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Standardizing Imperata cylindrica--source material for quality allergen preparations
Kaiser M Bijli1, B P Singh, Susheela Sridhara
1Allergy and Immunology Section, Lab 509, Centre for Biochemical Technology, Mall Road, Near Jubilee Hall, -110007, Delhi, India.
Journal of Immunological Methods
|January 17, 2002
Summary
Freeze-drying and storing Imperata cylindrica (Ic) pollen at -70°C (IcA) yields more potent allergen extracts than room temperature drying and 4°C storage (IcB). IcA extracts contain more major and minor allergens for improved allergy diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Plant Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Tropical climates present challenges for allergen extract quality due to temperature and humidity fluctuations.
- Standardization of processing and preservation is crucial for Imperata cylindrica grass pollen allergen extracts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To standardize processing and preservation conditions for Imperata cylindrica grass pollen.
- To evaluate the impact of different storage conditions on allergen extract potency and composition.
Main Methods:
- Imperata cylindrica inflorescence were processed via freeze-drying (-70°C, IcA) or room temperature/37°C drying (4°C, IcB).
- Pollen extracts were analyzed using SDS-PAGE, IgE and rabbit anti-Ic serum immunoblots, ELISA, ELISA inhibition, and skin tests.
Main Results:
- IcA extracts showed significantly more protein bands (37 vs 23) and allergenic bands (30 vs 14) compared to IcB extracts.
- Immunoblots indicated sharper, more defined bands in IcA extracts, suggesting better protein integrity.
- ELISA and skin tests confirmed higher allergenicity and potency in IcA extracts.
Conclusions:
- Processing and preserving Imperata cylindrica pollen at -70°C (IcA) results in allergenically superior extracts.
- IcA extracts contain a greater number of major and minor allergens, indicating better quality for diagnostic purposes.