the same or reduced IgE levels compared to pretreatment levels. All anti-IL-5, anti-IFN-gamma, and control antibody-treated animals showed enhanced IgE levels. Anti-IFN-gamma treatment of mice resulted in marked enhancement of eosinophilia compared to all other groups. Eosinophil numbers observed in the histological sections of the lungs confirmed the eosinophilia detected in the peripheral blood. These results indicate that the increase in IgE and eosinophils after exposure to Af antigens in BALB/c mice are due to Af-induced production of IL-4 and IL-5 and that both IgE and eosinophilia are independently regulated.

Aspergillus fumigatus antigen induced eosinophilia in mice is abrogated by anti-IL-5 antibody.

A murine model of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), developed by exposure to Aspergillus fumigatus antigens, demonstrated eosinophilia of peripheral blood (PB), bone marrow (BM), and lung. The eosinophilia was abrogated by monoclonal anti-interleukin-5 (IL-5) antibody (TRFK-5) and not by an isotype control antibody (GL 113). Eosinophils in PB were enumerated from stained smears and their relative increase or decrease in cells from BM and lung was determined by an eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) assay (measured in optical density). Intraperitoneal injection of TRFK-5 in mice exposed to A. fumigatus antigen produced a significant reduction in eosinophils (PB 6.6 +/- 1.14% vs. 3.8 +/- 0.8%, P < .01) and EPO production in BM (0.935 +/- 0.03 vs. 0.615 +/- 0.02, P < .001). A similar reduction in EPO production in the lung (0.691 +/- 0.12 vs. 0.495 +/- 0.05, not significant) was also reflected in the histopathology for the different groups of mice. These findings confirming the role of IL-5 in eosinophilia, although not surprising, are significant in elucidating the immunopathogenesis of ABPA in the murine model. We conclude that in this model, eosinophilia may be due largely to the Th2 cytokine -IL-5 induced by A. fumigatus antigens.

Hyperimmune serum modulates allergic response to spores in a murine model of allergic aspergillosis.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a disease in atopic asthmatics characterized by eosinophilia and elevated levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and IgG antibodies to the ubiquitous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus (Af). The role of specific antibodies in the disease process is not clear. In this study, BALB/c mice were injected with hyperimmune serum from syngeneic mice exposed to soluble antigen of Af. These mice were then exposed to either Af spores or soluble antigen. Total IgE, Af-specific IgG1 (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) in serum, and eosinophils (eosinophil peroxidase assay) in lungs and bone marrow were measured. Histologic sections of lungs were examined for cellular infiltration and morphologic changes. Results indicate a suppression of increase in levels of antibodies and eosinophilia in mice receiving immune serum and exposed to spores compared with controls receiving phosphate-buffered saline treatment. Spores being the primary source of exposure to Af in ABPA, these results are significant in understanding the role of preexisting specific antibodies in patients.

Immune responses to Aspergillus fumigatus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa antigens in cystic fibrosis and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is well documented. Aspergillus fumigatus is the causative agent of ABPA, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa particularly the mucoid variety has been frequently isolated from the sputum of patients with CF. This study investigates the cellular and humoral immune response to both A fumigatus and P aeruginosa antigens in patients with CF and ABPA (CF/ABPA), CF only, and healthy controls. The A fumigatus and P aeruginosa antigen specific IgE and IgG in sera and peripheral blood mononuclear cell culture supernatants (PBMC sups), lymphoproliferation to antigens, and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) were measured. Results indicate significant elevated levels of A fumigatus specific IgG (A fumigatus-IgG) and Paeruginosa-IgE in serum. Significant Paeruginosa-IgG was measured in PBMC sups. The concanavalin A nonbinding A fumigatus antigen, previously shown to induce specific T-cell responses in vitro in patients with ABPA, elicited significant lymphoproliferative response in a greater proportion of patients with CF/ABPA and not in CF or controls, underlining the importance of this antigen in the diagnosis of ABPA. In contrast, a greater proportion of the CF group responded to P aeruginosa antigens compared with the controls and CF/ABPA. Hence, the CF and CF/ABPA groups respond to both P aeruginosa and A fumigatus antigens with the former group responding strongly to P aeruginosa and the latter to A fumigatus antigens.

Aspergillus fumigatus peptides differentially express Th1 and Th2 cytokines.

