[Outcome of the long-term isolation on the development of allergic reactions in humans]

Studied were consequences of long-term isolation in airtight environment for development of the type-I (IgE-antibodies production) and type-IV (involvement of sensibilized T-lymphocytes) allergic reactions in humans. No significant changes in total IgE, specific IgE-antibodies for domestic, epidermal, fungal, grass pollen and food-borne allergens or serum IL-4 level were found in the period of the 240-d isolation with the microclimate and atmospheric parameters within their normal variations, and on completion of the experiment. Yet, after 3 mos. in isolation all subjects exhibited inhibited leukocyte migration in the presence of tuberculin. These findings bear witness to an activation of sensibilized lymphocytes known as effectors of delayed hypersensitivity.