Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
10:22
Humanized Mediator Release Assay as a Read-Out for Allergen Potency
Published on: June 29, 2021
IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reactions to methylprednisolone
1Research Unit for Allergic Diseases, Carlos Haya Hospital, Málaga, Spain.
Allergy
|May 22, 2010
Summary
Immediate allergic reactions to methylprednisolone (MP) can occur and are sometimes IgE-mediated. Diagnostic tests like skin testing, ImmunoCAP, and basophil activation tests (BAT) are useful for confirming these reactions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Systemically administered corticosteroids are widely used.
- Immediate allergic reactions to corticosteroids are considered infrequent.
- The study focuses on methylprednisolone (MP)-induced immediate hypersensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the IgE response in patients experiencing immediate allergic reactions to methylprednisolone (MP).
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of specific immunological tests for MP allergy.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated four patients with immediate reactions to MP and ten controls.
- Performed skin prick tests, intradermal tests, and drug provocation tests (DPT) using MP, hydrocortisone (HC), and dexamethasone (DX).
- Assessed in vitro IgE response using basophil activation test (BAT) and ImmunoCAP.
Main Results:
- Three patients diagnosed via positive skin tests (prick or intradermal) with MP; one by DPT.
- All four patients tolerated HC and DX well, indicating MP-specific allergy.
- BAT was positive for MP only; two patients were ImmunoCAP positive for MP.
Conclusions:
- Confirms immediate allergic reactions to methylprednisolone (MP).
- Some MP allergies are mediated by specific IgE antibodies.
- Skin testing, ImmunoCAP, and BAT are valuable diagnostic tools for MP allergy.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity, also known as a hypersensitivity reaction or allergic reaction, is a condition where the body's immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance. Such substances, that cause hypersensitivity are referred to as an allergen, could be something typically harmless to most people, like pollen or certain foods.
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
01:27Allergic Drug Reactions
Allergic reactions related to drugs are hypersensitivity responses driven by the immune system and bear no connection to the drug's therapeutic action. While drugs in isolation do not trigger an immune response, they can interact with endogenous proteins to form antigens. These antigens stimulate lymphocytes to produce antibodies. IgE-type antibodies attach themselves to mast cells. Upon subsequent exposure to the same stimulus, the antigen-antibody interaction is initiated, unleashing numerous...
01:30Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions
Drug-related allergies are immune-mediated responses triggered by the administration of pharmacological agents. These hypersensitivity reactions are classified based on the immune mechanisms involved. The four primary types—Type I, II, III, and IV—are mediated by different immunological pathways and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Type I Hypersensitivity/ IgE-Mediated Reactions: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) immediately mediates Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Upon initial exposure to a...
01:19Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions
Type III hypersensitivity reactions occur when antigen–antibody complexes form and activate the complement system. Normally, these complexes help the clearance of antigens by phagocytes and red blood cells. However, when large numbers of immune complexes are present, they can deposit in tissues—particularly in the walls of blood vessels—leading to inflammation and tissue injury. These deposits trigger complement activation and neutrophil recruitment, resulting in serum sickness, a systemic...
01:29Hypersensitivity Reactions: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions
Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity (DTH), or Type IV hypersensitivity, is a cell-mediated immune response. It occurs when T cells, rather than antibodies, mediate a reaction to specific antigens. It is characterized by a delayed onset (1-2 days) and involves the recruitment of macrophages to the inflammation site.The initiation of a DTH response begins with the sensitization of T cells. During this phase, which lasts at least 1-2 weeks, antigen-specific T cells are activated, clonally expanded, and...
01:01Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions
Type II hypersensitivity involves IgG and IgM antibodies targeting cell surface antigens, leading to cell destruction. This can occur through complement activation, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), or acting as opsonins for phagocytosis. When excessive, these reactions cause significant tissue damage.Drug-induced hemolytic anemia is a common example, where drugs like penicillin or cephalosporins bind to red blood cells, forming drug-protein complexes. These complexes...