Relevant allergens from Aspergillus fumigatus associated with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) have been cloned and expressed. The pathogenesis of ABPA probably depends on specific cytokines and immunoglobulins secreted by lymphocytes on stimulation with different epitopes of those allergens. In the present study, we synthesized peptides of 12-16 amino acids from the sequence of Asp fI and compared their immunological responses in four mice strains (BALB/c, C57BL/6, AKR, and CBA). Of the five peptides studied for their cytokine profile, one showed a clear Th1, whereas another showed a Th2 response. The remaining three peptides varied in their immunoreactivity. The results suggest that a number of epitopes of diverse activities are present in individual molecules and may be involved in the pathogenesis of ABPA through differential cytokine secretions.

Immunodominant peptide epitopes of allergen, Asp f 1 from the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus.

Aspergillus fumigatus ribotoxin Asp f 1 is a major allergen with IgE binding activity to serum of a majority of patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). The IgE binding epitopes or the T-cell stimulatory peptides of this molecule have not been studied. In the present investigation, we have synthesized linear decapeptides spanning the whole molecule of Asp f 1 and analyzed their IgE binding properties. We have also synthesized peptides based on their possible T-cell stimulatory properties and studied the stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from ABPA patients and normal controls. Several peptides demonstrated distinct IgE antibody binding response against sera from ABPA patients and proliferative response against peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the patients. From the results, it can be concluded that the carboxy-terminal region of Asp f 1 representing amino acid residues 115-149 involved in both humoral and cell mediated immunoresponses in ABPA.

Investigations into the cellular immune responses in latex allergy.

Latex allergy is a hypersensitivity response to allergens in the natural latex products. Skin prick tests, which do not correlate very well with latex-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), are yet the only reliable diagnostic tools for clinically determining hypersensitivity to latex. In this study, patients who were skin test (SPT) positive with (STP+/ANA+) or without (SPT+/ANA-) history of anaphylaxis formed the test groups. Healthy volunteers (SPT-/ANA-) served as controls. Lymphocyte proliferation in response to crude and purified latex antigens, serum immunoglobulin E-total, and latex-specific and in vitro immunoglobulin E (IgE) production in response to crude latex antigens were studied. Results indicate that both patient groups showed enhanced response to latex antigen by lymphoproliferation. In patient groups this response to the different antigens tested, or to crude versus purified antigens, was not statistically different. Serum total IgE (ng/ml) was elevated in patients (range, SPT+/ANA-, 40 to 1250; SPT+/ANA+, 40 to 4550) when compared with controls (40 to 450). Low levels (1 to 3 ng/ml) of IgE were detected in the peripheral blood mononuclear cell culture supernatants from the patient groups. These levels were < or = 1 ng/ml in the control group. Significant levels of IgE (log titer, mean +/- SD) specific to MFL1 and glove antigens were measured in serum from both SPT+/ANA- (MFL1, 1.85 +/- 0.23, p < 0.001; glove, 1.81 +/- 0.23, p < 0.001) and SPT+/ANA- (MFL1, 1.92 +/- 0.39, p < 0.007; glove 1.85 +/- 0.4, p < 0.006) and compared with results from the control group (MFL1, 1.50 +/- 0.1; glove, 1.38 +/- 0.19).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Concanavalin A-nonbinding Aspergillus fumigatus antigen: a major immunogen in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.

Humoral immune responses in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) have been well studied. However, reports of cell-mediated immune responses in ABPA are conflicting and not well documented, perhaps because well-characterized antigens are not available. In the present study, we assessed the role of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with ABPA in their ability to respond to both crude and semipurified Aspergillus fumigatus antigens by in vitro proliferation and immunoglobulin E synthesis. Eight patients with ABPA, eight patients with immediate wheal and flare skin reactivity to A. fumigatus, and ten healthy control subjects with nonreactive skin tests were included in this study. Four A. fumigatus antigens were tested in vitro. Antigens included culture filtrate, mycelial extract, concanavalin A-nonbinding, and concanavalin A-binding antigens. There was a wide range of response to each antigen by each group of subjects. However, PBMCs from patients with ABPA showed greater response to the antigens than did those from the healthy control subjects when evaluated by lymphoproliferation (tritiated thymidine uptake) and immunoglobulin E synthesis (isotype-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). The concanavalin A-nonbinding antigen fraction had the ability to specifically stimulate proliferation of PBMCs from seven of eight patients with ABPA and from four of eight skin-reactive subjects; none of the healthy control subjects responded. Significantly high levels of immunoglobulin E were detected in unstimulated PBMC cultures from five patients with ABPA when compared with those from healthy control subjects. These results indicate that concanavalin A-nonbinding A. fumigatus antigens may be significant in the cellular immune response of ABPA; such results are similar to those from previous humoral studies of the disease.

Aspergillus antigen-induced eosinophil differentiation in a murine model.

Eosinophilia is a prominent feature of the cellular response in allergic and parasitic diseases. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis due to colonization of the lungs of some asthmatics with Aspergillus fumigatus is characterized by high levels of serum immunoglobulin E and peripheral blood (PB) and lung eosinophilia. This study investigates the role of eosinophils in the pathogenesis of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis by using a mouse model. BALB/c mice were immunized intranasally and intraperitoneally with A. fumigatus antigens (Ag), and the eosinophils in PB and bone marrow (BM) were enumerated. Eosinophilopoiesis in BM cultures was studied in the presence of murine recombinant interleukin-5 (mrIL-5) and supernatants from pokeweed mitogen-stimulated spleen cells as the source of eosinophil differentiation factors. Eosinophils were quantitated by direct counting and by estimating eosinophil peroxidase activity. The results indicate that the percentage of eosinophils in the PB (5.77 +/- 1.17) and the BM (11.19 +/- 4.31) of mice exposed to A. fumigatus Ag was higher than in controls (PB, 2.42 +/- 0.76; BM, 5.12 +/- 2.79; P less than 0.01 for both). Similarly, a significant increase in eosinophils was observed in the BM population from mice exposed to A. fumigatus Ag compared with that in controls when cultured with murine recombinant interleukin-5 (23.13 +/- 7.14 versus 13.77 +/- 5.79, P less than 0.01), indicating that the mice exposed to A. fumigatus Ag had significantly greater numbers of eosinophil precursors in their BM. This study demonstrates that A. fumigatus Ag may be involved in the in vivo commitment of stem cells in the eosinophil differentiation pathway.

Interleukin-2 mediated regulation of mitogen-activated T cell reactivity from different lymphoid sources in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.

Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from patients with oral cancer (treated and untreated), oral leukoplakia and healthy donors; lymphocytes from metastatic and non-metastatic lymph nodes (met LNL and non-met LNL); and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) were tested for proliferative response to mitogen PHA (phytohemagglutinin) and its augmentation by recombinant Interleukin-2 (rIL-2), for expression of Tac antigen (CD25) and for production of IL-2. Depressed PHA responses were found in PBL of treated and untreated patients, and in TIL. Addition of IL-2 could bring about 16% to 31% augmentation in lymphocyte response to PHA from all the three sources. PBL from 50% of healthy donors, 45% of patients with leukoplakia, 25% untreated oral cancer patients and 35% treated oral cancer patients showed IL-2 mediated augmentation of PHA response. While, 40% non-met LNL samples, 70% met LNL samples and only 23% TIL samples showed increased mitogen induced proliferation by IL-2. The augmented levels of PHA response of PBL from treated and untreated patients, and of TIL, were still below those of normal PBL. PBL from patients with leukoplakia, treated oral cancer patients and TIL showed depressed CD25 antigen expression. Depressed IL-2 production was observed only in PBL of leukoplakia patients. Thus the IL-2 mediated events of T cell activation from different lymphoid sources in patients with oral cancer did not correlate with their proliferative responses.

Development of bone marrow eosinophilia in mice induced by Aspergillus fumigatus antigens.

A model of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) developed by exposing mice to Aspergillus fumigatus antigen (Af) exhibits peripheral blood (PB), lung, and bone marrow (BM) eosinophilia. Because the BM is a site of eosinophilopoiesis, we have investigated the role of Af in the induction of this process in the BM. Groups of mice were exposed intranasally (i.n.) or intraperitoneally (i.p.) to Af. BM cells from mice were cultured with either Af or allogenic spleen cell supernatant stimulated with Af. Eosinophil counts in different lymphoid compartments, eosinophil peroxidase (EPO), and mRNA for cytokines and IgE in BM cells were studied. Results indicate that the eosinophil numbers were significantly elevated in PB and BM of all Af-exposed mice. Lung lavage eosinophils increased only in the i.n. group. Af induced EPO activity only in BM cultures from Af-exposed mice. The EPO activity was further enhanced by supernatants from spleen cells from Af-exposed mice. mRNA transcription of IL-3 and IL-5 were measurable in BM cells of the ip exposed mice. These findings suggest that Af mediates eosinophil development in BM of mice and this process is promoted by hematopoietic factors generated within the BM and in other lymphoid tissue such as the spleen.

Immunopathologic responses to Aspergillus antigen in interleukin-4 knockout mice.

Two strains of interleukin-4 (IL-4) gene knockout mice were studied and compared with wild strains to determine the role of IL-4 in the immunopathogenesis of murine allergic aspergillosis. Animals immunized intraperitoneally were subsequently challenged with Aspergillus antigen intranasally. The animals were evaluated for total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, Aspergillus-specific IgG antibody isotypes, peripheral blood eosinophils, cytokine and chemokine mRNA transcripts in spleen cells, and pulmonary histology. No serum IgE was detected in animals deficient in the IL-4 gene. Aspergillus-specific IgG1 was detected in all animals, while enhanced levels of IgG2a were detected in IL-4 knockout animals challenged with A. fumigatus antigen. There were no differences in the peripheral blood or lung eosinophils in the two groups of mice exposed to A. fumigatus. These results indicate that lung injury in Aspergillus-antigen challenged animals may be the result of the eosinophil mediators and that IgE-mediated injury may not be significant in this model, which may be a significant variation between the model and human allergic aspergillosis.

Monocyte/macrophage functions in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.

Peripheral blood monocytes and draining lymph node macrophages from patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, monocytes from patients with oral leukoplakia and those from healthy donors were assessed for FcR. HLA-DR expression and interleukin-1 (IL-1) production after activation with LPS or IFN gamma. Monocyte cytotoxicity was also tested after activation with LPS, IFN gamma, IL-2 singly, or in combinations at suboptimal concentrations. The results showed that the percentage of activated monocytes expressing FcR was significantly low in untreated oral cancer patients, however, the proportion of HLA-DR positive cells was normal. The unstimulated monocytes from oral cancer patients showed spontaneous generation of IL-1. Upon activation, few patients could produce IL-1 to normal levels. The unstimulated monocytes from untreated patients and treated patients with recurrence also exhibit significantly higher tumoricidal activity. Treatment of monocytes with combinations of two modulators (IFN gamma, LPS and IL-2) induced significantly higher cytotoxicity.

Role of particulate antigens of Aspergillus in murine eosinophilia.

OBJECTIVE: Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, a disabling hypersensitivity lung disease, results from inhalation of Aspergillus fumigatus antigens present in contaminated environments. A murine model has been developed to understand the immune mechanism involved in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. We have investigated the immunoregulatory role of different physical forms of A.fumigatus antigens, such as A.fumigatus spores, soluble antigens. and soluble antigen coupled inert particles, in the model. METHODS: BALB/c mice were exposed to soluble A.fumigatus antigens, spores, or inert particles of comparable size to the spores coupled with A.fumigatus soluble antigens. Antibody and eosinophil response, pulmonary pathology, and cytokine expressions were studied. RESULTS: Peripheral blood eosinophilia and pulmonary inflammation with influx of eosinophils into the lung was detected more in animals exposed to particulate antigens than in those exposed to soluble antigen. However, the total serum IgE and Aspergillus-specific IgG levels showed only a slight increase in the former groups as opposed to elevated levels in animals exposed to soluble antigen. The cytokine expression in in vitro antigen stimulated spleen cells showed a typical Th2 pattern in all antigen-exposed animals. IL-5 mRNA could be detected in the spleen cells cultured with antigen from all groups of antigen-exposed animals. CONCLUSION: Particulate A.fumigatus antigens induced eosinophilia in mice prior to the elevation of serum IgE levels. This pattern of IgE and eosinophilia is reversed with the soluble antigen exposure in this model.

Latex antigens induce IgE and eosinophils in mice.

Hypersensitivity to latex proteins has been reported with increasing frequency in recent years. Elevated levels of latex specific IgE have been detected in the majority of these patients. Severe anaphylaxis and death resulting from latex exposure has also been reported. Nevertheless, the immune mechanism of latex allergy is not fully understood. In this report, we describe a model of latex allergy developed in mice exposed to latex proteins. Animals exposed to latex proteins demonstrated enhanced levels of total IgE, peripheral blood and lung eosinophilia, and elevated levels of serum IL-4 and IL-5. mRNA transcripts of IL-4 and IL-5, but not IFN-gamma, could be demonstrated in spleen lymphocytes. Antibodies to latex belonging to all IgG subclasses were detected in the sera of mice exposed to latex antigens. The histology of the lung showed non-necrotizing granulomas and extensive interstitial chronic inflammatory infiltrates, particularly around bronchioles and small blood vessels. Although this model of latex allergy demonstrates a heterogeneous immunological response, the CD4-positive Th2 cell-mediated response predominated.